Skip to event navigation Skip to main content

2019 Brainy Day Trail Run 5K & 10K

Help us end Hydrocephalus. Support the Brainy Day Fund.

Support the Brainy Day Fund

 Online Registration is CLOSED
Day of Race Registration will be allowed (finisher medal not guaranteed)


Help us celebrate The 13th Annual Brainy Day 5K & 10K Trail Run.  Run the race that has the second-best race announcer in West Michigan and the third-best benefiting non-profit, – according to the 2018 Stellafly FLY Awards. 

This great local event supports those who are affected by a neurological condition called hydrocephalus. All proceeds from this race are donated to The Brainy Day Fund. The money raised by the Fund is used to directly support families that are dealing with this condition in their daily lives. Whether we're sponsoring a child to go to a special summer camp just for kids with hydrocephalus or providing research grants, our goal is to make as much of an impact as possible.
 
The 5K course includes sandy areas, hills, wooded areas, pond and beautiful Nunica farmland. It is a great first trail run for beginners and a moderately fast course for trail lovers of all skill levels.
 
The 10K course is challenging, but it offers a sense of accomplishment that will empower you and leave you feeling awesome. Much hillier than the 5k, the course is breathtakingly stunning in more than one way. The 10K course is perfect for adventure-seeking, nature-loving trail runners.


Registration Fee Periods5K10K5K & 10K
Dec 19 - Mar 31$20
$25$30
April 1 - May 31$27$32$37
June 1 - Aug 4 (ONLINE ENDS)$32$37$42
Race Day Registration$40$45$50
 

Join us for an EPIC After-Party

We had some incredible feedback from our After-Party in 2018, so much so that we're bringing it back in 2019. This race is not just about showing up and running, this is a family-friendly event. The after-party is open to runners and their family & friends. We're bringing back the FRESH FRUIT from Mellema Farms, PIZZA from Papa Murphy's, ICE CREAM provided by Macatawa Bank, and for Anyone who is 21+, adult beverages. 

New Finisher Medals


Coming back again in 2019 is our custom Finisher Medals. Big thanks to Maxwell Medals for this year's amazing design on both the medal and ribbons. Unique ribbon designs for 5K & 10K; if you finish both races you will receive two medals!

Award Breakdown

  • The Overall Top 3 Male & Female runners in both the 5K and 10K races will receive cash prizes & a commemorative stein
  • Age group winners will receive amazing farm-fresh vegetables from Mellema Farms, one of our long-time sponsors 

Same Great Shirt Styles – New Shirt Design

Thanks to the great work from Drivn Threads, the race's 2019 shirt design takes elements from our new logo and gives it a fresh feel. We want you to proudly wear your Brainy Day gear for years to come (keep in mind, shirts are not included with your registration fee). If you feel like you have too many race shirts in your closet, you can simply register for the race.  Drivn is behind the race logos of the Grand Rapids Triathlon, MiTi and Grand Rapids Beer Mile. 

#NoMoreBS National Campaign Support

In 2018, we offered a shirt style that promoted the "No More Brain Surgeries" National Campaign, a.k.a. #NoMoreBS. Some folks thought that was too provocative for their tastes – which is totally understandable. This year, we're doing the campaign again, but we've changed the design slightly to place more emphasis on "No More Brain Surgeries" AND we've added a fundraising component. The "No More Brain Surgeries" version of the long-sleeved shirt will be sold at a premium price of $25; we'll be donating ALL PROCEEDS from this shirt design to support the Hydrocephalus Association and the #NoMoreBS campaign.  

 


Shirts not included with registration

We're a lot different than a lot of races, we don't include shirts as part of your registration fee for two reasons: we try to donate as much as your runner fee as possible to the Brainy Day Fund AND many folks are selective on the type of shirt they'd like from a race. Thanks to our local shirt vendor, we're able to provide lots of options for race gear and we sell them at a price as close to cost as possible. You can order shirts as part of your registration or on race day (prices are adjusted on race day).

Remembering your Brainy Day moments

We were so happy to have Team Stellafly join us last year – athletes & photographers – that we're partnering with them again in 2019. StellaFly will be out on the course, as well as at race headquarters, capturing some of your favorite moments of the day. We're also working with 40 Visuals again to develop a new backdrop for your best post-race medal pictures. Make sure you plan to stick around after the race to enjoy all of the festivities. 

Registration fees

Kids Run (Open to kids under 10 years old) Closed

5K Closed

Online registration closed

  • The 5K course is perfect for new and veteran trail runners alike. It is well-groomed to allow participants the most enjoyment possible. It is challenging with varied terrain, but it offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a solid trail run without feeling too removed from civilization. The entire course is held on privately-held land in Nunica, Michigan.

    1. Closed
      Nov 27 – Dec 18
    2. $20.00
      Dec 18 – Mar 31
    3. $27.00
      Apr 1 – May 31
    4. $32.00
      Jun 1 – Aug 4

10K Closed

Online registration closed

  • The 10K course is challenging for all levels of runners. Rolling hills and varied terrain make this a true test of your trail endurance. This is a great warm-up race for North Country Trail - held one week after Brainy Day in 2019.

    1. Closed
      Nov 27 – Dec 18
    2. $25.00
      Dec 18 – Mar 31
    3. $32.00
      Apr 1 – May 31
    4. $37.00
      Jun 1 – Aug 4

Run both 5K and 10K Closed

Online registration closed

  • Running both the 5K & 10K is not for the faint of heart. Both courses offer great views of the Nunica countryside and will test your endurance limits as you make your way on one of the most unique 10K trail courses in West Michigan. If you're really looking for a test of wills, you should definitely take on the challenge of running both the 5K & 10K at the Brainy Day Trail Run.

    1. Closed
      Nov 27 – Dec 18
    2. $30.00
      Dec 18 – Mar 31
    3. $37.00
      Apr 1 – May 31
    4. $42.00
      Jun 1 – Aug 4

Packet Pick-up

Race packets can be picked up on race day or on Thursday, August 15 at pre-race packet pickup (Location TBD).

  • To pick-up your packet, you will need your photo ID and provide your race registration confirmation.
  • You will receive your bib, timing chip and race apparel (if ordered)
  • You will receive the size shirt indicated when you registered. No exceptions or exchanges.
  • If you are unable to pick up your own packet, and need someone else to pick it up for you, they will need their photo ID and provide your street address used for registration.

Transferring Bib:

If you need to transfer your bib to another runner, please contact our Race Director. Transfers will not be accepted after August 9, 2019.

Course Preview Day

For the past few years, we've invited folks to come and preview the 5K course a week or two before race day. Join us on August 1, 2019 to check out the course free of charge. This is a perfect opportunity for first time Brainy Day runners or first time trail runners to get a feel for the course. More information will be available as we get closer to the date. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for more updates.

Event schedule

  • Sat, August 17, 2019 6:00 AM - Onsite Registration
  • Sat, August 17, 2019 7:15 AM - 5K Race Opening Announcements
  • Sat, August 17, 2019 7:25 AM - National Anthem
  • Sat, August 17, 2019 7:30 AM - 5K Race Start
  • Sat, August 17, 2019 8:00 AM - 5K Awards Ceremony
  • Sat, August 17, 2019 8:20 AM - Kids Run
  • Sat, August 17, 2019 8:30 AM - 10K Race Start
  • Sat, August 17, 2019 8:45 AM - Post-Race Party presented by Odd Side Ales
  • Sat, August 17, 2019 9:30 AM - 10K Awards Ceremony

Contact information

Event contact
Kevin Curley
Email
info@brainydayfund.org
Website
Visit website

Sponsors