7 walking events in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Run Kalamazoo Run Camp is excited for the 2025/2026 season!

Starts: Saturday, December 6, 2025

Programs:

• Full Marathon Training

• This training program is designed for individuals hoping to complete a full marathon be it their first or 15th marathon! Whatever your pace, we've got you covered. We even have walk/run groups who train for the full marathon!

• Half Marathon Training

• This training program is designed for individuals hoping to complete a half marathon! Whatever your pace, we've got you covered. We even have walk/run groups who train for the half marathon!

• Get Your Move On Program

• This training program is designed for individuals who want to keep moving through the winter with friends! This program is designed for walkers, runners, and everyone in between. The goal is to keep your body moving however movement looks for you. The training guide begins at 20 minutes of movement and builds from there. Participants who are starting new in this program will be prepared to walk or run a 10K comfortably by the end of training.

13-week Camp:

Starts: Saturday, January 31, 2026 (Originally the 24th but moved back a week due to cold temps)

Programs:

• Half Marathon Training:

• This training program is designed for individuals hoping to complete a half marathon! Whatever your pace, we've got you covered. We even have walk/run groups who train for the half marathon!

• 10K Training:

• This training program is designed for individuals hoping to complete a 10K! Whatever your pace, we've got you covered. We even have walk/run groups who train for the 10K!

• 5K Training

• This training program is designed for individuals hoping to complete a 5K! Whatever your pace, we've got you covered. We even have walk/run groups who train for the 5K!

• Get Your Walk On Program:

• This training program is designed for individuals who would like to walk to build health in community.

• Participants who are starting new in this program will be prepared to walk a 5K comfortably by the end of training.

• Participants may include those who...

o ...aren't ready to run distances but want to see what it's about.

o ...choose not to run.

o ...are unable to run.

o ...or have a reason all their own - whoever you are and whatever you choose, we are here to walk with you!

Add-On Options

First and foremost, we are dedicated to creating a space for beginners and veterans alike to move and connect to your teammates. Our training programs are made for those who are just starting out or who are just starting over. Wherever you find yourself, the programs will get you to your finish line. That said, we are also dedicated to meeting our participants where they are at. That's why we are adding the following option listed below to add to your program.

• Individualized Plan $15

• Have a goal time in mind? Want to compete in your event and need a plan that will get you there? We can modify the training plans to fit your goals and needs.

• Complete a survey about your goals and current fitness level.

• Receive a PDF of a customized training plan based on your survey and unique goals!

• Don't know how to gauge your fitness? We will host an optional mile time trial for you to get your time.

• Do not sign up for this plan if you are simply starting another event weekend...keep on reading the note below!

Please note: we build our training plans to lead up to our hometown event, The Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon, Half, 10K run, 5K run, and 5K walk. If you plan to participate in another spring event, let us know. We have pre-modified plans that lead up to each weekend starting the weekend of April 26th through May 31st without sacrificing most of your weekend group runs with your Run Camp team. These plans are also for beginners.

Welcome to the 2026 KDP Chocolate Milk Mile! This is our third year running. All ages are welcome to participate!

How does it work? Every competitor must finish 16 ounces of chocolate milk before each quarter mile for a total of 1/2 gallon of chocolate milk and 1 mile of running. Chocolate milk will be provided for each competitor!

(If you need an alternative option such as lactose free milk, you must bring it yourself. If you intend to bring your own milk, please send an email to [email protected] so we can buy the correct amount of milk Please only bring your own milk if you really need to. We want everyone to be on an even playing field, thanks!)

When: Saturday March 28th. Check in will begin at 4:45 PM and the race will start right at 5:00 PM with a 5:25 PM cut off time.

Where: The 2026 Chocolate Milk Mile will be held at Hackett Catholic Prep Highschool - 1000 W Kilgore Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Registration and fees:

Early Registration will run from February 1st - March 26th and is $3.

Late Registration will be from March 27th - March 28th before 12PM and will be $6. Walk up registrations are not allowed.

(If price is at all an issue but you'd still like to participate email [email protected] )

Kalamazoo Distance Project is a registered non-profit. We've set the registration price as low as possible to cover only track rental and milk purchases for the estimated number of participants. Any funds beyond hosting costs will be given back to the youth running community in Southwest 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]

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:

• Tee Shirt size and availability will be guaranteed until Sunday, June 7th. After June 7th shirt sizing it is subject to available inventory.