GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Who would have thought that paczki, donuts, and running could come together for a good cause? On Tuesday, dozens of residents participated in the annual Donut Dash, a 5k event held every year on Fat Tuesday. The event, now in its seventh year, raised funds for the Grand Rapids Police Foundation through t-shirt sales and donations.
Among the participants was Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom, who not only spoke at the event but also laced up his sneakers to join the crowd in the race. Chief Winstrom emphasized the importance of the Police Foundation’s role in supporting the department’s work on the periphery of public safety.
“The Police Foundation does so much on the periphery in everything that we do to keep this city safe,” Winstrom said before starting the race.
The Donut Dash follows the traditional 5k race format, but with a delicious twist. Participants made stops at two local spots—Gazelle Sports downtown and Bridge Street Market—where they picked up a paczki, a Polish donut, to fuel their run.
“This is the pre-race fuel. Everyone knows runners need to fuel up before, during, and after a race. We’ll get our third one at the end,” said participant Sunter, as he looked forward to the donut stops along the route.
The event was organized by Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon, president of Swift Printing and the primary sponsor of the race. Gutowski-Slaydon, who was instrumental in launching the Donut Dash, reflected on the event’s growth over the past seven years.
“It all started as an idea, and now it’s become a wonderful tradition. The best part is being able to give back and bring people together,” she said. “Supporting the cause and celebrating Bridge Street and the West Side of Grand Rapids—it’s an experience I love.”
After completing the three-mile course, participants crossed the finish line—often with the help of a paczki or two. For many, the event was about more than just running; it was an opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate a beloved local tradition while raising money for a good cause.
“We’re running all over town, and people are looking at us and wondering who we are. I’m going to say we’re people who love this town, celebrating Grand Rapids traditions, and enjoying some delicious food,” said participant John Donovan.
The Donut Dash 5k has become more than just a race—it’s a fun-filled community event that fosters local pride while supporting the Grand Rapids Police Foundation’s important work. As the tradition continues to grow, it’s clear that the unique blend of fitness, food, and philanthropy has struck a chord with the people of Grand Rapids.
