City of Kentwood’s Valentine’s Dash 5K set for Feb. 10

Annual Event to Benefit Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry

The City of Kentwood will host its seventh annual Valentine’s Dash 5K at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 to benefit Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and personal care items to community members in need.

The 5K route will include a combination of trails and paved pathways starting and ending at Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

Participants are encouraged to wear Valentine’s Day-themed costumes. While intended to be a fun run, the race will be chip timed and awards will be given for the fastest runner overall and in each age group.

An awards ceremony will follow in the library’s community room around noon and include light refreshments and a Valentine-themed photo booth.

“Our Valentine’s Dash has been a community favorite for the past seven years,” said Shelby Henshaw, Kentwood recreation program coordinator. “This race brings together friends, loved ones and neighbors of all running and walking levels for an afternoon of winter fun.”

Online registration is available until Feb. 9 and includes a long-sleeved shirt and other participant-packet goodies while supplies last. Registration is $35 until Feb. 9 and $40 on the day of the event. Runners who sign up as a couple save $5 each.

Participants who bring a nonperishable item or monetary donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry will be entered to win a free race entry.

Kentwood’s first Little Free Pantry opened to the community in 2017 at the Kentwood Activities Center, where it remains available year-round during business hours. The City launched a second pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch in 2021. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

There are also volunteer opportunities available for this event. Volunteers will help with racer check-in and registration, keep traffic off the race route and hand out water to participants during the event.

For more event information, visit kentwood.us/ValentinesDash.