2026 EVENT COVERAGE CALENDAR

GOLD – OFFICIAL EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER

PINK – 2025 FLY AWARD WINNER

BLACK – OTHER

September 2026

Millennium Park1400 Maynard Ave SW

06sep7:00 amLast Chance BQ Marathon

Event Details

Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon Grand Rapids The Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon returns to Grand Rapids on Sunday, September 13, 2026, giving runners one final shot to qualify for the Boston Marathon

Event Details

Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon Grand Rapids

The Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon returns to Grand Rapids on Sunday, September 13, 2026, giving runners one final shot to qualify for the Boston Marathon before the registration window closes.

Designed specifically for Boston-qualifying attempts, this race features a fast, flat, shaded, looped course at Secchia Meadows in Millennium Park. The layout includes a short start/finish segment followed by six paved loops, making it easy for runners to stay on pace and for spectators to cheer throughout the race.

Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM EDT
Location: Secchia Meadows, Millennium Park, Grand Rapids, MI
Distance: Marathon
Course: Fast, flat, shaded, multi-loop paved course
Purpose: Boston-qualifying attempt before the Boston Marathon registration deadline

Registration link:
Register for Last Chance BQ.2 Grand Rapids

Time

September 6, 2026 7:00 am(GMT-04:00)

Location

Millennium Park

1400 Maynard Ave SW

12sep8:00 amUncle Johns Orchard Run 5K + 10K

Event Details

Spend a September Saturday at one of Michigan’s favorite cider mills. The inaugural Uncle John’s Orchard Run features a scenic 5K and 10K through the orchards and open farm lanes of

Event Details

Spend a September Saturday at one of Michigan’s favorite cider mills.

The inaugural Uncle John’s Orchard Run features a scenic 5K and 10K through the orchards and open farm lanes of Uncle John’s Cider Mill in St. Johns. After the finish, the day is just getting started. Enjoy fresh apple cider, donuts, live music, the pumpkin patch, and everything that makes harvest season in Michigan so special.

Every participant receives a custom finisher medal, tech shirt, chip timing, free race photos from Stellafly, and fresh cider at the finish.

Whether you’re chasing a PR or simply looking for a memorable fall morning with family and friends, the Orchard Run is more than a race—it’s a September tradition in the making.

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Distances: 5K & 10K
Location: Uncle John’s Cider Mill • St. Johns, Michigan

To Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/StJohns/UncleJohnsOrchardRun

Time

September 12, 2026 8:00 am(GMT-04:00)

Location

Uncle John's Cider Mill

13sep8:00 amUncle Johns Gravel Race

Event Details

Uncle John’s Gravel Race Uncle John’s Gravel Race returns to Uncle John’s Cider Mill in St. Johns, Michigan, on Sunday, September 13, 2026, for a fast fall gravel race through rural

Event Details

Uncle John’s Gravel Race

Uncle John’s Gravel Race returns to Uncle John’s Cider Mill in St. Johns, Michigan, on Sunday, September 13, 2026, for a fast fall gravel race through rural mid-Michigan farm roads and the Saginaw / Gratiot Game Area.

Riders can choose from 57-mile, 28-mile, and 16-mile course options, with categories for open, fat tire, single speed, tandem, Clydesdale, and Athena riders. The course is known for being flat, fast, and almost entirely gravel and dirt roads.

The race is part of a full weekend at Uncle John’s Cider Mill, including Saturday packet pickup, free camping, live music, hard cider, and the Uncle John’s Orchard Run 5K / 10K.

Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Location: Uncle John’s Cider Mill, St. Johns, MI
Race Options: 57 Mile, 28 Mile, 16 Mile
Terrain: Mostly gravel and dirt roads
Weekend Extras: Free camping, cider mill activities, live music, Saturday run, packet pickup party

Registration link:
Register for Uncle John’s Gravel Race

Time

September 13, 2026 8:00 am(GMT-04:00)

Location

Uncle John's Cider Mill

Camp Manitou Lin1095 N Briggs Rd, Middleville, Michigan 49333

19sep(sep 19)7:00 amThe Dirty Mitten Dirtfest Weekend

Event Details

The Dirty Mitten Dirtfest Weekend The Dirty Mitten Dirtfest Weekend returns to YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville, Michigan, on September 19–20, 2026, with a full weekend of

Event Details

The Dirty Mitten Dirtfest Weekend

The Dirty Mitten Dirtfest Weekend returns to YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin in Middleville, Michigan, on September 19–20, 2026, with a full weekend of gravel racing, trail running, and off-road multisport events.

Saturday includes the Dirty Mitten Trail Run and Dirty Mitten Gravel Bike Race, with 10-mile, 28-mile, and 50-mile gravel options through the scenic roads around Barry County. Sunday features the Dirty Mitten Gravel Triathlon, known as the Gravel World Championship of the Universe, with Sprint and Olympic-distance options, plus duathlon, aquabike, relay, and virtual formats.

Participants can also take on weekend challenges like The Dirty Double or the Greenleaf Trust Trifecta by racing multiple events across the weekend.

Dates: Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026
Location: YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin, 1095 N. Briggs Road, Middleville, MI
Saturday Events: 5K Trail Run, Gravel Bike Race
Sunday Events: Gravel Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike, Relay
Gravel Bike Distances: 10 Mile, 28 Mile, 50 Mile
Trail Run Distance: 5K

Registration links:
Register for the Dirty Mitten Gravel Bike Race
Register for the Dirty Mitten Trail Run
Register for the Dirty Mitten Gravel Triathlon

Time

September 19, 2026 7:00 am(GMT-04:00)Duration 1 Day 10 Hours 59 Minutes

Location

Camp Manitou Lin

1095 N Briggs Rd, Middleville, Michigan 49333

6th Street Bridge731 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, 49504

20sep7:00 amLMCU Bridge Run

Event Details

LMCU Bridge Run

The LMCU Bridge Run returns to Grand Rapids on Sunday, September 20, 2026, with 10-mile and 5K run/walk options starting on the city’s west side near the historic 6th Street Bridge.

The course takes runners through downtown Grand Rapids, across the city’s bridges, along the Grand River, and through Riverside Park. It is a classic fall race with a strong local feel, live course energy, and a finish near one of Grand Rapids’ most recognizable landmarks.

The weekend also includes a Kids Dash on Saturday, September 19.

Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM EDT
Location: 6th Street Bridge / Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Race Options: 10 Mile Run, 5K Run/Walk, Virtual 10 Mile, Virtual 5K
Kids Dash: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Registration link:
Register for the LMCU Bridge Run

Time

September 20, 2026 7:00 am(GMT-04:00)

Location

6th Street Bridge

731 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, 49504

October 2026

David D. Hunting YMCA475 Lake Michigan Drive NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504

17oct1:30 pmGrand Rapids Kids Marathon

Event Details

It’s not just the “Big Kids.” The little ones are on the road too! Along with their presenting Sponsor, Family Capital Management, the goal of the Grand Rapids Kids Marathon is

Event Details

It’s not just the “Big Kids.” The little ones are on the road too!

Along with their presenting Sponsor, Family Capital Management, the goal of the Grand Rapids Kids Marathon is to encourage healthy lifestyles for children and their families, and to help kids become physically active for a lifetime.

Sign Up for Free

Kids between the ages of 2 and 12 are invited to participate. Register here for the Kids Marathon beginning August 1 through race weekend.

Get Ready to Run

On Saturday before the Grand Rapids Marathon, run the last 1.2 miles of your marathon.

Registered runners receive an official race bib and T-shirt. All finishers receive a medal and certificate.

Get Ready to Run

On Saturday, October 19, run the last 1.2 miles of your marathon on the official race course of the Grand Rapids Marathon at the David D. Hunting YMCA. Registered runners receive an official race bib and T-shirt. All finishers receive a medal and certificate.

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2024
Race Time: 2:30 pm
Packet Pick-Up: 1 pm – 2 pm
Location: David D. Hunting YMCA (OUTDOORS in the tent in the northwest corner of the parking lot) @ 475 Lake Michigan Dr. Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Distance: The course is 1.2 miles, starting and finishing at the actual Start/Finish line of the UM Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon

Visit the RunSignUp page to sign up, download your log sheet, and get ready to run!

Like them on Facebook for updates on the Kids Marathon.

Time

October 17, 2026 1:30 pm(GMT-04:00)

Location

David D. Hunting YMCA

475 Lake Michigan Drive NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504

26oct7:00 amUniversity of Michigan Health West Grand Rapids Marathon

Event Details

Founded in 2004, the Grand Rapids Marathon delivers a fun, highly personal, authentic race experience, particularly for runners who value a well-organized, personal experience over the chaotic, crowded fields of

Event Details

This is a race that supports every runner – no one is a stranger on our course – celebrates every individual accomplishment and embodies the spirit of friendship and community that is so unique to running.

To register: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/GRMarathon

Time

October 26, 2026 7:00 am(GMT-04:00)

Location

Grand Rapids, Michigan

31oct8:00 amHAUNTED HALLOWEEN 5K & 10K RUN / WALK

Event Details

Haunted Halloween 5K & 10K Run/Walk is the perfect way to kick off Halloween. Held at the beautiful Ottawa Sands County Park in Spring Lake,

Event Details

Haunted Halloween 5K & 10K Run/Walk is the perfect way to kick off Halloween. Held at the beautiful Ottawa Sands County Park in Spring Lake, this festive event features a flat, paved course winding around the lake, making it ideal for runners chasing a personal best and walkers looking to enjoy a fun fall morning.

Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume or your favorite running gear and join a community celebration that supports the Spring Lake High School Boys’ Volleyball Program. Costumes are encouraged, with awards for the best dressed, along with overall and age group awards for top finishers. Every registered participant receives a long-sleeve technical race shirt, chip timing, post-race refreshments, and free race photos from Stellafly.

Looking for an extra challenge? Register for both the 5K and 10K and complete the Halloween Double.

Whether you’re racing for a fast time, walking with family and friends, or simply celebrating Halloween in a unique way, this is a fun, welcoming event with a great cause behind every mile.

Ready to join the fun? Register here:
Haunted Halloween 5K & 10K Registration

Time

October 31, 2026 8:00 am est(GMT-04:00)

Location

VanAndel Arena 130 Fulton St West Grand Rapids, MI US 49503

November 2026

27nov8:00 am34th Annual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot

Event Details

Team Stellafly and the Stellafly photographers are excited to join Grand Rapids Public Schools’ GR Turkey Trot 2026! “Together We Are Better!” – engaging our entire community in a higher level

Event Details

Team Stellafly and the Stellafly photographers are excited to join Grand Rapids Public Schools’ GR Turkey Trot 2026!

“Together We Are Better!” – engaging our entire community in a higher level of awareness around physical fitness, movement and nutrition in a fun-filled way, all while supporting after school opportunities for the students of Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Register early and take advantage of special promotional rates. Medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in each age group. And the Mini Trot is back again for those ages 12 and under – FREE of charge.

Time

November 27, 2026 8:00 am est(GMT-05:00)

Location

VanAndel Arena 130 Fulton St West Grand Rapids, MI US 49503

28nov9:00 amThe Twisted Trail 5K, 10K, 15K and 1 MILE

Event Details

Get out and run the trails at Ken-O-Sha in Grand Rapids, MI on Black Friday. Come discover these hidden trails along Plaster creek. There be a

Event Details

Get out and run the trails at Ken-O-Sha in Grand Rapids, MI on Black Friday. Come discover these hidden trails along Plaster creek. There be a 5k loop that you can do once, twice, or three times. Awesome t-shirts are included, guaranteed until November 7 at noon.

Just like in 2023, the start/finish as well as packet pickup will be at Calvary Baptist Church, 1200 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. Packet pickup on Friday morning starts at 8 am.

5K is 1 lap, 10K is 2 laps, 15K is 3 laps
All distances, including the mile, will start together @ 9:00 AM

Age groups for the 5K, 10K and 15K distance are as follows:
9 and under
10-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70+

Top 1 each in age group get a wood burned award!

Top 1 overall gets a wood burned award as well something else!

For the latest new news, check out their facebook page

The Strava map can be found at https://www.strava.com/routes/3028015863334222588.

Video preview can be found at youtube.com/watch?v=skDUZ9G1ZMI

To register: https://runsignup.com/TwistedGRRun

Time

November 28, 2026 9:00 am(GMT-05:00)

Location

Ken-O-Sha

December 2026

East Grand Rapids High School2211 Lake Dr Grand Rapids, MI US 49506

31dec2:00 pm44th Annual Reeds Lake Resolution Run

Event Details

The Resolution Run: One Last Run

Name: Last Chance BQ Marathon
Start: 2026-9-6T07:00+0:00
End: 2026-9-6T23:59+0:00

December 31, 2026 marks the 44th Annual Reeds Lake Resolution Run, a New Year’s Eve tradition in East Grand Rapids. This USATF-certified 4-mile course circles beautiful Reeds Lake, giving runners and walkers one final chance to lace up before the calendar turns.

The Kids Race begins at 1:30 PM for ages 12 and under, followed by the 4-Mile Run/Walk at 2:00 PM, starting near East Grand Rapids Middle School and finishing in John Collins Park.

Since 1982, when Joe O’Brien first gathered runners for this end-of-year tradition, the Resolution Run has been about more than finishing another race. It’s about reflecting on the year behind you, celebrating what you’ve accomplished, and starting the next chapter alongside friends, family, and the community.

Joe’s passion for bringing people together through running continues today. In his honor, a portion of proceeds will again benefit Guiding Light Works, carrying forward his legacy of giving back.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best, pushing a stroller, walking with friends, or simply keeping a decades-long tradition alive, we hope you’ll join us for one last run of 2026.

Bundle up, toe the line, and celebrate the end of the year the best way we know how.

Get signed up today: https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/MI/GrandRapids/ResolutionRunEGR

Time

December 31, 2026 2:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

Location

East Grand Rapids High School

2211 Lake Dr Grand Rapids, MI US 49506

January 2027

No Events

February 2027

Millennium Park1400 Maynard Ave SW

06feb7:00 amGroundhog Marathon

Event Details

GROUNDHOG DAY MARATHON LOCATION: 1400 Maynard Ave SW Walker, MI 49534 EVENT DESCRIPTION: Meet Grand Rapids Gus, the pragmatic cousin of

Event Details

GROUNDHOG DAY MARATHON

LOCATION: 1400 Maynard Ave SW Walker, MI 49534

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Meet Grand Rapids Gus, the pragmatic cousin of Punxsutawney Phil. Instead of just predicting winter, Gus inspired us to embrace it. Hence, the Groundhog Day Marathon – a unique winter running event that lets you experience the movie in real life, complete with repetitive loops and plenty of snow.

EVENTS:

Marathon (8:00 AM Saturday)
Six 4.4-mile loops
Boston Qualifier certified course
500 runner limit (combined with half)
Early start at 7:00 AM for 6+ hour runners
Half Marathon (8:00 AM Saturday)
Three 4.4-mile loops
Part of 500 runner combined limit
Moonlight 1/6 Marathon (6:30 PM Friday)
World Championship 1/6 Marathon
One 4.4-mile loop
300 runner limit

COURSE DETAILS:

Two aid stations plus finish area
Paved course (expect snow cover)
Certified Boston Qualifier
Splits every 1/6th marathon

WEATHER ADVISORY: This is a Michigan winter event. Snow is likely and conditions may be challenging. If severe weather occurs, event will be postponed to following Saturday. If postponement isn’t possible, registrants receive 50% credit for next year’s event.

POLICIES:

No refunds
No deferrals
No transfers between runners
Event transfers allowed (pay difference)

TRAVEL: Nearest Airport: Gerald R. Ford International (GRR) Local Hotels: [Link to accommodation options]

CONTACT: Race Director: Don Kern donkern1@gmail.com 616-293-3145

Volunteer Coordinator: Stephanie Cornwell happy.steph.1976@gmail.com

Time

February 6, 2027 7:00 am(GMT-05:00)

Location

Millennium Park

1400 Maynard Ave SW

March 2027

No Events

April 2027

No Events

2026 EVENT COVERAGE CALENDAR

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Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon Grand Rapids

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Uncle John’s Gravel Race

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The Dirty Mitten Dirtfest Weekend

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LMCU Bridge Run

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To register: https://runsignup.com/TwistedGRRun

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The Resolution Run: One Last Run

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From the Experts