2026 HOOTIE HOO

March 29, 2026, in Shelby Township, Michigan, will see the 2026 HOOTIE HOO event take place at Hickory Grove Pavilion in River Bends Park. The event offers a variety of running and walking options, including a trail-based 8K, a paved 5K, and a mixed-terrain HOOT X 2 challenge. Weather forecasts for March 29 in Shelby Township typically range from 35°F to 45°F, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low chance of precipitation. Participants can expect to experience the scenic trails and paved paths of River Bends Park, with opportunities to compete in multiple race formats and enjoy post-race amenities.

What distances are available for this event?

• →8K Trail Run
• →5K Paved Run/Walk
• →HOOT X 2 (8K Trail + 5K Paved)

What are the start times for each event?

• →8K Trail Race: 9:30 AM EDT
• →5K Paved Race: 10:30 AM EDT
• →HOOT X 2: 9:30 AM EDT (8K portion)

What is the registration deadline for each event?

• →8K Trail Run: March 29, 2026 at 9:30 AM EDT
• →5K Paved Run/Walk: March 29, 2026 at 9:45 AM EDT
• →HOOT X 2: March 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT

What is the registration fee for each event?

• →8K Trail Run: $60 ($20 for Ages 0-13)
• →5K Paved Run/Walk: $60 ($20 for Ages 0-13)
• →HOOT X 2: $75

What is the youth pricing for registration?

• →Youth (13 and under): $20 for advance registration, $25 on race day

What is included in the registration fee?

• →Swag items (gender-specific 1/4 zip tech shirt or tech running cap) can be added during registration
• →First 50 registrants receive a mystery gift at registration
• →Youth finishers receive a finisher award, though the youth category does not include a swag item

Are there awards for each race?

• →8K Awards: 16 total, including Overall M/F and age groups
• →5K Awards: 16 total, including Overall M/F and age groups
• →HOOT X 2 Awards: Top 2 Male/Female by total combined time

What are the course details for each event?

• →8K Trail: Runs on trail terrain within River Bends Park area (detailed route via PlotARoute ↗)
• →5K Paved: Runs on a paved bike path, starting and finishing at Hickory Grove Pavilion (detailed route via PlotARoute ↗)

What is the rule for the HOOT X 2 event?

• →Runners must finish the 8K in 60 minutes or less to start the 5K portion

What is the event schedule?

• →7:45 AM: Race Day Registration Opens
• →9:30 AM: 8K Trail Race Starts
• →10:30 AM: 5K Paved Race Starts

What amenities are available at the event?

• →Post-race refreshments
• →Travelin Tom's Coffee Truck onsite (accepts card, cash, Apple Pay)

What other event highlights are included?

• →Choice of 3 distances across 2 terrain types (trail, paved, or mixed)
• →Unique spring-themed finisher gift
• →Team registration option with recognition for most "Hootie Hoo" spirit
• →Judgment-free zone welcoming all fitness levels