The Kalamazoo marathon, formerly known as the Borgess Run For The Health Of It, has been around for decades. It began as a small event and has evolved into a large-scale race that attracts thousands of participants every year.
Zeigler Auto Group are the new sponsors of the race and intend to continue the local tradition.
If you want to know more about the Kalamazoo Marathon then you are in the right place. We have put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about the event, so keep reading if you want to find out more.
The idea is to get moving to improve your health in whatever way you can. With new sponsors comes a new slogan – ‘Driving a Healthy Community’ – which is a reference to both the meaning behind the event and the industry of the sponsor.
Both the organizers and the participants show great respect to the indigenous people and their lands during the event which takes place across a weekend with various different races.
What Can You Expect From The Kalamazoo Marathon?
The Kalamazoo Marathon is not like other marathons – whilst it is a race, it is designed to provide a fun day of entertainment. It is not all about winning, but about taking part and having a good time.
This is why it includes attractions like a bacon station, a gummy bear forest, various other food stations, live entertainment, and photobooths. If you are over 21 you can even relax with a beer after the race.
Health and safety is very important to the event organizers, so there are also plenty of water stations and first aid stations along the route. There are bathrooms paced out along the course for your convenience.
For the safety of the participants there are no strollers allowed for the Marathon or the other running events (apart from the 1k Kids fun Run). Bikes and skates are also prohibited.
All of the courses for Kalamazoo marathons are certified by USATF. This means that they are safe, appropriate and the distance has been accurately measured.
The courses will have mile markers so you can track your progress and pace yourself throughout the run. There are time limits for certain events which work out at an average of 17 minutes per mile to complete the event.
What Comes With Your Registration?
When you register for the Kalamazoo marathon you will receive a shirt, a beer ticket (if you are over 21), entry to some of the post race entertainment, a bib, and some other treats and goodies.
The bib contains your timer chip so it is very important that you wear this on the day.
Does The Kalamazoo Marathon Have Charity Partners?
The Kalamazoo marathon is a local event which is very important to the community.
That is why the event partners with three local charities:
Girls On The Run Of Greater Kalamazoo – This charity works with young girls to teach them life skills, improve their self-confidence, and help them to develop positive relationships within the community.
Boys And Girls Club Of Greater Kalamazoo – This charity provides a safe space for vulnerable boys and girls to learn and grow through art, education and recreation with their peers.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Southwest Micigan – This charity matches adult volunteers with children in the local area who need support and guidance. The programme is also very beneficial to the families of those children, and helps to develop a network of positive relationships within the community.
The Kalamazoo Marathon event provides these worthy charitable causes with exposure and plenty of opportunities to receive donations.
Are Pets Allowed To Join The Race?
Pets are not allowed to join in the Kalamazoo Marathon due to the health and safety concerns that this poses. They could cause people to trip and fall, or there might be participants with animal allergies.
There are other pet friendly Marathons and running events that you can consider if you want your pet to join in.
Are You Allowed To Wear Headphones?
Headphones are permitted for the Kalamazoo marathon but they are not recommended. This is because they prevent you from hearing important safety announcements throughout the race from directors, volunteers and the police.
Hi, I’m Richard Harris and I have been running for almost 20 years now. Since a young teenager with a little baby fat still clinging on for dear life, I have been obsessed with this simple form of cardio.
Not only have I enjoyed running every single day for two decades, but I have also been fascinated by the countless marathons and races offered around the USA. I love watching these races, and I’ve even participated in some of them too!
