Kalamazoo – September 15, 2026 -- Registration is now open for the 48th Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon, set to return to downtown Kalamazoo and Bronson Park on April 24-25, 2027.
The 2026 race generated more than $1,124,000 in local economic impact
Discover Kalamazoo reported the figure after last year's event drew over 5,000 registered participants and thousands of spectators to downtown streets. Organizers also donated more than $8,000 to local charities and distributed over $4,000 in financial assistance to participants.
A redesigned 5K course cuts down on turns for 2027
New participants will also receive an exclusive commemorative long-sleeve quarter-zip, and the Beacon Health Expo will offer all-day activities throughout race weekend. Runners can register through a "Start to Finish Bundle" training package offered with Run Kalamazoo Run Camp.
Organizers are already designing finisher medals for the race's 50th anniversary in 2029
The 2026 event featured community-run "spirit stations" along the course, including Waldo Stadium, Donut Point, Pickle Pit, Bacon Station, and the Gummy Bear Forest, staffed by groups such as Western Michigan University, Guys Who Give, and the Rotary Club of Portage. Volunteers and participants also received free entry to local attractions including the Kalamazoo Nature Center, Air Zoo, and Gilmore Car Museum through partnerships with more than a dozen downtown businesses.