Check-in and material distribution begin at 6 a.m. and continue until the start of each event.
- 6:30 a.m. - Courtesy vehicle departs for Half Marathon participants
- 7 a.m. – Half Marathon begins
- 8 a.m. – Bike Race begins
- 8:15 a.m. – Bike Tour begins
- 9:15 a.m. – 5K Run/Walk begins
- 10 a.m. – 1-Mile Run/Walk begins
- 10:30 a.m. – Awards ceremony
All race activities begin on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, located at the corner of U.S. 23 (Chisholm Street) and Johnson Street, Alpena, Michigan.
Celebrating 25 Years of the Aliferis Memorial Race
Carlene Aliferis, second from right with her children left to right, Scott, Lisa and Paul.
The 25th Annual Aliferis Memorial Races celebrates a quarter century of bringing the community together in support of local health care. To honor this milestone, the Aliferis family has been named the 2026 honorary chairs. Family members will return to Alpena from across the country and abroad to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Peter Aliferis, who served the community as a pathologist and laboratory director for 37 years.
What began as a small memorial organized by the Medical Center laboratory staff has grown into one of Northeast Michigan's premier community fitness events. Over the past 25 years, the race has raised more than $615,000 to support the Cancer Center, patient care enhancements, new medical technology and the Dr. Peter Aliferis Memorial Education Scholarship, which helps local students pursue careers in medicine and clinical laboratory science.
The 2026 race takes place Saturday, September 5, and features a half marathon, 5K run/walk, 1-mile family run/walk, 18.5-mile bike race and 6.5-mile bike tour. Whether you're participating, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines, you'll be part of a long-standing tradition and celebrating health, community and Dr. Aliferis' lasting impact on Northeast Michigan.
Please contact Ann Diamond, fund development director, at ann.diamond@mymichigan.org.
