2026 EVENT COVERAGE CALENDAR
GOLD – OFFICIAL EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER
PINK – 2025 FLY AWARD WINNER
BLACK – OTHER
October 2026
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
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
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 “big city” races through ”concrete canyons.”
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
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
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.
Register now: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/GRPSThanksgivingDayTurkeyTrot
Time
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
Location
Ken-O-Sha
December 2026
31dec2:00 pm44th Annual Reeds Lake Resolution Run
Event Details
Event Details
The Resolution Run: One Last Run
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.
Time
Location
East Grand Rapids High School
2211 Lake Dr Grand Rapids, MI US 49506
January 2027
No Events
February 2027
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
Location
Millennium Park
1400 Maynard Ave SW
March 2027
No Events
April 2027
No Events
May 2027
No Events