FAQs
I have already registered but now I want to join a team. How do I do this? If you have already registered yourself, please call us at (269) 341-8100 or email us at healthfoundation@bronsonhg.org. Let us know the name of the team you would like to join and we will add you.
Can we pick up our t-shirts and packets before the day of the event? Absolutely! Packet pick will be held at the Bronson's Gilmore Center, downtown Kalamazoo (across Walnut Street from the Emergency Department) during the following times:
Friday, September 27 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, September 28 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
What is included with my registration?
Every paid registration includes an event t-shirt, participation medal, bib and admission to the Bronson Children's Hospital Run & Walk. We look forward to seeing you there!
How do we submit cash or check donations? You can mail checks to Bronson Health Foundation, 301 John Street, Box 73, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. You may also drop them off at packet pick up or in one of the donation boxes at the event on Sunday. Donation boxes will be located at the onsite registration tables as well as the pre-registered packet pick up tables.
Make sure to have the team name or participant name accompanies the cash or check to ensure it is credited to the correct person.
Are dogs allowed? Friendly dogs are allowed at the event. We ask that your dog be kept on a short leash at all times. We request that those who are running or walking with their dog line up toward the back of the crowd as to avoid other runners/walkers from tripping over your dog or their leash.
Are strollers allowed? Strollers are allowed. We request that those running or walking with strollers line up toward the back of the appropriate section. Runners with strollers will line up after the 10 minute mile runners.
Will there be a bag check? This year, we are unable to provide a bag check service. Kindly make your arrangements accordingly.
Where do I park? Due to the anticipated attendance, please arrive with plenty of time to park and walk to the event site.
Parking is available on certain streets surrounding downtown as well as multiple downtown parking ramps. Click here for parking information. Parking is free throughout downtown on Sundays. NO event parking is allowed in Bronson’s Emergency Department Parking Lot or the Emergency Department Overflow Parking Lot on John Street.
Do I have to fundraise or can I just participate in the walk or run? It is not requirement to fundraise; however, we welcome to do so and we try to make that easy for you!
Can we register the day of the event? Yes, you can register the day of the event, we highly encourage you to sign up online prior to the event.
Is the event canceled if it rains? The Run & Walk will occur rain or shine! If severe or dangerous weather conditions arise, it will be communicated via email to all registered participants.
If someone gives me a check or cash donation, how can I add to my participant page to reflect on my fundraising goal? You can mail your checks or cash to the Bronson Health Foundation at 301 John Street, Box 73, Kalamazoo MI 49007. You can also bring with you on the day of the event. In both options, please ensure the participant name or team name is associated with the checks or cash so it can be counted toward the correct team.
Will there be awards and who is eligible? Yes! Please visit our awards page for details about award categories. We have designed these categories in an effort to be as inclusive as possible and to provide a positive experience for everyone.
Is this a certified 5k? This year, due to construction in Downtown Kalamazoo we had to make adjustments to our 5k route. The new course will not be a certified 5k but will still be a timed race.
Why did you change the timed 5K award categories from previous race years?
We want to ensure all members of our community feel welcome and have an opportunity to compete in the 5K run. We added a non-binary category to increase inclusivity and representation for those who do not which to compete based on gender. Overall winner awards will go to top female, top male, and top nonbinary. Additional awards will be given to the top 3 female, male and nonbinary finishers in the following age divisions
We have designed the categories in an effort to be as inclusive as possible and to provide a positive experience for everyone. As this is a work in progress from year to year, we will continue to pursue feedback and ideas to help us ensure that we are meeting that goal.
Can I buy additional T-shirts? Event T-shirts are available for purchase after the event. They will be for sale on-site after the Run/Walk and also sold in the Bronson Hospital South Campus Gift Shop after the event for $10.
What do the tech shirts look like this year and how much do they cost? You can purchase an additional tech shirt when you register or by visiting the Store tab on the top of the BCH Run & Walk event page. Long sleeved shirts are $25 and short sleeved shirts are $20. All tech shirts and onesies are available to purchase before or after the registration process via our event store.
What is the NICU Reunion? There will be a NICU Reunion Tent in the Northwest Corner of the event lot for families of past & present NICU patients to gather. The tent will be staffed from 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with nurses and providers. This will be a great time to reunite with your NICU care team! In the event that weather is not favorable, an alternate location indoors will be available for families to gather.
How can I volunteer to help at the event? We can always use more volunteers! Please send an email to healthfoundation@bronsonhg.org if you are interested in volunteering.
What are Excitement Zones? Excitement Zones are various locations throughout the route for family, friends, and spectators to gather and cheer on our runners and walkers! We encourage you to make fun and supportive signs and bring your enthusiasm as we support the participants throughout the course! Excitement Zones will be set up throughout the course and are indicated on the course map with a star. Click here to learn how to sign up.
Where does the money raised from this event go? As southwest Michigan’s only children’s hospital, Bronson Children’s Hospital is committed to maintaining a full complement of pediatric specialists to treat seriously ill and injured children. Your generous support helps ensure the high level of pediatric care that children and their families count on will be here when they need it. By coming together, we can help secure the future of children’s healthcare in our community.
