News Releases

BIG RAPIDS, Mich., April 14, 2026 — Corewell Health™ is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Wheatlake Wellness Walk & 5K, a community tradition that raises critical funds for programs, services and resources supporting local cancer patients and their families.  

The event will take place Saturday, May 16, beginning and ending at the Big Rapids Bandshell, located behind Big Rapids Middle School at 500 N. Warren Ave.  

• Runners will start at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by walkers. 
• The flat, scenic course is designed to be accessible for participants of all abilities. 
• Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome, and children may participate alongside registered adults. 

The in-person 5K is professionally timed by the Michigan Running Foundation, with medals awarded to the top male and female finishers across 12 age divisions. The virtual option allows participants to complete the event at their own pace, from any location, any time before Sunday, May 17. Virtual participants are not required to submit a completion time. 

To mark the 20th anniversary, this year’s event shirt includes a dedicated space where participants can honor someone touched by cancer. Participants may recognize someone currently undergoing treatment or someone who has bravely battled cancer directly on their race shirt.  

Proceeds from the event benefit the Susan P. Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Fund, an endowment of the Corewell Health Foundation Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals. Funds directly support services at the Corewell Health Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center, which provides comprehensive cancer care to rural communities across Michigan. The center offers radiation therapy, chemotherapy, outpatient infusion therapy and a no-cost wellness center featuring a patient library, a beauty boutique and integrative therapy services. 

Registration Information 

• In-person 5K: $35 
• Wellness Walk: $30 
• Virtual option: $25 

In-person registration is open through Saturday, May 16. Virtual registration closes May 15 at 11:59 p.m. 

To register, learn more, or inquire about sponsorships, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/BigRapids/WheatlakeFestivalofRaces.