2 events in Kalamazoo, Michigan

THE CPT DREW RUSSELL Warrior RUN IS GOING TO HAVE A "LIVE" AND VIRTUAL RACE FOR 2026

About This Event: This 5K Run/Walk is in memory of Captain Drew Russell, a WMU ROTC alumni. He was Killed-In-Action in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan on October 8, 2011. As an active member within his community of Scotts, Michigan and a 2004 graduate of Vicksburg High School, he is remembered as a stand-up man who was always looking out for his friends and family with a great sense of humor. After earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant in Armor through Western Michigan University’s ROTC Program, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado to carry out his time as an active duty Armor officer. Captain Russell was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart for his actions in battle. He was survived by his mother, Patti, his father, Jim and his brother, James. In Captain Russell’s remembrance, an endowed scholarship was established for Western Michigan University students by his classmates. This event raises money for that scholarship to be awarded to a Cadet in the

program.

Event Location:

• Live Race - April 18, 2026. 2000 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

• Virtual Race - Anywhere between April 18, 2026 to April 25, 2026.

Event and Schedule:

• Packet Pickup and “Same Day” Registration will begin at 7:30am. All participants will report to the check in table to receive their t-shirt.

• Race Begins at 8:30 am with the National Anthem and Boomer Start Gun

• Awards will be given to those who have placed after they finish.

Registration Fees:

• Early Bird Registration Pricing - $20.00 until Feb 23rd (11:59 pm)

• Regular Registration Pricing - $25.00 from Feb 24th to April 17th (11:59 pm)

• To Be Guaranteed a T-Shirt, participants must register before March 10th (11:59 pm)

Tee Shirts:

• To Be Guaranteed a T-Shirt, participants must register before March 10th (11:59 pm). Extra shirts will be ordered and available on a “First Come – First Serve” Basis.

• For in-person race participants T-shirts will be picked up on race day at the registration table

• For virtual participants, the T-shirt will be mailed out to you.

Awards:

• Winners in each category will be awarded a medal! Only in-person participants will be eligible for a medal.

• Categories:

• Top Runner Below 25 years old (Male and Female)

• Top Runner between 26 and 40 years old (Male and Female)

• Top Runner above 41 years old (Male and Female)

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can my Dog Participate in the race with me?

• Yes! Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash and you clean up after them!

• Can I push a stroller during this race?

• Yes!

For any questions, please contact:

Matt Alexander

Work phone: (269) 387-8125

Email: [email protected]

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]