Event Description

Back by popular demand and in honor of a great man--Dennis Hockenberry!

The inaugural Dennis Hockenberry Memorial Race in August 2025 was a great success thanks to the many family and friends in and around Ionia.  We raised nearly $2,000 for area cross country teams and had a great afternoon of fellowship.  I know Dennis would have been very impressed with everyone's running performance and very proud of the community that gathered to celebrate "Another Day, Another Gift!"

The second annual 2026 race will take place in the thriving metropolis of Palo, Michigan with a 5K route through the country roads that Dennis ran for many years.  This will be a self-timed event with a laid back, but competitive spirit--when two runners are together, it always becomes a race!

Run packet pick up will begin at 10:00am at Joe's Market with a start/finish adjacent to the store at 10:30am.  The run will end back at Joe's where your registration and efforts will earn you an award, refreshments, snacks, and live music--a perfect opportunity to toast to Dennis and catch up with friends, family, and running buddies!  An annual Dennis Hockenberry Memorial 5k T-shirt will be included in the registration fee as well.  All proceeds will be donated to the Ronald Township Fire Department.

The Hockenberry Family and organizers of the run look forward to celebrating Dennis and the wonderful community that he loved.  Thank you!