University of Michigan Health - West Grand Rapids Marathon

The University of Michigan Health - West Grand Rapids Marathon takes place on October 18, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a marathon (26.2 miles / 42.2 km), a relay marathon, a half marathon (13.1 miles / 21.1 km), a 10K and a 5K. The morning opens at 7:55 a.m. with the handcycle marathon, followed at 8:00 a.m. by the marathon, the relay marathon and the half marathon, then the 10K at 8:20 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m.

Sending the handcycles off five minutes ahead of the main field is a classic, well-thought-out setup that gives those athletes a clear road over the first few miles. For runners, staggering the starts from the longest distance to the shortest keeps different paces from crossing. The 5K, the last race to start, makes a good first taste of racing, the 10K offers a solid benchmark, and the half marathon is a credible stepping stone before the full distance. For the marathon, the usual rule applies: run the first few miles about 10 to 15 seconds per kilometer (roughly 15 to 25 seconds per mile) slower than your goal pace while your body settles in.