Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races
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Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races
The Golden Grizzlies Festival of Races is a race day at Oakland University held at the Recreation and Athletic Outdoor Complex (Elaine Leigh Track and Field Complex) in Rochester, Michigan on 09/27/2026. The event offers multiple distance options and a track finish at the Elaine Leigh facility.
Distances
- 400 m
- 5 km (3.1 miles)
- 10 km (6.2 miles)
The 400 m kids run is intended for ages 10 and under and is free of charge; event-level notes indicate kids run participants receive finisher ribbons. Each finisher in the 5k and 10k receives a race t-shirt and a medal. The 2026 medals feature Meadowbrook Hall as part of the event's medal series.
Packet pickup is held race morning only and is open at the race site from 7:30 to 9:00. Registration details and fees vary by entry type; a dedicated Student 5k requires registration with an oakland.edu email address and students must be prepared to show student ID on race day. Oakland University students pay a reduced fee and may receive a partial refund if they recruit three friends through a unique registration code.
Prize awards are supported by Hansons Running Shop, with gift certificates for top finishers in overall and masters categories in the 5k and 10k. There is a 5k team competition for corporate, open, and Oakland University department teams scored by top five runners. Post-race offerings include sponsor tents, music, and a Rootless Coffee truck. The first 350 alumni registrants receive a special gold race bib. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
