Local Race Company Announces Ann Arbor Sports Commission as Second-Year Sponsor of Kids Race Free Program

February 18, 2026

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (February 18, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — Epic Races is proud to announce that the Ann Arbor Sports Commission will sponsor the Kids Race Free program for the second consecutive year, continuing a shared commitment to making running events accessible for families in the Ann Arbor community.

Through this partnership, children 10 and under can race free when registered with a participating adult at all Ann Arbor–area Epic Races running events, including Epic Pi(e) Run, Ann Arbor Firecracker 5K, Probility Ann Arbor Marathon, and Kroger A2 Turkey Trot. Approximately 200 children participated in the program during its first year, representing an estimated $7,500 in waived registration fees.

The Ann Arbor Sports Commission, a division of Destination Ann Arbor, supports initiatives that enhance community well-being and promote Ann Arbor as an inclusive, active destination.

“We believe sports and fitness events should be accessible to everyone, especially families,” said Meaghan Hughes, Director of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. “The Kids Race Free program aligns with our mission to support inclusive, community-driven events that encourage participation at every age.”

During the program’s first year, several hundred children participated across four Ann Arbor races, many running alongside parents or caregivers for the first time. The initiative also saw strong repeat participation, with families returning to multiple events throughout the year.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the Ann Arbor Sports Commission’s continued support and commitment to our community,” said Eva Solomon, Founder and CEO of Epic Races. “At Epic Races, we like to say E is for Everyone. Cost should never be a barrier to fitness event participation, especially for kids. This partnership allows families to race together, build healthy habits, and experience the joy of movement in a welcoming environment.”

Epic Races is dedicated to creating events that remove barriers, encourage youth health and movement, and foster community connection. With the Ann Arbor Sports Commission returning as sponsor, the Kids Race Free program will once again help ensure that Ann Arbor’s youngest runners have a place at the start line.

Registration for all events is open at www.epicraces.com.

ABOUT EPIC RACES
Epic Races, LLC produces over 20 multisport and endurance events each year. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Epic Races is a leader in the endurance and multisport industry, founding unique events including Michigan’s first women’s triathlon, Tri Goddess Tri, the first gravel road triathlon in the world, The Ugly Dog Tri, and the 10-stage triathlon, Battle of Waterloo. Running events include The Ann Arbor Marathon and The Detroit Women’s Half Marathon. The mission of Epic Races is to professionally manage safe, fun, and rewarding multi-sport and endurance events that appeal to beginners through elite athletes, raise money and awareness for important causes, and make each participant feel like a champion. More information can be found at https://www.epicraces.com/

ABOUT THE ANN ARBOR SPORTS COMMISSION
The Ann Arbor Sports Commission attracts amateur sporting events to the Ann Arbor region that generate economic impact, provide positive national exposure, and enhance quality of life for residents. The Commission supports the bidding and hosting of participant-driven sporting events across a wide range of sports.

A subsidiary of Destination Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Sports Commission partners with clubs, universities, facilities, and local businesses to help deliver successful indoor and outdoor sporting events throughout the region.

More information can be found at https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/.

Press Contact:

Eva Solomon
734-531-TRIS (8747)
Eva@epicraces.com