Brian Diemer Family of Races

Sat, Jun 13, 2026, 4:15 AM EDT

Location: Legacy Christian Middle School 67 68th Street NW, 67 68th Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548-7111
Type: Run

Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).

Race feel

A long-standing 5K tradition blending competitive racing, live music, family fun, and a special sprint supporting Special Olympics.

Fun
Competitive
Quirky
For a Cause

Great for

Masters (40+)

Join the Brian Diemer Family of Races for its 36th anniversary in Grand Rapids, MI. This event offers a flat, fast 5K course where you can run alongside three-time Olympian Brian Diemer. Enjoy the energy of six live bands, participate in the new Special Olympics Sprint for Inclusion, and cheer on kids in their own runs. With a significant prize money purse and age group awards, it's a day for both serious competitors and families looking for a community-focused event that supports a great cause.

From the organizer

Brian Diemer 5k is celebrating their 36th year !

We are happy to return to in 2026 to celebrate our 36th year, so come run again with the three time Olympian, Brian Diemer on our flat, fast 5k course. We are bringing back 6 live bands on our course, the kids runs, handcycle, My Team Triumph, and a large prize money purse. Per usual - if you beat Brian, you win a donut!

New this year is the Special Olympics Sprint for Inclusion ! This 100 meter dash is open to everyone and takes place right before the start of the 5K. Great way to warm up, while raising support for our area's Special Olympics organization.

Check out the 2025 pictures from Stellafly and Jamie Geysbeek Photography .

Time Line:

Friday: June 12

4-7pm Packet Pickup at Legacy Christian School, 67 68th Street.

Saturday: June 13

67 68th Street, Legacy Christian School:

7:00am-8:15am Registration and packet pick-up.

7:30am-68th Street closes in front of Legacy Christian School

8:28am- Handcycle and My Team Triumph Start.

8:30am- 5k run and walk start.

9:30am- Course Closes

9:30am (or as soon as we can finalize them)- Awards Table Opens on the Soccer Field

10:15am-10:45am-Kid’s Steeplechase (Soccer Field)

More 2026 Details:

The t-shirt order will be placed on May 26. Athletes registering after May 26 will not be guaranteed a race shirt or preferred size. A limited quantity will be available on race day on a first come, first serve basis.

Age Group awards will be given to top 4 in each age group, prize money winners will be removed from age group awards. Must be present to pick up your award. Awards will be available for pickup at Gazelle Sports 28th street location starting Monday, for two weeks.

The Kid’s run will be held on the Legacy Christian School's soccer field as always, we will have a rolling start beginning at 10:15 am-10:45am. There will be a staging area and we will start smaller groups in waves. This race is event is suggested for kids 10 and under, steeple jumps are optional.