NMC Students Host Eleventh Annual Hero Race April 18 for Kids Scholarships

A free one-mile Fun Run for kids and a shot at winning two nights at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island are among the draws at Northwestern Michigan College's 11th annual Hero Race, set for Saturday, April 18, at NMC's Front Street campus on 1701 E. Front St. in Traverse City.

The race is organized entirely by students in NMC's Professional Communications class, taught by business instructor Kristy McDonald, as part of an experiential learning curriculum. Every dollar raised goes toward a $5,000 fundraising goal for College for Kids scholarships, which give local children ages 4 to 17 access to NMC's summer specialty programs.

Samantha Pardington, the NMC Hero Run's marketing leader, described what that money makes possible: "We are able to continue the extended education through those summer months for children to be able to do classes kind of like what we do here at NMC as adults. We are doing art classes, aviation classes, there are cooking classes."

The event features three race options. The 1-mile Fun Run starts at 9:00 a.m. and is free. The chip-timed 5K and 10K both begin at 10:00 a.m.; registration for the 5K runs $32.80 and includes a T-shirt, while the 10K is $38.10 with a T-shirt included. Participants can register at nmcherorace.com.

The superhero theme runs throughout the day. Costume awards will go to the best-dressed superhero, best-dressed mini-hero, best-dressed duo, and best-dressed pet, among other categories. On-site activities include carnival games, a cake walk, a sensory room, a bake sale, a silent auction, and an awards ceremony.

The evening before the race, packet pickup runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and includes a pasta dinner and mask and cape decorating. Participants who miss the Friday session can pick up packets the morning of the race starting at 8:00 a.m.

Each year the race names a Local Hero, recognizing a community member for leadership and impact. The 2026 Local Hero Award will honor NMC's Outstanding Alumni honorees, a fitting choice given that this year also marks NMC's 75th anniversary.

The race's reputation has grown since it launched under the name Big Little Hero Run. In 2018, the fourth annual event drew 190 runners, walkers, and dogs to the same NMC Main Campus. Last year's race earned the Traverse City Track Club's Favorite Race of 2025 award.

Community members who cannot attend can still support College for Kids by donating $20 or more through the NMC Foundation, designating the contribution to the NMC Hero Race, for a chance to win a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Sponsorship information is also available at nmcherorace.com. For questions, contact Kristy McDonald at (231) 735-1055 or Roberto Cuadra at (269) 930-1046.