Cedar Polka Fest – Race Series
Sat, Aug 29, 2026, 4:00 AM EDT
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
Join the Polka Fest fun in Cedar, MI, with a 4-mile race or shorter fun run, complete with free festival entry and a celebratory drink.
- Fun
- Competitive
- Quirky
- Festive
Fun
Competitive
Quirky
FestiveThe Cedar Polka Fest – Race Series offers a lively 4-mile run, walk, or roll, known as the "Run 4 The Kielbasa," alongside a shorter "Pierogi Fun Run." This professionally timed event welcomes all, including strollers, wheelchair racers, and dogs, starting and finishing in downtown Cedar. Participants enjoy free entry to the long-standing Polka Fest, a complimentary drink, and a collectible T-shirt. It's a festive occasion to celebrate community, enjoy polka music, and explore local crafts.
What to expect
- A professionally timed 4-mile race or a shorter Pierogi Fun Run.
- Free entry to the Cedar Polka Fest and a complimentary beer or pop.
- Awards for top overall and age group finishers.
Standout details
- Part of the 44-year-old Cedar Polka Fest
- "Run 4 The Kielbasa" 4-mile event
- Free Polka Fest entry and complimentary drink
- Welcomes dogs, strollers, and wheelchair racers
Distances & registration
2 optionsUse the official signup link above for all distances.
4 Mile
1 option · closes Aug 29, 2026, 3:00 AM EDT
3mo 28d 17h 47m leftRun 4 The Kielbasa
Closes Aug 29, 2026, 3:00 AM EDT · From $44.30
2 Mile
1 option · closes Aug 29, 2026, 3:00 AM EDT
3mo 28d 17h 47m leftRun 2 The Pierogi
Closes Aug 29, 2026, 3:00 AM EDT · From $38.96
Summaries use public event text. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official page before you sign up.
Past race snapshot
What the field usually feels like
A plain-English read from past public results. It is helpful context, not a prediction.
Past result sets can use different distance labels by year. Choose the distance version first, then pick from the years available for that version.
Crowd
Small field
46 2 Mile finishers in 2024. A quieter race where the pack may spread out more quickly.
Typical finish
33:02
Think middle-of-the-pack, using chip time when available.
Competitive feel
Speedy front
There is real pace up front, even if the overall field is broad. Front-group read: 14:31.
People mix
More women
About 61% women and 39% men among finishers who listed gender.
Quick read
For the 2 Mile in 2024, this looks like a small field: 46 finishers are represented here. A middle-of-the-pack finish was around 33:02. The quicker front of the field averaged about 14:31. Use it as a feel check, not a promise about race day.
Where runners came from
Aggregated city counts only. Small groups stay hidden in public views.
Traverse City, MI
Travel draw
Maple City, MI
Travel draw
Award clues
Historic placement clues only. Race-day awards can use different rules.
Female 9 and Under
Top 3 (from posted divisions)
Female 10 to 14
Top 3 (from posted divisions)
Female 25 to 29
Top 3 (from posted divisions)
Female 30 to 34
Top 3 (from posted divisions)
Female 35 to 39
Top 3 (from posted divisions)
Show the year-by-year numbers
| Distance | Year | Finishers | Typical | Average | Front 10% | Fastest M / W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Mile | 2024 | 46 | 33:02 | 30:30 | 14:31 | 14:30 / 12:42 |
| 4 Mile | 2024 | 174 | 41:38 | 43:56 | 26:34 | 22:06 / 25:19 |
Last summary update: May 2, 2026
From the organizer
The Cedar Polka Fest has been a popular Leelanau County tradition for the past 44 years, 2026 marks the sixth year of our festival race event -The Cedar Polka Fest – Run 4 The Kielbasa. This Four-mile event begins and ends in downtown Cedar and includes free entry to the polka fest and a complimentary beer / pop! We welcome all Runners, Walkers, Strollers, Wheelchair Racers and Dogs to this professionally timed event.
If you can’t make the race, no worries! You can run the race VIRTUALLY! By participating in a virtual setting, you will still receive an awesome collectible T-Shirt and support the Cedar Community.
The Pierogi Fun Run . Want to participate in the fun but 4 miles is more sausage than you want to bite off? Sign up for the Pierogi Fun Run! Less steps on your fitness tracker but free Polka Fest entry and drink are just as fun!
Event Schedule
Packet Pick up & Late Registration Date: Friday, August 28th, 5 to 7pm Location: In front of the Polka Fest tent
Packet Pick up & Race Day Registration Date: Saturday, August 29th, 7 to 7:45am Location: At the Race Start Line near the 4 way stop in beautiful downtown Cedar. Race Starts at 8:00am
The race starts promptly at 8:00AM. Participants are encouraged to dress up for this fun event. We will gather for the playing of our National Anthem at 7:55AM near the starting line at the Intersection of Bellinger and Cedar Road. Prizes will be given to Men’s and Women’s Overall 1st -3rd place age group winners.
Awards
Awards are available as soon as the timing company compiles the list. Awards can be picked up at the Registration Booth near the race Start / Finish Line.
After the event
Stick around for the Polka Fest Parade, the Craft Show & Farmers Market or to Dance the night away to some of the best Polka bands in the Midwest. You must register online before August 14th to receive a T-Shirt. We will have extras on race day for those who register after this date, but there is no guarantee on size. First come, first serve. This is a one of a kind event with a highly collectible T-shirt.
Online registration closes at 7AM August 29th, 2025.