3 running events in Portage, Michigan

Thinking about training for your first half or full marathon and looking for a comprehensive training program in a fun and supportive environment? Completed one or more half and/or full marathons and looking to improve your race experience and meet new local runners?

Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) is pleased to introduce our half and full marathon training program! The 2026 Winter Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program (Kalamazoo) runs on Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. and follows schedules to prepare you for a fall half or full marathon. Training schedules target the Kalamazoo Half and Full Marathons, but can be easily modified to fit many other fall races.

An Information and Clinic Night will be held on a Tuesday, December 16th at 6:30pm at The Radisson (100 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo). This informative and fun evening is for runners new and old to learn about Beyond and gain knowledge and networking with local running professionals and those who support the sport in our community. Please plan to join us if you can!

Membership in Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) is required to join the 2026 Winter Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program. The cost begins at $45, plus the cost of a KAR membership if not already a member ($25 individual/$35 family/$20 full-time student).

The 2026 Winter Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program (Kalamazoo) includes:

*Organized Saturday morning runs held on a variety of courses in greater Kalamazoo and Portage. The majority of runs offer a pre and post run indoor or outdoor venue with restroom facilities.

*Saturday Runs begin at 8 a.m., with pre-run gathering time and instructions 15 minutes before the start time. This allows us to start early, getting your run done before all your fun weekend activities!

*Low, moderate, and high intensity half and full marathon training schedules with day-by-day workouts.

*Hydration out on the course

*SAG (Support and Gear) at each Saturday run.

*Weekly emails with training tips, schedules, and more

*Supportive and encouraging Team Leaders with pace groups ranging from under 8:00 min/miles to 12 + min/miles. Program leadership includes RRCA running coaches.

*A FUN and supportive summer training experience with shared camaraderie and team spirit.

First Week

Our first run will be this Saturday, Janaury 10th at the Air Zoo (6151 Portage Rd, Portage). Please plan to arrive around 7:40 am to have time to put away your things, use the restroom, etc. Water stops will be about every 2 miles each week. Reusable cups will be provided for runners who need them, but we ask you bring your cup each week to cut down on waste.

The Portage Winter Blast Half Marathon/10K/5K is hosted by Kalamazoo Area Runners and the City of Portage in a community celebration of health and wellness.

A race for runners, hosted by runners - a great training event for the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon and Zeigler Kalamazoo Half Marathon.

Packet Pick Up

EARLY PACKET PICK-UP: Saturday, February 21st, 10:00am – 5:30pm

Packet Pick-Up and Mini Expo will be at Mitten Running Company - 6290 S Westnedge Ave Ste A, Portage, MI 49002.

EVENT DAY PACKET PICK-UP: Sunday, February 22nd, 6:30 am - 8:00 am

Participants can also pick up on race morning at the event site.

Registration

Payment must be made when you register. Registration will remain open until the start of each event.

There is no paper registrations. If you are planning to register day of, please bring a mobile device that you can register on.

There is no shirt guaranteed for transfers or registrations received after February 8th, 2026. As of February 13, shirts are still available to select during registration but sizes are available in limited quantities and when inventory runs out, shirts are no longer guaranteed.

Race Times

• Half Marathon: 8:00 a.m. start time

• 5k: 8:10 a.m. start time

• 10k: 8:20 a.m. start time

Registration Fees

• Half Marathon: $55 - Until January 1st ($10 discount for KAR members) FEES INCLUDE TECH LONG SLEEVE TEE SHIRT

• Half Marathon: $75 - January 2nd through February 21st

• Half Marathon: $85 - February 21st and February 22nd

• 5K/10K: $35 - Until January 1st ($5 discount for KAR members) FEES INCLUDE TECH LONG SLEEVE TEE SHIRT

• 5K/10K: $40 - January 2nd through February 21st

• 5K/10K: $45 - February 21st and February 22nd

Post Race Celebration - NEW

We've partnered with One Well Brewing to celebrate with you! All participants will receive a ticket that is redeemable for one FREE beverage at One Well Brewing! One Well Brewing opens at 11am and the offer will be available all day on select beverages/beer.

Sponsors

Mitten Running Co.

Greenleaf Hospitality

Gordan Water