Ionia Free Fair 5k

05/01/2026

This year’s parade theme is “250th: A Grand Celebration” and we’re making it even more fun 🎉

Drop your favorite parade memory in the comments, or share a photo, for your chance to win a family four-pack of grandstand tickets!

Winner will be randomly selected on May 6th. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the celebration!

04/23/2026

Our 5k Route is a fun combination of the City River Trail, Fairgrounds and Fred Meijer River Trail! A fun chance to connect our downtown to the opening night of the Ionia Free Fair!
Register at www.runreg.com/ioniafreefair5k

04/23/2026

Downtown Barricade map is ready to submit for permit approval. The City of Ionia is great to work with for hosting Downtown events! Register for the race today at www.runreg.com/ioniafreefair5k

04/20/2026

Opening night. Red brick streets. Summer energy.

The Ionia Free Fair 5K kicks off at 6:30 PM on Thursday, July 16—connecting downtown, the Fred Thwaites River Trail, through the Fairgrounds and the Fred Meijer River Trail!

👊 19 & under run FREE if registered by May 31
💲 After June 1: still 50% off youth entries
📈 Registration starts at $20 with increases May 12 & June 10

Lock in your spot early, save money, and be part of one of Ionia’s biggest nights.

RunReg - online running event registration

07/13/2025

07/11/2025

Big thanks to the volunteers that helped! They filled crucial roles for us and we couldn't have done it without them!

07/10/2025

Its race day with 120+ signed up!

07/09/2025

You can look up your bib number by clicking the link then scope out your age category competition by clicking the advanced tab inside the results page. If you signed up after 5pm Tuesday your name will not be added until our final up-load tomorrow. Expect registration to close for a 2 hour window tomorrow, it would help us run a smoother event if you sign up tonight :-)

07/09/2025

Registration is open! Went for a bikeride and did a hyperlapse of the course. www.runreg.com/ioniafreefair5k

07/08/2025

Registration closes at 5:00pm today, over 90 registered this morning!

07/07/2025

Its really cool seeing all the groups of 2-5 people with the same last name. More than half of participants are coming with a family member!