Bunyan Battle 5K - Sat. November 7th @ Island Lake State Park (Brighton, MI.)

📅 Saturday, November 7th, 2026

📍 Island Lake Recreation Area | Brighton, MI

🎟️ https://runsignup.com/bunyanbattle

About the Race 🏃‍♂️

Join us for "Bunyan Battle 5K" at Island Lake State Park in Brighton, MI! (Must have a State Park pass for entry).

Get ready to kick off Rivalry Game Day in the best possible way - with a run!

The Bunyan Battle 5K Run/Walk brings fans together (and sometimes divides them 😉) as Michigan and Michigan State football face off later in the day. Whether you bleed maize and blue or green and white, this race is your chance to show your colors and show off for your team before the big game!

The scenic course at Island Lake State Park on the Island Lake Trail showcases fall colors at their peak on a completely paved 5K course. It's the perfect setting for runners, walkers, and football fans alike. This race is for all fitness levels! Wear your favorite fan gear to Race in!

Registration Includes:

⏱️ Chip Timed 5K with Live Results

🏆 Overall & Age Group Awards

👕 Dri-Fit Participant T-Shirt (Michigan themed Shirt & MSU themed Shirt!)

🥇 Awesome Finisher Medal (Michigan themed Medal & MSU themed Medal)

📸 FREE Race Photos

+ Post Race Refreshments!

📦 Packet Pick-Up Info

📍 Location: Island Lake Recreation Area

🗓️ Day: Saturday, November 7th (Race Day)

⏰ Time: 6:30 AM – 8:50 AM

⏰5K Race Start Time:

5K Run/Walk – 9:00 AM

Show Out for your Team and Wear your favorite gear!

Rep your team! Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite MI or MI State gear - let's see who takes the win on the course before kickoff!

--The Battle for Bunyan Challenge--

The top 4 fastest male and female times for each team (Michigan vs. Michigan State) will accrue and the lowest amount of time elapsed will win the Paul Bunyan Trophy! We will be keeping track of our Top 4 Qualifying Runners each year, as well as keeping a running time from year to year as well as a running all time record for the Race.