Oktoberfest South Haven
Run, Celebrate, Relax!
Oktoberfest South Haven is held in downtown South Haven and celebrates Southwest Michigan's harvest season including the great outdoors, food, community, harvest season, and craft beverages!
Carbs for Charity!
How fantastic are you? Amazingly fantastic! You're so fantastic that you'll sacrifice your low-carb lifestyle to help out others! Oh, and the fact it tastes delicious is just a little perk! Thank you for being so fantastic and supporting these awesome local charities!
Friday Night - Carbo loads the day before with a delicious spaghetti dinner at Phoenix Street on Broadway between 3 PM and 7 PM when you pick up your race packet. All proceeds go to We Care South Haven. $10 online or $15 at the door. We Care Community Resource Center is a nonprofit with a simple mission: to be THE resource center for anyone in our area, serving all our neighbors. Whether you're looking for opportunities to volunteer, donate, or need assistance, We Care is here to help.
Saturday Morning - Refuel at 8-11 AM with a runner favorite - YDC's pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, and coffee breakfast. All proceeds go to YDC South Haven. $10 online or at the door. YDC is the largest independent youth organization in Van Buren County, MI, and plays a vital role in the lives of children and young adults in Southwest Michigan. Their vision is that every child knows that they have a safe place they can count on to celebrate who they are, develop their dreams, and be empowered to achieve success.
The 5.5K Run/Walk for grins, t-shirts, medals, and beer!
Oktoberfest South Haven Run/Walk! Put your sandals into sports mode or lace up your shoes and prepare for a fantastic event that combines community spirit and the festive atmosphere of Oktoberfest! We premiered this route last year and it will once again run along a scenic course that includes North Beach, the Black River, and South Beach! Open to serious and not-so-serious runners, and power walkers. Each participant will receive a timing chip so they can see how they rank in their category.
NEW for 2024 we've added a finishers medal, ironically for everyone who finishes! So in addition to the timing chip, awesome high-tech Oktoberfest t-shirt, and an after-race beverage of your choice from Harbor Light Brewery, everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a super sweet Finishers Medal and Ribbon! You'll be proud to hang this on your trophy wall because it's a beauty!
Running and walking are thirsty fun. Everyone who registers can slake that parched throat with a craft-brewed root beer or beer at the finish. Still thirsty? Head over to the many restaurants and taverns just around the corner! (Must be over 21 with valid ID to be served beer.)
Get a medal for resting! The Dykman Bridge over the Black River opens every 30 minutes! Those who get caught by the draw bridge will have the consolation of being awarded an "I got caught by the Bridge" medal and hanging out with our awesome volunteers in front of Captain Lou's! You can put this medal right next to your Finishers Medal!!
Of course, it wouldn't be Oktoberfest South Haven without brats and a stein! The fantastic four who reach the winners' podium (Overall Male and Female, Top Masters Male and Female) will go home with a winner trophy, a gift certificate to load up on brats and other meats, and a beautiful Oktoberfest South Haven beer stein from Pedalstroke Tours.
Registration Info
Course Distance - 5.5 Km
Registration Fee - Early Bird - $39 ends 9/13. Regular - $44 ends Friday 9/27. Oh, I forgot the same-day registration - 9/28 online only from Midnight to 8 AM.
Start Time - 8 AM September 28, 2024
Register Early!! Registered participants will receive our fabulous suspenders t-shirt until they run out.
Admission: Varies