Grand Rapids Marathon

09/10/2026

This Sunday is one of our favorite race days.

Thirteen years ago, Marathon Don was talking with his friend Dave Sheble from the Fox Valley Marathon about an idea: a small marathon built specifically for runners chasing a Boston qualifier. Don realized they could do the same thing here in Grand Rapids, on the same day, without really competing with each other at all.

And Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon was born.

That first year, about 60% of the finishers qualified for Boston. Most years since, it’s been over 60%, and all three BQ.2 races have become some of the top Boston qualifying races in the country.

For a marathon runner, Boston is special. And this Sunday, another group of runners will show up in Grand Rapids hoping this is the race that gets them to Hopkinton.

See you at the finish line.

Email from Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Marathon News From Grand Rapids 10 September 2026 31 August 2023 Marathon News from Grand Rapids 10 September 2026 View as Webpage Last Chance BQ.2 Looki

09/09/2026

Having our event on the 3rd Sunday in October, has always given our participants the most amazing Fall colors, and our friends at Michigan Storm Chasers have given this image, that agrees!

Make sure you are with us on October 18th!!

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

09/08/2026

We’re inside six weeks to the Grand Rapids Marathon, and our world is starting to look like Last Chance BQ.2, Kids Marathon, the 10/20 Mile Training Run, sponsors, staff, charities, course logistics and about a thousand other things that somehow have to come together before October 18.

Over the next few weeks, we're going to take you behind the scenes a little more and introduce some of the people who’ve been part of this race for years.

He starts this week with OAM, which seems appropriate considering they’ve worked on both of Don’s knees and now apparently get to deal with his ankles. 😂

But there’s a reason why our race has always felt the way it does:
Our sponsors are friends. Athletes. Involved in the same world we all live in.

Busy season is here. Read this week’s Marathon News from Grand Rapids.

Email from Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Marathon News From Grand Rapids 3 September 2026 31 August 2023 Marathon News from Grand Rapids 3 September 2026 View as Webpage Fall Is Upon Us! Looking

09/07/2026

You can do the math. It's your last chance to get to the Boston Marathon!

On SEPTEMBER 14 Boston Marathon REGISTRATION OPENS
6 days left to be Boston Qualified.

https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/LastChanceBQGR

09/03/2026

Fall is coming, which around here means marathon season is getting very real.

The next six weeks are packed with Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon, the Kids Marathon, the free 10/20 Mile Training Run and, of course, the Grand Rapids Marathon. Take a look behind the scenes a little this week, including some of the sponsors and friends who've become part of this event over the years.

And for everyone getting ready for a fall marathon, he dusted off his Top 5 Marathon Tips. They range from genuinely useful to very Don.

Read this week's Marathon News from Grand Rapids.

Email from Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Marathon News From Grand Rapids 3 September 2026 31 August 2023 Marathon News from Grand Rapids 3 September 2026 View as Webpage Fall Is Upon Us! Looking

09/02/2026

There's still time to qualify for the Boston Marathon!

Just two weeks until Last Chance BQ.2.

At this point, the work is pretty much done. The miles are in. You know the number you’re chasing.

On September 13, a few hundred runners will come to Grand Rapids hoping to put together one really good morning.

That’s why we built this race.

Flat. Certified. Small field. And Boston Marathon registration opens the next day.

Two weeks. We’ll have the course ready for you.

08/27/2026

Race weekend.

Millennium Meadows is this Sunday, which means Marathon Don and crew will be out at the park before most of us are awake, putting out mile markers, setting up the start and finish, hauling water and getting ready for one of their favorite days of the year.
Because after all the planning, race day is still the fun part.

People chasing a Boston qualifier. People using the marathon or half as part of fall training. People coming out for the 10K. Old friends, new friends and a whole lot of finish lines.

There’s still time to join us at Millennium Meadows this weekend.
And as Don says, an exciting race day somehow manages to wear you out and invigorate you at the same time.

See you at the finish line.

Email from Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Marathon News From Grand Rapids 27 August 2026 31 August 2023 Marathon News from Grand Rapids 27 August 2026 View as Webpage Millennium Meadows Weekend!

08/25/2026

FREE race photos at Millennium Meadows Marathon compliments of stellafly!

One more thing waiting for you at Millennium Meadows this Sunday — race photos!

stellafly will be out on the course capturing race day, and your photos will be available to download for free after the race.
No photo packages. No deciding whether that finish-line shot is worth $30. Just find your photos, download them and keep them.
So when you see the cameras out there, give them something good! 📸

08/24/2026

A great opportunity to race is happening this weekend! Millennium Meadows Marathon is proud to be hosting its 9th year! The event features a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and Marathon RELAY. Still time to get signed up: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/MillenniumMeadowsMarathon

Race week is here!

The long runs are done, the miles are in the bank, and there isn't much left to do except trust the training and get yourself to the starting line.

This Sunday, runners will take on the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Marathon Relay at Millennium Park. Some will be chasing Boston, some a new PR, and some a finish line they've been thinking about all summer.

There's still time to get signed up. We're looking forward to sharing the morning with you.

https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/MillenniumMeadowsMarathon