When I set out to run a 5K in every county in Michigan, I wanted each route to be more than just another run—I wanted it to be an experience. Every county has its own character, and I wanted to discover something interesting, memorable, or beautiful in each one.
Finding Interesting Places to Run
For the most part, I looked for unique and scenic locations—often near lakes, rivers, or notable landmarks. Big cities and popular recreation areas were obvious choices, but I also found countless small, hidden spots that made each county special.
Campgrounds were another big factor. Many of my runs started from campgrounds that were close to lakes, rivers, or natural attractions. Running near water had several advantages: the elevation changes were minimal, the views were amazing, and it offered something different than running square rural sections.
In Michigan, a “section” of land is typically one square mile, so running around one section would be about four miles—or roughly the size of a 5K. I would often find sections broken up by lakes that created natural loops, which made them perfect for my runs.
Tools and Planning
The main tool I used for planning was MapMyRun.com. I would pull up the county I was going to visit—sometimes in the north, sometimes in the south—and explore the map for possible routes. My main goal was to find a loop or out-and-back route with just a little elevation change, nothing too extreme.
I also reached out to people for advice. Sometimes I would contact local runners through my website or ask friends who lived nearby where the best places to run might be. Some of my favorite runs came directly from those local recommendations.
Returning to Memorable Locations
There were a few counties that I knew I wanted to revisit because of past experiences. For example, Livingston County stood out to me for its hilly trails. I had run there before, and I remembered being amazed by the landscape—it was both challenging and beautiful.
Choosing Scenic or Iconic Spots
I also aimed to highlight interesting or iconic locations around Michigan. Some runs were chosen simply because they featured something worth showcasing—like the Houghton Bridge, the Mackinac Bridge, or the streets of downtown Grand Rapids. These places represent Michigan’s beauty, history, and architecture, and I wanted each run to tell part of that story.
The Adventure of the Unknown
Probably 90% of the counties I ran in were places I had never visited before. Often, I’d drive out not knowing what to expect—and honestly, that was part of the magic. Every trip brought surprises, challenges, and moments that made the entire experience unforgettable.
Along the way, I also had to plan for the practical side of things: places to stay, eat, and even shower. After running a few miles, hopping back into the car for a three-hour drive isn’t exactly ideal! Finding those local amenities became part of the journey.
Trails, Roads, and Adjustments
I didn’t limit myself to one type of terrain. I ran on everything—paved roads, dirt roads, and trails. Trails were my favorite, but maps don’t always tell the full story. There were plenty of times I had to adjust my route on the spot because of something unexpected, like construction, flooding, or a closed trail.
Running with Locals
Some of my best memories came from running with people from the local area. There were several counties where I had company, and those shared experiences made those runs even more meaningful.
Reflecting on the Journey
I’ve completed hundreds of 5Ks, plenty of 10Ks, several 5-milers, and even a few half marathons—but running in every Michigan county has been, without a doubt, the most memorable running experience of my life.
For each county run, I probably ran another ten 5Ks just for training. But the “Run Every County” challenge stands apart because it connected me to places, people, and stories across Michigan in a way no single race ever could.
If you’re reading this and think I missed a better route in your county—or if you’ve done something similar—I’d love to hear from you. I’m planning to revisit many counties in the future, and I’d welcome any suggestions or even company on the trails.
Helpful Tools for Runners
While MapMyRun.com was my go-to planning tool, there are several other great apps worth checking out for anyone planning their own runs:
Strava – Popular for mapping, tracking, and connecting with other runners.
AllTrails – Excellent for discovering trail routes and checking elevation.
Komoot – Great for outdoor route planning with detailed surface information.
Garmin Connect – Ideal for those using Garmin watches and GPS devices.
Runkeeper – A simple, reliable app for tracking and planning routes.
How I found the best places to run in Michigan
Choosing the right place to run isn’t just about convenience – it’s about creating an experience. Every Michigan county offered something unique, and I feel incredibly grateful to have seen so much of our state on foot. This challenge wasn’t just about the miles – it was about discovery, connection, and finding beauty in every corner of Michigan.
