Where can I find the University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon route map?
Use the official course links on this page for the organiser route page, map PDF or route download.
Official course linksUniversity of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon
This race edition
- Race date
- Date not confirmed for this distance
- Race timezone
- Timezone not confirmed
- Edition status
- Status not confirmed
Entry options
2026 edition
Entry options are not yet confirmed for this edition. Check the organiser before making plans.
Decision summary
University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon at a glance
- Cut-off average pace
- 8:32/km
- Typical conditions
- 81/100
- Evidence depth
- 47 verified facts
6:00:00 total limit divided by distance. Check gun/chip timing and intermediate limits; allow time for stops.
Historical race-date favourability, not a forecast
Source facts available
Route details
Known course facts at a glance
University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon has known course details for its marathon race. The summary below keeps the focus on what is confirmed for the course.
- Official distance
- 42.2 km
- Terrain
- Road
- Scenery
- Riverside, Parkland, Forest, City, Countryside, Canyon, Waterfront, Historic, Lakeside
Quick answers
What runners ask first
How hilly is the University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon?
The University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon is described as flat. The course listing puts the climb at 93 m.
Where does the University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon route go?
The University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon route starts at David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI (start and finish) and finishes at David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI. Underfoot, expect paved roads and dedicated paved paths. It passes Grand River riverfront, historic Sixth Street Bridge, Blue Bridge, Amway Grand Plaza and Gerald R. Ford gravesite. On-course medical support staffed by doctors, nurses and physical therapists at every aid station.
What should runners know on race day for the University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon?
Bag drop area available at the start/finish; bags must be tagged with the runner's race number. Official pace teams are provided.
Race character
Scenery
- Riverside
- Parkland
- Forest
- City
- Countryside
- Canyon
- Waterfront
- Historic
- Lakeside
Atmosphere
- Community
- Festival
- Competitive
Terrain
- Road
- Elevation character
- Flat
- Technicality
- Non Technical
- Source-stated ascent
- 93 m
- Net elevation
- 0 m
Entry, logistics and records
Records and field
- Men's course record
- 2:26:41 (David Mart)
Entry requirements
- Entry status
- Open entry: The held registration model is open entry and this edition is not marked sold out.
- Cut-off
- Effectively a 6-hour finish from the 8:00 a.m. official start; a 7:00 a.m. early start is recommended for anyone taking more than 6 hours, and the course is cleared around 2:00 p.m.
- Qualification status
- USATF Certified course; an official Boston Marathon qualifier 'YES, THAT MEANS YOU CAN QUALIFY FOR BOSTON HERE!'
Race day logistics
- Pacers
- Official pace teams are provided.
- Bag drop
- Bag drop area available at the start/finish; bags must be tagged with the runner's race number.
- Expo / packet pickup
- Expo and packet pickup at the David D. Hunting YMCA: Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and race-day Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to race time, including Expo Stage presentations.
- Medal
- Finisher medals for every participant across all distances (marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K and 10K).
- Finisher tee
- 2026 finisher shirt is a dark gray long-sleeve (men's and women's cut) with a design on the front.
Access and course status
- Start
- David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI (start and finish)
- Finish
- David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Course facts
- Course type
- Loop
- Surface
- Paved roads and dedicated paved paths
- Landmarks
- Grand River riverfront, historic Sixth Street Bridge, Blue Bridge, Amway Grand Plaza, Gerald R. Ford gravesite, Millennium Park, Enchanted Forest, Indian Mounds Road
- Notable features
- On-course medical support staffed by doctors, nurses and physical therapists at every aid station
- an early 7:00 a.m. start is offered for slower participants (recommended for anyone taking more than 6 hours)
- Runs along the Grand River through downtown Grand Rapids and out to Millennium Park, including a wooded 'Enchanted Forest' section and a West Michigan fall color tour through parks and natural areas
- relay exchanges fall at miles 4.0, 10.4, 14.9 and 21.5
What are typical race-day conditions?
- 11°CTypical temperature
- 21 kphTypical wind
- 4 mmTypical rainfall
- 81Favourability /100