Grand Explorers' Trail Race

The kids’ fun run/walk will be on a paved trail only so strollers will be allowed. We suggest children running this race be under 12 years old.

*No strollers will be allowed on the 10K/5K route due to difficult terrain and narrow trails in some areas of the course.

5K – The 5K is a mostly flat course that starts on the paved Idema Explorers Trail and heads out along the Grand River. It then follows the Idema Explorers’ Trail by the river until it gets to the lodge at Grand Ravines Park. There is an incline to navigate as you go around the lodge (where bathrooms are available) before heading down a short but steep dirt hill back to the river trail where you came from. There is water available at an aid station near the lodge. Once you get back to Grand River Park, you won't have far to go before you hit the finish line.

10K – The 10K course will challenge you with some hills (who doesn't like hills?) and stairs as you wander further into Grand Ravines Park. The start of the course will mostly mirror the 5K course (there is an early hill thrown into the mix) until you reach the Grand Ravines Lodge. At that point, the 10K course will branch out and continue to climb the hill behind the lodge. You will then follow the edge of the woods until you cross the park entrance road and head down towards the dog park. You will follow the edge of the dog park and cross the parking lot for the dog park (where there will be an aid station and bathrooms) before running around to the east of the dog park and heading back into the woods. You will then cross the suspension bridge, turn right, and descend the East Ravine stairs onto the Statema Woodland Trail. From there you will get back on the Idema Explorers’ trail and head back to Grand River Park. When you get to Grand River Park, your work is not quite done as you will have one more big climb and descent on dirt to conquer before heading to the finish line.

We are excited to have your dog join you during this event! We ask that if your dog is participating in the 5K or 10K run/walk, you keep him/her on a 6-foot leash at all times, that you properly dispose of waste, and that you are mindful of your dog's ability to participate in an environment with other dogs and humans, including children.

By participating with your dog, you agree to comply with requests to remove your dog from the event by members of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and/or the Ottawa County Parks staff if they feel your dog is dangerous or causing too much disruption.

We are excited to have your dog join you during this event! We ask that if your dog is participating in the 5K or 10K run/walk, you keep him/her on a 6-foot leash at all times, that you properly dispose of waste, and that you are mindful of your dog's ability to participate in an environment with other dogs and humans, including children.

By participating with your dog, you agree to comply with requests to remove your dog from the event by members of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and/or the Ottawa County Parks staff if they feel your dog is dangerous or causing too much disruption.

Run or walk virtually! If you can't join us on June 20 but still want to support the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, this is a great way to do it!

You can pick up your shirt at the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing Park in West Olive in July. We will email you when the shirts are available for pickup. Thank you!

Please take pictures of your run or walk and post them on our Facebook page. We ask that you complete your virtual race by July 4, 2026.

Run or walk virtually! If you can't join us on June 20 but still want to support the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, this is a great way to do it!

You can pick up your shirt at the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing Park in West Olive in July. We will email you when the shirts are available for pickup. Thank you!

Please take pictures of your run or walk and post them on our Facebook page. We ask that you complete your virtual race by July 4, 2026.