Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon today announced its full course details for its 2023 races taking place on Sunday, April 23, 2023 starting at 7:30a.m. Course maps for the 10K Run and 5K Run and Walk were also announced. The Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon will return for a 2-day event scheduled for the weekend of April 22-23rd, with the marathon serving as a Boston Marathon qualifier this year.
“We’re excited to welcome back the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon this year and for the opportunity to showcase our city to runners and spectators from all over the country,” said Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson. “Runners know that this is an event they want on their calendar, and it’s great to see the full marathon planned for the first time since 2019. Thousands of runners and even more spectators will see what makes Kalamazoo such a wonderful place, and we are looking forward to showing them!”
All races will start and finish at the Arcadia Creek Festival Site and run through Downtown Kalamazoo, with the full marathon, half marathon and 10K passing through WMU Waldo Stadium.
“As we continue to prioritize high quality connections with Kalamazoo and the greater Southwest Michigan area, we are thrilled to partner with the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon. We hope the competitors enjoy running through Waldo Stadium as part of this exciting course, and encourage fans, family, and spectators to come out and cheer them on. We are looking forward to a great day celebrating the Kalamazoo community and the Marathon participants,” said Dan Bartholomae, the Athletic Director at Western Michigan University.
Additionally the 10K, 5K, and half marathon will include the Gummy Bear Forest on Forest Street, and the Vine neighborhood. Additionally, the full and half marathons will have a stop at the Bacon Station in the Winchell Neighborhood.
“We are proud to be able to give our 2023 runners the very unique and exciting opportunity to run through Waldo Stadium. The WMU athletics team has done a great job of working with the Marathon to make this happen, and bring this incredible experience to our community,” said Aaron J. Zeigler, president and owner of Zeigler Auto Group, the event’s title sponsor.
This year’s main race will include the exciting addition of the course running through Waldo Stadium, Western Michigan University's football stadium. The full marathon will also pass Portage Creek Bicentennial Trail, Stryker, Kalamazoo Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, Milham Park, Milwood Neighborhood, Edison Neighborhood, Upjohn Park; and include a stop at the Bacon Station in the Winchell Neighborhood.
The 2-day event will kick off Saturday April 22 with a free PNC Kids’ 1K Run and Health Expo at Mayors Riverfront before continuing on to the main events on the following day.
Registration is now open with a limited time discount of 10% off using discount code: ZKZMCourses2023. This discount will be in effect from today, September 20th through Friday, September 23rd at 11:59 p.m.
The 2-day event will kick off Saturday April 22 with a free PNC Kids’ 1k Run and Health Expo at Downtown Kalamazoo before continuing on to the main events on the following day.
Registration is now open with a new discount of 10% off using discount code: ZKZMCourses2023. This discount will be in effect from today, September 19th through September 22rd at 11:59 p.m.
Schedule of Events Saturday, April 22, 2023 -Event Kickoff: 9:00 a.m. -PNC Kids' 1K: 10:00 a.m. -Expo 11:00a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 23, 2023 -Full Marathon: 7:30 a.m. -Half Marathon: 7:30 a.m. -5K Walk/Run: 7:55 a.m. -10K: 8:00 a.m.
"We are excited to release the course maps which highlight so many great features about Kalamazoo including, perhaps most importantly, the amazing community of people who reside here! I am so grateful to the team that developed the courses including the City of Kalamazoo Public Works, Public Safety and Parks and Rec Departments; the City of Portage Public Works, Police Department and Parks and Rec Department; Western Michigan University; Stryker; the runners who provided feedback and the organizing team at ZKZM. We can't wait for you to enjoy the routes and why wait!? Find the maps on Strava and start training today!" said Carrie Drake, race director.
The Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon made history earlier this year by announcing its 2023 date on the hood of the Zeigler.com No. 77 NASCAR race car piloted by Spire Motorsports' Josh Bilicki. This was the first time in history a date for a marathon was revealed to the national and worldwide media this way.
Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available. If you would like more information, please contact race director Carrie Drake at director@zeiglerkalamazoomarathon.com