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University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon race photo

University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon

The city you want to run becomes your next trip.

USOctober 202742.195km · 21.1km · 10km +1 more events
WMrapids · CC0
Race date Oct expected
October 2027
City · Distance
Grand Rapids · 42.195km · 21.1km · 10km +1 more events
Entry fee
$165From the 2025 edition
2027Date October 2027 · expected · Soon
2026Date Oct 18, 2026 · Entry ~ Oct 18, 2026 · Entry fee $52.50 · Start 08:00
Official website ↗D-day as of Oct 20, 2026
University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon race photo
WMrapids · CC0
About the raceHow to enterCourseRace PrepTravel
Why you dream of this race

THE DREAM

About University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon — what makes it special

ABOUT THE RACE

A day you'll remember,
long past the finish line.

It is Grand Rapids Marathon week.

Events include the full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, 5K and 10K.

Official information on bib pickup, the course and race-day procedures is available on the official website.

The road to your own record

Picture the course in advance
and find the pace that fits you.

When the city cheers

Streets lined with cheers, runners all around.
You'll be part of that scene.

The trip that follows the run

Take it slow with the finish still in you,
and meet the city all over again.

University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon runner reviews and race reports

Stories from runners who've been there.

From the joy of finishing to the tough moments — read what runners wrote themselves.

No runner reports yet. We'll add them here as they come in.

See it on video,
feel it through their stories.

Preview the course and read what runners who went before you wrote.

Finisher vlog

Run Your Life · Finisher vlog

View on YouTube

This may be from a past edition. Check the organizer for this year's course and operations.

The way in that fits you

YOUR ENTRY

How to enter University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon — registration routes

How to reach the start line —
start with what fits you.

Here are the ways to enter and what each requires.
Check the organizer's page for whether entries are open.

From the 2025 edition

5K

Entry cost $52.50

until Oct 18, 2026 · subject to change — verify officially

Organizer's page
Official race websiteEntry options
From the start line to the finish

RACE WEEK

University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon course map and elevation

Your 42.195km

Know the course and time limit, and race day comes into focus.

From the 2025 edition
Runners start · local timeFrom 08:00
EventStart
University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon42.195km08:00
University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon21.0975km08:00
Run Thru The Rapids 10K10km08:20
Run Thru The Rapids 5K5km08:30
Relay Marathon42.195km08:00
START

475 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI

Start · Google Maps

The race is divided into 6 categories, including Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay Marathon, and Handcycle - Marathon.

The start takes place at 475 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI, at 8:00 a.m. local time.

Participant benefits

Not yet confirmed in the official race guide

Where and when to collect your University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon race bib

To the start line,
step by step.

Pick up your bib, check your wave.
So on race morning, you can just run.

From the 2025 edition

Bib pickup

David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW, typically on the day before the race

Stations & transport near the venue

  • Getting to the startStart/finish moved to David D.

Source · checked Aug 22, 2026

More details

Getting to the start

Start/finish moved to David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI due to ongoing downtown stadium construction.

Drivers taking the Pearl Street exit off US-131 should NOT turn toward the Y itself — head to downtown parking and walk over. Race date confirmed Oct 18, 2026, 7:00 AM start.

The walk-from-downtown-parking-via-Blue-Bridge routine effectively substitutes for a shuttle.

Getting to the finish

Same venue as start (David D. Hunting YMCA).

Start shuttle

Organizers recommend parking downtown in parking ramps (~$4) then walking to start/finish via the pedestrian Blue Bridge or along Lake Michigan Drive.

Source · checked Aug 22, 2026
READY TO RUN

From race morning to after the finish.

Your start time, fuel and bag drop.
Know them ahead and the run feels easier.

The expo and participant Packet Pickup are typically held the day before the race at the David D. Hunting YMCA (475 Lake Michigan Drive NW),

with late pickup also available on race morning.

The start area is the GVSU DeVos parking lot just south of the YMCA, and registration is handled through RunSignUp.

Times are local to Grand Rapids. Check the latest official information before the race.

A trip built around the race

STAY A LITTLE

MAKE IT A RUNTRIP

The race is one day,
the trip can be longer.

From a hotel that makes race morning easy,
to the meals and views you'll enjoy with the medal on.

Grand Rapids Car Rental (EconomyBookings)

Compare rates from various rental car companies, self-drive (price confirmed at time of reservation) · Make reservation after checking price

View on EconomyBookings

Lansing｜Private Airport Pickup/Drop-Off Service at Lansing Capital Region International Airport

$415

View on Klook

Hotels near the University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon start line in

Hotels that make race morning easy

View all →

Distances are straight-line from the start.
Check real travel times and booking terms with each hotel.

Swipe sideways to see more hotels.

Trip.comClosest to the start lineView on Trip.com

Time for you, before and after the finish

View all →

Rest a little, wander a little.
Pick what suits you and whoever you're with.

Grand Rapids Car Rental (EconomyBookings)

Compare rates from various rental car companies, self-drive (price confirmed at time of reservation) · Make reservation after checking price

View on EconomyBookings

Lansing｜Private Airport Pickup/Drop-Off Service at Lansing Capital Region International Airport

$415

View on Klook

Lansing Car Rental (EconomyBookings)

Compare rates from various rental car companies, self-drive (price confirmed at time of reservation) · Make reservation after checking price

View on EconomyBookings

Where runners eat in Grand Rapids

Eating well is part of the trip

View all →

A meal before the race, a dinner to celebrate the finish.

What to see in Grand Rapids after the race

Seeing Grand Rapids with the medal on

View all →

The city you ran — this time, a little slower.

Lansing, Michigan: Lansing Ghost Tour: Lost Legends and Laments by Lanternlight

$24

View on GetYourGuide

Hotel distances are straight-line from the start. Experiences, food and sights are travel products in Grand Rapids.

Total cost and budget for University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Trip prep too,
light and in one place.

ChecklistLocal eSIM · Trip.comFlight delay or cancellation compensation · AirHelpPace calculator

Once saved, you can open this page without an internet connection

Runner stories and questions about University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon

RUN TOGETHER

With runners who dream of
the same start line.

Be the first runner
Leave this room's first post

Grand Rapids runners' room
MORE RACES.

Frequently asked questions about University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon

FAQ
When was University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon 2026 held?

It was held on Sun, October 18, 2026. The next race is October 2027.

When does University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon 2027 take place?

Not officially announced yet.

It's expected in October 2027;

the 2026 race was held on Sun, October 18, 2026.

How much is the University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon 2027 entry fee?

Not announced yet. The 2026 race entry fee was about $52.50.

What distances does University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon 2027 offer?

Marathon · Half. (From the 2025 edition)

What time does University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon 2027 start?

The race starts at 08:00. (From the 2025 edition)

Where does University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon 2027 start?

475 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI. (From the 2025 edition)

What is the University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon 2027 course like?

The race is divided into 6 categories, including Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay Marathon, and Handcycle - Marathon.

The start takes place at 475 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI, at 8:00 a.m. local time.

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