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Kalamazoo Marathon

Kalamazoo, MI
Sunday, April 25, 2027


  4.2 Stars from 5 Reviews

Course Description
All races start and finish at the Arcadia Creek Festival Site and run through Downtown Kalamazoo, with the full marathon, half marathon and 10K passing through Western Michigan University's Waldo Stadium. The marathon course also includes the Portage Creek Bicentennial Trail, Stryker campus, Kalamazoo Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, Milham Park, Milwood Neighborhood, Edison Neighborhood, and Upjohn Park.

April Other Marathons in April Other Marathons in Michigan Marathons near Kalamazoo, MI



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, April 25, 2027
2026: Sunday, April 26, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 58°F (14°C)
Average High: 69°F (20°C)
Average Low: 46° F (7°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.18
Course Score: 98.33

Race Size

2026: 398 Finishers
2025: 379 Finishers
2024: 315 Finishers
2023: 302 Finishers
2022: No Results
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 6.8%
2025: 5%
2024: 9.8%
2023: 9.6%
2022: N/A
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 11 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 63°F  (17°C)
Low: 44°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

48°F  (9°C)
Humidity: 73%

Overcast
NW 6 mph

PR Score

97.99

Course Score

98.27






Kalamazoo Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Kalamazoo Marathon was the 177th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 180th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 6.8% of Kalamazoo Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Kalamazoo Marathon ranked 279th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 160th so far in 2026. In Michigan, it ranked 12th in 2025 and 9th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Kalamazoo Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Kalamazoo Marathon has a Course Score of 98.33, ranking it as the 319th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 13th fastest marathon course in Michigan.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Kalamazoo Marathon a PR Score of 98.18. The PR Score ranks the Kalamazoo Marathon as the 265th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 9th best marathon for a PR in Michigan.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Kalamazoo Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Michigan for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Kalamazoo Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed319th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 13th fastest marathon course in Michigan
Top 69% Nationally#13 of 15 in Michigan
PR Potential265th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 9th best marathon for a PR in Michigan
Top 57% Nationally#9 of 15 in Michigan
Boston Qualifier Rate279th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 12th highest BQ percentage in Michigan
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 59% Nationally#12 of 17 in Michigan
Race Size177th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 6th largest marathon in Michigan
Based on 2025 results
Top 30% Nationally#6 of 21 in Michigan

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 940 feet (286m)
Min Elevation: 757 feet (230m)

Elevation Gain: 746 feet (227m)
Elevation Loss: 746 feet (227m)


Kalamazoo

Course updated 04/20/2026




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Race Reviews


4.2
Based on 5 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Full Review:

The first 7 miles there was only one mile marker. This was at the "mile 1" mark and everyone agreed it was long. I was in the 1:30 half group and all of our GPS watches went off roughly the same spot...25 seconds before the marker. Kind of a big gap. Great course, traffic control, cheer sections, aid stations, etc... Just feel like the timing was off. My watch, and the finish line photo, show my finish time 18 seconds faster than the"official time" on the results page. Otherwise lots of fun! Good race!

Race Tips:

The hill at mile 25 is BRUTAL but not too long. One last surge and it's downhill from there.
Reviewed by PCD About 2017

Full Review:

This is my hometown marathon, and was my second marathon. The course has a reputation for being hilly because the surrounding area (SW MI) is generally very flat, so local runners often don't train on hills unless they seek them out. I thought the rolling hills in the first half were manageable, although I admittedly started too fast and bonked by mile 19. There are a few cruel uphills near the end, including a long one at mile 22 lovingly referred to as popsicle hill, with - you guessed it - freeze pops handed out at the top. Another hill or two just before the finish, then a flat last half mile or so back to the start/ finish line.

Lots of course support for the small size of the race, although there are admittedly a few dead spots through the WMU campus (especially the research park) and the paved trail in Spring Valley park at the end. Many community members (especially through the Winchell neighborhood) provide their own aid stops, like the Bacon Station at the halfway point.

Overall, a hometown marathon to be proud of. :)

Race Tips:

Course starts with a mild downhill, then ramps up for rolling hills through about mile 2 or 3 - 11 or 12. The WMU campus has a few steeper inclines, then theres a brief break of flat running along stadium drive before you enter the Winchell neighborhood for a few mild, rolling hills. Runners then go out Parkview avenue toward the WMU engineering campus/ research park. Parkview is a big uphill, but the WMU research park is FLAT FLAT FLAT, and once you loop around you come back down the big hill on parkview (although don't be fooled, you shoot right back up and equally big hill on the other side). After this, there's a flat portion along Oakland, and a steady 1-2 miles of downhill along Bronson Ave (which is notorious for helping runners PR in the Kalamazoo Klassic 5k and 10k). After this it's mostly flat until the hills at miles 22 and ~24. Wind in 2017 was gusting 10-20 mph, and worst in the downtown portion of the course (early on) and heading back out to parchment after coming down Bronson Blvd.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Lots of parking around the start, and you're welcome to keep warm in the fitness center beforehand. I'd recommend arriving earlier rather than later: I had ample time to bum around and nervously use the restroom 2-3 times when i arrived at 6:50 am for an 8 am start.
Reviewed by RA About 2017

cou

Full Review:

The fitness center at the start allowed you to stay until the last minute to start which was nice. Smaller race, actually had a single porta potty at the start and i snuck out for a quick visit literally 2 minutes before the start and back in. Buses from hotel to the start were perfect and the hotel gave late checkouts for a post race shower. A few hills that were tough, but for a smaller marathon the crowd support was incredible. Small expo which is fine, just don't plan to purchase a lot of stuff there, they do have all the essentials though. A lot of people do the 1/2 there also. Where they merge near finish, they label the sides of the road for 1/2 and full which helps too. The last hill at about mile 25 was a doozy but it is a do-able BQ course. I got mine here.
Reviewed by jk About 2017

Full Review:

The weather was perfect. For a field of 500, the race support was pretty good. At certain miles, they gave out bacon, sponges, and popsicles. Pre-race, we got to wait inside the fitness center building, which was great! A good amount of water stops.

Race Tips:

Be ready for the hills - all kinds: steady incline, rolling, and steep - they are all over the place!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

We stayed at the Radisson - there was a shuttle from there - it was perfect! After food was minimal - water, chocolate milk, bananas, and oranges.
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2016

Full Review:

For a small marathon it has a lot of course support. It may not be the prettiest course, but the rolling hills and changing neighborhoods keep it interesting. 2014 course change to skip Stadium drive and get up into the Winchell neighborhood was a big improvement but adds more hills.

Race Tips:

First half is harder than the second half. Course's reputation as a slow course are overblown. Sure the hills add a minute or two onto your overall time, but not having to weave through a crowd of runners like Chicago evens it out.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The marathon is held in conjunction with a half, 10k, and 5k (each with more participants than the marathon). Marathon starts separately and first. Arrive early and park in the grass right next to start/finish line.
Reviewed by EK About 2014