The 49th annual HAP Crim Festival of Races returns to downtown Flint this weekend, kicking off Friday evening with the Special Olympics Lois Craig Invitational — and for the athletes competing in that opening event, the excitement is real.
"They live for it," says the event's tagline, and that's exactly what Special Olympics Michigan athletes will be doing Friday at 6 p.m. along Saginaw Street as the Crim's signature community celebration gets underway.
The Lois Craig Invitational features athletes with intellectual disabilities competing in running events along the heart of downtown Flint, with the finish line near Saginaw Street. It's a powerful, high-energy start to one of Michigan's most beloved annual events — and a reminder that the Crim is about more than just running.
What's Happening This Weekend
Friday, August 21
Lois Craig Invitational (Special Olympics) — 6:00 p.m., Kearsley & Saginaw Streets, Flint
This free event opens the festival with wheelchair racing, walk events, and running competitions featuring Special Olympics athletes.
Michigan Mile — 7:00 p.m., Kearsley near Mill on the UM-Flint campus
A one-mile race that draws competitive runners and casual participants alike.
Crim Race Expo — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Riverfront Conference Center, 1 Riverfront Plaza, Downtown Flint
Race packet pickup, vendor exhibits, and the festival atmosphere begins building here.
Crim Festival Lot Celebration presented by Michigan Vascular Systems — 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Live music, food, and community celebration.
Saturday, August 22
10 Mile Run presented by Consumers Energy — 7:00 a.m.
The marquee event. The Crim 10-Mile is one of Michigan's premier road races and the centerpiece of the festival.
Half Crim 5 Mile presented by Al Serra Auto Plaza — 9:00 a.m.
A popular middle-distance option that draws thousands of runners.
5K presented by Huntington Bank — 10:00 a.m.
The most accessible race distance for families and first-time participants.
Teddy Bear Trot presented by IBEW Local 949 and NECA — 12:00 p.m.
A kids-only fun run that makes the festival a true family event.
Festival Lot Celebration — 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Food, vendors, entertainment, and community gathering in downtown Flint.
Why the Crim Matters to Flint
The HAP Crim Festival of Races isn't just a road race — it's an institution. For 49 years, it has brought tens of thousands of people to downtown Flint for a weekend that celebrates athletics, community, and the resilience of a city that continues to reinvent itself.
About 11,000 participants are expected this year, making it one of the largest single-day sporting events in the region. The festival draws runners, walkers, wheelchair athletes, hand cyclists, and spectators from across Michigan and beyond.
For Mid-Michigan residents, the Crim is more than an event — it's a tradition. Whether you're running the 10-Mile, walking the 5K, cheering along the course, or just enjoying the festival lot with your family, it's a weekend that makes you proud to call this region home.
How to Get Involved
Race registration may still be available for some events through crim.org. Even if you're not running, there are plenty of ways to participate:
- Volunteer — The Crim relies on hundreds of volunteers to make race weekend run smoothly
- Spectate — Grab a spot along the course and cheer on the runners
- Visit the Festival Lot — Free food, music, and community celebration
- Share the experience — Post your Crim weekend photos and tag them with the festival hashtags
Learn more: Visit crim.org for race details, registration, volunteer opportunities, and the full weekend schedule. If you're new to the area and wondering what community is the right fit for you, I'd love to help you explore homes in Flint and the surrounding Mid-Michigan communities.
Published by Joyce England, REALTOR with Keller Williams First, serving home buyers and sellers throughout Genesee County, Oakland County, Livingston County, Lapeer County, Shiawassee County, Saginaw County, and surrounding Mid-Michigan communities. For local market insight, community guidance, and personalized real estate service, call Joyce at 810-513-3335.
