The Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the promotion of running as a source of physical, spiritual and social wellness while enhancing the quality of life in our community. With more than 600 members, KAR is Michigan's largest running club. Through a diverse program and event menu, we are committed to providing an encouraging environment welcoming runners of all goals and abilities.
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Posted 2 years ago.
This appears to be an interesting idea. I would be concerned with the race being part of the Borgess events if the coarse follows any or all of the current half-marathon. I believe we would be doing a disservice to motorists of the Kalamazoo area. The topography of the half coarse is fine, but the areas of Kalamazoo that have to be traversed is inappropriate. There would have to be a much more attractive venue for a full marathon. The race organizers have to develop a broader perspective than advertising downtown Kalamazoo. I wish them luck, but ask for them to think carefully, as this is a major step in the area running history. GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!
Third weekend in April is definately best. The first weekend in May is the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon and half-marathon. I would hate to have to choose between the two. The third weekend in May would also give an extra week between the Kalamazoo run and the River Bank Run - also great. As it stands now, I run Borgess, then Flying Pig, and then River Bank Run. I like them all and would not want to have to choose. The thought of a full Marathon in Kalamazoo would be great for my goal to run another marathon for my 50th birthday.
Like others have said, either the 3rd week of April or 1st of May will work. Having a marathon here in Kzo might help me committ to actually doing a full marathon, instead of just thinking about it.
I would like to see a course that utilizes all the newly developed bike trails in Kalamazoo/portage. It should start and end in the downtown. try to hit every neighborhood. This would make it like the chicago or cincinnati marathon which hits all the different ethnic areas of the city. Look forward to it.
I would propose a Marathon and/or Triathlon that starts and finishes at Prairie View Park. The course would run south and west through a beautiful rural area of SW Kalamazoo County and into Van Buren County.
Either day works well for me, but I would strongly prefer a Sunday Marathon. Thank you, I look forward to a Kalamazoo Marathon! Very exciting.
I would like more than a week between Kzoo and the Riverbank run, so definately 3rd weekend of April! Both runs are great for the area. I agree with Gail.
I agree if the Kzoo marathon were the same weekend as Boston it would a hard decision to choose between the two. But having it ahead of River Bank is important because that's a really a big race for a lot of runners.
Why doesn't the fall work?
I support either weekend. This is a huge part of my life and I will make sure to find the time for it either way, that being said, I think that for training purposes having it in May will work better for those that are making a first attempt at a marathon, and the beginner segment is a huge part of the Borgess Run every year. I happen to love the course where it is because we get to see some city and some country and some flat and some hills. I know you that the course will be well thought out with eveyone's fun and safety in mind. I have made two attempts at a marathon distance, and fallen short both times, so hopefully the third time will be a charm for me and the Kalamazoo marathon will be my first successful completion of this distance.
Thanks to everyone for working to make this happen - I love living in Kalamazoo and a huge part of that has to do with the running community that we have. I travel a lot and have never encountered anything like what we have here.
How exciting. Either weekend would work. It would be great to end downtown somewhere.
I think that it is great that a marathon is coming to Kalamazoo. I hope that it is a success. I love racing the Riverbank Run every year and having the marathon the end of April would allow an extra week of recovery to be able to race the Riverbank Run.
The 3rd weekend in April may conflict with the Boston Marathon - not that I have qualified, yet, but some day . . . . . . .
I hope the Kalamazoo Marathon does not run basically the same course of the Borgess Run. I personally think that is one of the worst courses I have ever run. Just sayin. I say start downtown and end downtown where we can park, run the race then walk to a restaurant afterwards.
First Saturday in May is the Kentucky Derby. That's a big party day at our house!
Either weekend (3rd in April; 1st in May) would be good for me. Had to choose only one, so I did. :)