Son of a Sailor (fka Hess Lake Run) Newaygo, MI   Jul 11, 2026

Originally started in memory of Erv McLauchlan (1964-2006), the Son of a Sailor run is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Join for a 5K, 10K, or Half-Marathon!

Nestled in the wooded areas just south of Newaygo, about 40 minutes north of Grand Rapids, Hess Lake offers a very unique and scenic running experience that athletes crave. Far from the “same old” streets and suburbia that runners are accustomed to, the race course challenges even the most avid runners yet offers scenery that beginners can appreciate.

All courses touch the lakeshore drives of Hess Lake. The 5K covers about 1/3 of the lakeshore, the 10K runs once around the lake, and the half marathon does a second loop around the lake. Veteran runners love the course for its uniqueness and challenging hills. Beginners love the course for its scenery and many “unplanned” water stops manned by lakeshore residents who participate on their own.