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Marathon Details - Kalamazoo Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MI > Kalamazoo > Kalamazoo Marathon

Kalamazoo Marathon

Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon & Relays, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Kalamazoo, MI USA

May 4, 2025

http://www.zeiglerkalamazoomarathon.com

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2024 2023 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Scenic tour of a mid-western town.

Contact Information

Name:	Karen Townsend
Address:	261 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone Number:	269-345-1113
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (33)

Course 3.8

Organization 4.5

Spectators 4.4

Write a review

Number of comments: 33 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

G. B. from Kalamazoo, MI (4/30/2023) "Great return of the marathon" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Kalamazoo Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The course has been reworked to be flatter. Gone are the hills at the end. For Kalamazoo mostly rolling hills. Tour of many neighborhoods and had lots of crowd support for the size. Fun experience. Considering all the changes to the organization, a great race.
D. E. from Wake Forest, NC (5/9/2018) "Course could be much more interesting" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Great organization and great volunteers, but the course isn't very interesting. Lots of running on major roads/streets without any spectators and not very scenic. If it's sunny on race day, expect to get baked in the sun because there's no shade on the course. The course would be much better if there were more sections on greenways and/or near more interesting nature. If this has been voted the best marathon in Michigan, as they claim it is, I wonder what the other races are like.
M. B. from Hudsonville MI (5/23/2017) "Great Race - Bacon aid station!" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Paced for this race, what a lot of fun! aid stations well stocked and in the right places, even had a bacon aid station! If you are going for a specific time there are a few hills later in the race to where you might want to bank a couple minutes before you run them.
D. A. from South-Central US (5/9/2017) "I Would Do It Again" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Pros: Interesting course, cool weather, good support on the course, bands, good size, free photos, bacon stop (funny but I didn't indulge). Cons: Not much food at the end, lots of turns with a few not well marked, some serious hills.
t. y. from iowa (5/8/2017) "Kalamazoo loves its marathon and it shows" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I needed a spring marathon in southwest Michigan, so I was stuck with Kalamazoo. That was a very lucky break for me, as this is a fun, extremely well organized race. Of the dozen marathons I've run, Kalamazoo is near or at the top for its runner-friendly organization and great community support. From fantastic parking to countless port-a-potties (at the start and throughout the race) to frequent water stops, the organizers do all they can to make sure you enjoy your race day. The people of Kalamazoo are very supportive of runners and proud of their race. While crowds aren't huge and there are many stretches with no spectators, you never go more than a half mile without seeing energetic fans happy to cheer you on. The Kalamazoo marathon is famous for its on-course food perks and it doesn't disappoint - gummy bears (two different neighborhoods), bacon (along with a very loud neighborhood cheering section), oranges in three spots, and popsicles at the top of the course's toughest hill. Multiple private homes also handed out water bottles, juice, or candy from their front lawns along the course. The course itself is relatively scenic, with diverse neighborhoods, a few pretty park areas, and a run through downtown. The course is hilly, but most of the inclines are gradual. At about mile 15, you benefit from a wonderful half mile long descent, but you obviously make up for that descent elsewhere in the race. The city or Kalamazoo takes pride in hosting this race and it leaves a very, very positive impression of the city and it's people. I would highly recommend this race.
R. D. from Upstate New York (5/4/2015) "Great Community Support." (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I picked this race because the date fit perfect with my schedule and travel, and I had read some good reviews. It was a great experience. The marathon field was small and there were a couple of points where I wasn't certain I was still on the course, but the water stops were plentiful and well stocked, the volunteers were amazing, and the pre and post race congregation was fun. Parts of the course snake through a purely residential neighborhood, and it was great to see so many families parked out on the lawn to watch and cheer. The unofficial aid stations had plenty of gummy bears, Girl Scout Cookies, bacon, freeze pops, and Pabst Blue Ribbon. It's not the kind of race you would seek for continuous crowd support, but I thought it was a really fun community race.
m. s. from mansfield, tx (5/4/2015) "Where were the mile markers?" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great course through neighborhoods and a lot of spectators along most of the route. Aid stations were many and spaced appropriately however no ice and the water and gu-beverages were warm. I only saw 5 or 6 mile markers, not sure what the problem was with the missing markers? Overall a good race, nice expo, great post-race facilities. Weather this year was great until the 3rd hour when the temp spiked, however there was a lot of shade on the course.
J. R. from Grand Rapids, MI (5/14/2014) "What a surprise!!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I decided at the last minute to register for the mitten challenge which included this marathon as the 2nd of two in two days. I needed Wisconsin for my 50 states marathon quest but also decided to do Kalamazoo. I didn't have many expectations going into this race and was surprised to find it was one of the best managed marathons I have run. The crowd support was AMAZING and the aid stations were incredible. Most races you are lucky if you get a GU packet. This race had bacon, girl scout cookies, wafers, gummy bears, etc. plus all your traditional offerings. It was a hard course but well done!!! The community really welcomes runners and supports them. I would recommend this to everyone I know.
S. O. from Grand Rapids, MI (5/6/2014) "Outstanding First Kalamazoo Experience" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My sixth marathon and first Kalamazoo Marathon. The weather was perfect, albeit VERY windy. I was thoroughly impressed by the whole tent city setup, as well a the staging area at Nazareth. It had a small town feel, but big race vibe - very neat! The course was hillier than I had planned on, but not much I can do about that. Course aid stations were outstanding and volunteers were exceptional. Portajons were everywhere and much appreciated. Yes, like any race there are some 'lonely' parts of the course, but that is reality for 26.2 miles. I appreciated the fact that the course showed off wonderful parts about Kalamazoo - all over the area - urban, rural, industrial, parks, university, and everything in between. Additionally, the cheering section between mile 13 and 14 was fantastic. Who doesn't like to run through a tunnel of fans dressed as fruit of the loom characters, nuns, priests, and the Pope? Love it. Great race and see you next year!!!
D. J. from Libertyville, IL (5/5/2014) "Excellently done marathon" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I agree with every thing the previous 2013 Mitteneer (Kenosha & Kalamazoo marathon on same weekend) said, the organization was fantastic and those doubling had different bibs so got a lot of comments/support for doing and free meal. They may have taken to heart the concern about the WMU campus as this year (2014)there were very exuberant students and supporters there cheering us on. I would also note more porta-potties than any other marathon I have done! The course is moderately hilly but think that helped stretch out the muscles from previous days marathon. There was everything one needed on course (ie sponges, medical aid, and infinite number of smiling volunteers)! Excellent job!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]



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G. B. from Kalamazoo, MI (4/30/2023) "Great return of the marathon" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Kalamazoo Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The course has been reworked to be flatter. Gone are the hills at the end. For Kalamazoo mostly rolling hills. Tour of many neighborhoods and had lots of crowd support for the size. Fun experience. Considering all the changes to the organization, a great race.
D. E. from Wake Forest, NC (5/9/2018) "Course could be much more interesting" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Great organization and great volunteers, but the course isn't very interesting. Lots of running on major roads/streets without any spectators and not very scenic. If it's sunny on race day, expect to get baked in the sun because there's no shade on the course. The course would be much better if there were more sections on greenways and/or near more interesting nature. If this has been voted the best marathon in Michigan, as they claim it is, I wonder what the other races are like.
M. B. from Hudsonville MI (5/23/2017) "Great Race - Bacon aid station!" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Paced for this race, what a lot of fun! aid stations well stocked and in the right places, even had a bacon aid station! If you are going for a specific time there are a few hills later in the race to where you might want to bank a couple minutes before you run them.
D. A. from South-Central US (5/9/2017) "I Would Do It Again" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Pros: Interesting course, cool weather, good support on the course, bands, good size, free photos, bacon stop (funny but I didn't indulge). Cons: Not much food at the end, lots of turns with a few not well marked, some serious hills.
t. y. from iowa (5/8/2017) "Kalamazoo loves its marathon and it shows" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I needed a spring marathon in southwest Michigan, so I was stuck with Kalamazoo. That was a very lucky break for me, as this is a fun, extremely well organized race. Of the dozen marathons I've run, Kalamazoo is near or at the top for its runner-friendly organization and great community support. From fantastic parking to countless port-a-potties (at the start and throughout the race) to frequent water stops, the organizers do all they can to make sure you enjoy your race day. The people of Kalamazoo are very supportive of runners and proud of their race. While crowds aren't huge and there are many stretches with no spectators, you never go more than a half mile without seeing energetic fans happy to cheer you on. The Kalamazoo marathon is famous for its on-course food perks and it doesn't disappoint - gummy bears (two different neighborhoods), bacon (along with a very loud neighborhood cheering section), oranges in three spots, and popsicles at the top of the course's toughest hill. Multiple private homes also handed out water bottles, juice, or candy from their front lawns along the course. The course itself is relatively scenic, with diverse neighborhoods, a few pretty park areas, and a run through downtown. The course is hilly, but most of the inclines are gradual. At about mile 15, you benefit from a wonderful half mile long descent, but you obviously make up for that descent elsewhere in the race. The city or Kalamazoo takes pride in hosting this race and it leaves a very, very positive impression of the city and it's people. I would highly recommend this race.
R. D. from Upstate New York (5/4/2015) "Great Community Support." (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I picked this race because the date fit perfect with my schedule and travel, and I had read some good reviews. It was a great experience. The marathon field was small and there were a couple of points where I wasn't certain I was still on the course, but the water stops were plentiful and well stocked, the volunteers were amazing, and the pre and post race congregation was fun. Parts of the course snake through a purely residential neighborhood, and it was great to see so many families parked out on the lawn to watch and cheer. The unofficial aid stations had plenty of gummy bears, Girl Scout Cookies, bacon, freeze pops, and Pabst Blue Ribbon. It's not the kind of race you would seek for continuous crowd support, but I thought it was a really fun community race.
m. s. from mansfield, tx (5/4/2015) "Where were the mile markers?" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great course through neighborhoods and a lot of spectators along most of the route. Aid stations were many and spaced appropriately however no ice and the water and gu-beverages were warm. I only saw 5 or 6 mile markers, not sure what the problem was with the missing markers? Overall a good race, nice expo, great post-race facilities. Weather this year was great until the 3rd hour when the temp spiked, however there was a lot of shade on the course.
J. R. from Grand Rapids, MI (5/14/2014) "What a surprise!!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I decided at the last minute to register for the mitten challenge which included this marathon as the 2nd of two in two days. I needed Wisconsin for my 50 states marathon quest but also decided to do Kalamazoo. I didn't have many expectations going into this race and was surprised to find it was one of the best managed marathons I have run. The crowd support was AMAZING and the aid stations were incredible. Most races you are lucky if you get a GU packet. This race had bacon, girl scout cookies, wafers, gummy bears, etc. plus all your traditional offerings. It was a hard course but well done!!! The community really welcomes runners and supports them. I would recommend this to everyone I know.
S. O. from Grand Rapids, MI (5/6/2014) "Outstanding First Kalamazoo Experience" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My sixth marathon and first Kalamazoo Marathon. The weather was perfect, albeit VERY windy. I was thoroughly impressed by the whole tent city setup, as well a the staging area at Nazareth. It had a small town feel, but big race vibe - very neat! The course was hillier than I had planned on, but not much I can do about that. Course aid stations were outstanding and volunteers were exceptional. Portajons were everywhere and much appreciated. Yes, like any race there are some 'lonely' parts of the course, but that is reality for 26.2 miles. I appreciated the fact that the course showed off wonderful parts about Kalamazoo - all over the area - urban, rural, industrial, parks, university, and everything in between. Additionally, the cheering section between mile 13 and 14 was fantastic. Who doesn't like to run through a tunnel of fans dressed as fruit of the loom characters, nuns, priests, and the Pope? Love it. Great race and see you next year!!!
D. J. from Libertyville, IL (5/5/2014) "Excellently done marathon" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kalamazoo Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I agree with every thing the previous 2013 Mitteneer (Kenosha & Kalamazoo marathon on same weekend) said, the organization was fantastic and those doubling had different bibs so got a lot of comments/support for doing and free meal. They may have taken to heart the concern about the WMU campus as this year (2014)there were very exuberant students and supporters there cheering us on. I would also note more porta-potties than any other marathon I have done! The course is moderately hilly but think that helped stretch out the muscles from previous days marathon. There was everything one needed on course (ie sponges, medical aid, and infinite number of smiling volunteers)! Excellent job!

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Marathon Details - Kalamazoo Marathon