WZZM13 Covers The 2025 Donut Dash
Watch the on-air clip here: https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/grand-rapids-donut-dash-2025-5k-grand-rapids-police-foundation/69-a9534376-8107-46e7-9cf8-69e490532f7e
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — If you've been wanting to run a 5K that has pitstops to enjoy paczki—and to support a good cause—the Donut Dash may be just what you're looking for.
Each year, the Donut Dash 5K is held on Fat Tuesday to bring West Michiganders together for locally-made paczki and to fundraise for the Grand Rapids Police Foundation.
Jessica Gutowski Slaydon with Swift Printing, which sponsors the event, said the idea for the race originally came from wanting to combine physical activity with some sweet treats.
"But, you know, we had a couple folks that came to the WestSide Stride seven years ago and said, 'Wouldn't it be fun if we had some type of donuts along the course?' And that was kind of just all I needed to hear," she said.
The Donut Dash has been a tradition ever since. Along the route, there are three stops to enjoy paczki. With each one you eat, you'll earn another raffle ticket for the chance to win a prize. (But don't get too excited—you'll only get an extra ticket for the first three paczki.)
Gutowski Slaydon is hoping to raise a total of $7,500. Swift Printing is celebrating their 75th anniversary and will be matching up to $7,500 to bring the goal to $15,000.
All proceeds will go toward the Grand Rapids Police Foundation. Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said the foundation—which is run by civilians—helps fund the department's outreach programs, like their youth groups and athletic clubs. They also contribute to the K9 units by purchasing the dogs and handling their healthcare even after retirement.
"Really, they support us in things that the city doesn't necessarily budget, but we see as important," Winstrom said.
The Donut Dash is Tuesday at 6 p.m. starting at the Red Lion parking lot.
The event is free but donations are encouraged. While not required, organizers ask that you preregister before the 5K. If you haven't participated in the Donut Dash before, you're asked to complete a waiver.
"Come with a smile and be excited to meet some new people, because we're really just a welcoming group, and we want to make sure that everyone in Grand Rapids feels welcome, especially on the westside," Gutowski Slaydon said. "So definitely come hungry and just know that the pain is for a short while, we're going to have a lot of fun."
