Embrace the winter chill and kick off your February with a purpose at the Grow Jackson Groundhog Gallop 5K! Set for Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the heart of Jackson, Michigan, this popular event offers a refreshing 5K run or walk, alongside a delightful Kids Run, making it perfect for the entire family. Participants can expect typical race day conditions with highs around 31F and lows near 16F, and only a 6% chance of precipitation, providing a true Michigan winter running experience.

The course, part of the established ORS Race Series, promises a relatively flat route through Jackson, with an elevation gain of approximately 25.7 meters over 3.1 miles. While organizers make every reasonable effort to clear snow, runners should be prepared for potential icy segments, adding an authentic challenge to this winter race. The event fosters a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring a fun and engaging start to the weekend for all participants.

Beyond the exhilaration of the race, your participation in the Groundhog Gallop directly supports a vital cause: Grow Jackson's Summer 2026 Initiatives, dedicated to combating food insecurity in the community through the expansion of local organic food production. Runners can look forward to long-sleeve race shirts for early registrants and professionally timed results by the Michigan Running Foundation. Awards will be presented to top finishers across various age groups, as well as overall, masters, and senior masters categories. Race day packet pickup begins at 8:30 AM at Parkside Middle School, the starting and finishing point, with overflow parking available at Ella Sharp Golf Course and Ella Sharp Park.