From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find 10k events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Join us for the spring session of the 2026 Fast Track 5k and 10K Training Program (Kalamazoo) presented by Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR). The Fast Track program offers two levels of workouts designed to meet your goals whether beginner or experienced runner. Led by trained KAR coaches, the program targets the Kalamazoo Klassic and includes training schedules, individual guidance, clinics and structured Wednesday track workouts in a fun and supportive environment. The Wednesday track sessions are conducted 6:00 to 7:30 pm at WMU Kanley Track and programs run 9 weeks from April 14 to June 9.
Program Levels:
Fast Track II (Introduction to Speedwork 5k & 10k Program) – Geared towards transitioning a runner who has some 5k and/or 10k running experience, but is new to track workouts and is looking for a lower mileage program (under 20 miles/week).
Fast Track III (Competitive Speedwork 5k & 10k Program) – Geared towards competitive runners with 5k and/or 10k racing and track workout experience who are seeking optimal performance and/or a higher mileage (20 + miles week).
The program is $35 to members of KAR and registration will remain open through May 15 or until the 50 participant cap is attained, whichever is sooner. Participants may join (new members) or renew (existing members) their KAR membership upon registration. (Membership is $20/student; $25/individual and $35/household per year.
FAST TRACK TRAINING PLAN
5K & 10K Training
Objective
The overall objective of Fast Track is to make you a fundamentally faster runner. That starts with organizing training groups. Training partners make it easier and more enjoyable to run fast. Once we have training groups put together, we will work on several of the secrets of running faster: springy muscles and quicker muscle contraction. Along the way we will improve things like lactic threshold, anaerobic capacity, lactic buffering, and aerobic capacity, all of which is intended to not only make you a faster runner but give you the confidence to run faster.
Overview
The Wednesday track workouts will cycle through three separate sub-target-race distance paces and one target race distance pace workouts. In the cycle, one day’s workout will be intervals at mile race pace, one day at 3k race pace, one day at 800 race pace, and one day at 5k or 10k pace. The pace for the intervals will be based on your current VO2Max ability (or goal race pace). The second time through the cycle, the pace will be dropped to match the improvement in your fitness.
Session Organization
Practices will start with an explanation of the workouts and its goals. Then, to prepare for running fast, we will do a warm-up run followed by warm-up drills. After the warm-up we will break into pace groups. The pace groups will be organized according to VO2Max paces. After the workout we will always do a cool-down run and some stretching (if time). The number of intervals will always be given in a range, the Fast Track II runners (those runner fewer miles per week) can do the shorter end of the range, and the Fast Track III runners can do the high end of the range.
Tentative Workout Schedule
Wednesday
April 15 800 pace
2-3 x (3 x 150)
April 22 3000 pace
2-3 x (3 x 400)
April 29 1 Mile pace
2 x (4 x 300)
May 6 5k or 10k pace
5k – 3-5 x 600
10k – 4-8 x 800
May 13 800 pace
2-3 x (3 x 200)
May 20 3000 pace
2-3 x (3 x 500)
May 27 Mile pace
(6 x 400) (2 x 400)
June 3 5k or 10k pace
5k – 4-6 x 800
10k – 5-8 x 1000
June 10 Peak week
5k 2 x 800
10k 2-3 x 1000
We're excited to drive a healthy community at the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon and events weekend with YOU! Mark your calendars for the weekend of April 25 and 26, 2026!
The 2026 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon will return to Kalamazoo's iconic Bronson Park! All routes are USATF certified with the full and half marathon routes also certified as Boston Marathon qualifiers!
Be sure to check out the FAQs for all official procedures and policies regarding animals, age limits, and more.
PNC Kids' 1K - The PNC Kids' 1K will be held downtown Kalamazoo on Saturday, April 25, 2026 - 9am Packet Pick-up; 10am 1K start.
PNC Kids' 1K (Only) Early Packet Pick-Up Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 4:00-7:00 PM Location: Gazelle Sports Downtown Kalamazoo
Zeigler Kalamazoo Full Marathon; Marathon Relay; Half Marathon; Half Marathon Relay; 10K Run; and 5K Run/Walk!
Packet Pick-Up - Date: April 25; Time: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM; Location: Bronson Park Downtown Kalamazoo (Expo closes at 4 PM, however, the Gazelle Sports tent will remain open for last minute purchases).
Saturday Pre-Race Celebration Events - Stay tuned for a full line up of fun for all on Saturday in Bronson Park! Date: Saturday, April 25; Time: 9:00 AM - TBD; Location: Bronson Park Downtown Kalamazoo
Day-Of Packet Pick-up All Events - Date: Sunday, April 26; Time: 6:00 AM - start time of your event; Location: Bronson Park Downtown Kalamazoo
All Events - Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon and Marathon Relay Start: 7:00 AM
Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay Start: 8:05 AM
10K Run Start: 8:30 AM
5K Run/Walk Start: 8:40 AM
Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon Virtual Events
The virtual events are a great option for ZKZM fans who cannot join us on April 26 for whatever reason! Also, great option to utilize as a fundraiser for your favorite charity!
Registration for the virtual events includes a bib, tech shirt, finishers medal, and shipping of those items to you.
Virtual participants can complete their event anytime between April 12, 2026 and May 10, 2026. Please note registration closes on April 26.
Virtual participants must manually enter their results into the RunSignUp system anytime between April 12, 2026 and May 10, 2026 to have their results listed online.
Virtual packets will be mailed out no later than the week of May 4, 2026.
In-person participants - We advise that you arrive early to your events or attend the packet pick-up the day before your event to ensure ample time to get to the start line.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon at [email protected]
👋 Hey runner, get ready for the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon! Located in the beautiful Michigan in the United States, the city of Kalamazoo welcomes you for an outstanding race. This running experience blends city and nature, passing through public parks, providing a perfect opportunity to work your muscles and cardio while enjoying incredible scenery.
About This Event:
The Kalamazoo Klassic is a community walk/run event to promote and benefit local nonprofit MRC Industries. At least 85% of the net proceeds of the Kalamazoo Klassic benefit MRC Industries, Inc. in its mission to encourage and support individuals living with a disability to achieve their fullest potential through employment, workforce development, and active community involvement. The remaining proceeds benefit Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) in its mission to promote a healthy lifestyle through the sport of running while enhancing the quality of life in the community.
The 2026 Kalamazoo Klassic 10k Run and 5k Walk/Run, presented in partnership by MRC Industries, Inc. and the Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR), is scheduled for Saturday, June 20th. We are excited about celebrating our 48th year and we are pleased to announce the 5k Run has been selected as the RRCA State Championship. The 10k Run starts at 7:30am and the 5k Walk/Run starts at 9:00am at the top of Maple Street Hill in Kalamazoo.
Event Times and Information:
Friday packet pickup from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Maple Street Magnet School Parking Lot - 922 W. Maple St.)
Race Day Saturday packet pickup starting at 6:30 am (Maple Street Magnet School Lower Field)
Tee Shirt Information:
USA Swimming Club. Club Excellence: Silver. Safe Sport Recognized. 148 members.
USA Swimming Club. 42 members.