GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — On Sunday, the Grand Rapids Marathon will host its 23rd annual competition in partnership with University of Michigan Health-West, and athletes can participate in a variety of events.
“(The Grand Rapids Marathon) is a great opportunity to support our community and help people safely accomplish something they’ve worked hard to achieve,” said Edwin Kornoelje, sports medicine director of University of Michigan Health-West, in a statement.
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Prior to its marathon, half-marathon and team relay events on Saturday, race organizers will be hosting a marathon expo and kids’ race on Saturday at the David D. Hunting YMCA. On Sunday, participation costs $165 to participate in the Grand Rapids Marathon, $145 to participate in the half-marathon and $412.50 to participate in the relay as a team of three to five runners.
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Grand Rapids Marathon presented by University of Michigan Health-West. (Courtesy)
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Amber Powell of Middleville won the marathon for the women at the UM Health West Grand Rapids Marathon on Oct. 20, 2024. (Courtesy of the UM Health West Grand Rapids Marathon)
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Zach Ripley of Rockford set a new course record at the UM Health West Grand Rapids Marathon on Oct. 20, 2024. (Courtesy of the UM Health West Grand Rapids Marathon)
“We could be looking at our biggest race ever,” said Don Kern, race director of the Grand Rapids Marathon, in a statement. “Whether someone’s running their first 5K or trying to qualify for Boston, we want everyone to have a great experience.”
Beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday, athletes will start outside the David D. Hunting YMCA, travel through downtown Grand Rapids, continue around Millennium Park in Walker and return to the David D. Hunting YMCA.
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Other events during the Grand Rapids Marathon include an adaptive wheelchair and handcycle race for athletes with disabilities.
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The David D. Hunting YMCA in downtown Grand Rapids. (March 13, 2025)
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A view of Millennium Park on June 23, 2025.
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Athletes participate in the Grand Rapids Marathon and its various events across downtown Grand Rapids. (Courtesy)
Regardless of which event athletes compete in, staff from University of Michigan Health-West will be present and available on the day.
“We have physicians, nurses, athletic trainers and other medical professionals stationed along the course, ready to help runners when they need us,” Kornoelje said in a statement.
For more information, visit the Grand Rapids Marathon website.
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