FAQs
How much does it cost to register in the events?
Head to THIS PAGE and click on "Registration Details" under your desired event(s) to see current pricing and price increases.
Do you have age limits on the races?
We want to encourage everyone to participate safely and healthily. We've consulted with medical professionals as well as public safety officials to create these policies. Each person must meet the eligibility requirements for their specific racing event as follows:
- 5K Run/Walk - open to all participants of any age. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- 10K - must be 10 years of age or older. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Half Marathon - must be 14 years of age or older.
- Marathon - must be 18 years of age or older.
- Relay Events - Both the Full and Half Relay events, participants must be 10 years of age or older. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult on the course.
- Virtual Races - Age requirements are the same as in person events.
- A legal guardian must complete/sign the registration for individuals under 18 years of age.
What's the 50 State Challenge? If I am the first from my state to sign up, how does it work?
The 50 State Challenge is a unique opportunity to attempt to draw runners from every state in the US in both our half and full marathon events. The 50 State Challenge is open to the Full Marathon and the Half Marathon. Participants who are the first in their state to sign up in the event (half or full) must first complete their registration and pay the full fee. After our team confirms that they are the first one from the state to sign up, we will issue a full refund for full marathoners and a half refund for half marathoners. In addition, winners will receive sweet swag event weekend.
How do I update or change my t-shirt size?
To change your shirt size, visit the following webpage for a video with step-by-step instructions CLICK HERE or follow the steps below.
Some users have reported only finding this option utilizing a desktop or laptop computer rather than their mobile device.
- Sign In to RunSignUp
- Go to your Profile
- See Upcoming Races
- Click Manage Registration next to the registration that you are editing.
- Click the Giveaway menu item
- Change your Giveaway selection
- Click Continue
What comes with my event registration?
Registration for the in-person events includes an event tech shirt, bib, beer/beverage ticket, entry to the Stryker Finish Line Celebration, post-race treats and more. All finishers of the races will receive a medal upon crossing the finish line.
Virtual participants will receive a bib, shirt, and medal by mail. The cost of registration for the virtual events includes shipping.
What does the official race t-shirt look like?
Coming soon on ZeiglerKalamazooMarathon.com!
Coming soon on ZeiglerKalamazooMarathon.com!
How is the event timed?
Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon partners with Classic Race Management of Ada, MI. All runners will have their start and finish times recorded at those points. There will be additional timing check points at the half way points along the full and half marathon courses that runners cross over for half splits. Your bib contains your timing chip. Please ensure you wear your bib on race day!
How can I find my results?
All results can be found here on RunSignUp and on the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon website! In addition, bibs will have unique QR codes which runners can capture with their phone and be taken directly to their results.
Virtual participants must manually enter their results between April 20, 2025 and May 18, 2025 in order to have their results show on the official results page.
Where will aid stations be located and what will they have?
Aid station and spirit stations are located along all courses.
All aid stations will have water provided by Gordon Water and UCAN hydration mix. Select aid stations along the half marathon and full marathon routes will feature UCAN gels as well as banana sections for additional nutritional needs. Try a UCAN sample pack for free (just pay shipping) by clicking HERE. Use code SAMPLEZKM24
First aid will be available and will be clearly marked by signage and red tents approximately every 4 miles (every other aid station). In addition, mobile EMS units will be monitoring courses, mobile biking med teams powered by Armor PT will be riding throughout the event along the courses, and first responder support from Public Safety units at many intersections.
Aid station and spirit station locations can be found on our website when new 2025 maps are released.
Who are the Charity Partners?
Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon offers many different ways to give from donating to hosting your own fundraiser. You can find more information here: Charity Webpage
Additionally, Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon is proud to provide a portion of our proceeds to the following local organizations:
What's the time limit on the event?
The full marathon has a time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes to cross the finish line which is just about a pace at 15 minutes per mile.
The Half, 10K, and 5K do not have their own course limits, but all roads will be re-opened to normal traffic after the last runner in each event (where courses do not overlap).
All courses officially close at/or before 1:30pm.
Will the miles be marked on the course?
Yes.
Will there be portable bathrooms on the course?
Yes.
Are roller skates, inline skates, bikes, or strollers allowed in the events?
Strollers are allowed in the Kids' 1K and the 5K Walk ONLY. Please pay attention along the course. At times, strollers may be asked to stay to one side of the course to allow runners safe passage. Otherwise, anyone seen with any of these on the course will be immediately directed off the course.
Are pets allowed to participate in the events or allowed at the finish line?
No. For the safety and consideration of every individual, it is best if your furry friends sit this one out at home please.
Are headphones or ear buds allowed in the events?
Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon strongly discourages the use of headphones and ear buds but they are not forbidden. For your own safety, we ask that you not listen to music so that you may safely hear instructions from directors, volunteers, and police.
I'm interested in volunteering, how can I sign up?
Thank you for your interest! ZKZM would not be what it is without the help of hundreds of Volunteers throughout race weekend. Register to Volunteer!
What are the race routes?
Courses and maps will be available in August 2024.
Are the courses certified?
Yes, the courses are all certified by USATF.
Is the marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes, the marathon and half are Boston Qualifiers.
Strava maps and/or my Garmin have an incorrect distance! What's up with that?
Every route has been certified and is the correct distance. Distances for certified courses are measured for the shortest possible route (point to point). Most runners will run in the middle of the course making your measurement and Strava a bit longer than the official certified distance.
What if I get lost on the course?
We mark the courses with cones, barricades, and signage as best we can. We also offer public safety and volunteer course monitors along the course as well as bike leads for each race, pacers are present for the half and full marathon distances, and we have last runner follow up vehicles. While we try everything we can to ensure you do not get lost, it can happen. Please note that it is the official policy of the USATF that it is the runner's responsibility to study and know the course route. We have maps that are downloadable to your running or mobile device on Strava. We cannot modify your times in the event you get lost.
We mark the courses with cones, barricades, and signage as best we can. We also offer public safety and volunteer course monitors along the course as well as bike leads for each race, pacers are present for the half and full marathon distances, and we have last runner follow up vehicles. While we try everything we can to ensure you do not get lost, it can happen. Please note that it is the official policy of the USATF that it is the runner's responsibility to study and know the course route. We have maps that are downloadable to your running or mobile device on Strava. We cannot modify your times in the event you get lost.
Do you have any training resources I can use to get ready to run my race?
Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon has partnered with Run Kalamazoo Run Camp to assist in all training needs! Registration for Run Camp and events of the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon can be bundled for discounts at the time of registration.
In addition, Kalamazoo has a number of great training groups and resources.
Check out:
Where and when is packet pick-up?
The event expo and packet pick-up will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 9:00am-4:00pm at Bronson Park downtown Kalamazoo. There will be an extended Packet Pick-up from 4:30pm-6:30pm at Bronson Park. While the Expo will close at that time, the Gazelle Sports tent will remain open for your last minute purchases. If you are unable to pick up your packet on Saturday, you can come to late packet pick-up Sunday morning from 6:00am-the start time of your event located at the Packet Pick-up Tent.
A friend or colleague can pick up your packet for you. We do not mail packets in advanced.
What is the refund policy?
Read more about our refund, deferral, and transfer policies HERE.
Can I change races?
Yes. Check out this article HERE to learn how to change races.
Where should I park?
Parking can feel daunting in an urban area! Please do not worry! Street parking in downtown Kalamazoo is all free and does not have a time limit on Sundays. In addition, there are many locations we have scouted out and ensured will be ready for you. The parking map will be updated as we get closer to the event.
Will roads be closed during the race?
Throughout the course, runners will have a designated lane to run in. Roads will close at intersections where runners are actively crossing. Critical points on the course will be monitored by public safety to ensure the safety of all runners and motorists. Volunteer course monitors will be present along the course to ensure runners know where to go at potentially confusing spots and to add additional levels of safety.
Will there be pacers?
Yes. We have pacers for the full and half marathon distances.
Is gear check available and how does it work?
Yes. There will be a gear check tent near the Start/Finish Line area. You will give Gear Check your belongings and attach the Gear Check Tear off from your bib. When you are done with your race, return to gear check with your bib to get your belongings back.
What can I do to celebrate after my race?
Celebrate your finish at the Stryker Finish Line Celebration! Enjoy refreshments, food, the Ascension Borgess Health & Wellness Expo, Award Ceremony, and much more!
What are the age group awards divisions and how do I find my award?
The Awards Ceremony will be at 11am, located near the band stage for Overall, Masters, and Top Relay teams. Age Group awards will be available at the Awards Tent once results are finalized. If you need to pick up your award before they are announced, feel free to come to the table to claim your award. If you are unable to pick up your award, please email us and we can arrange for an alternative way for you to receive your award. Awards are given out first to Overall, then Masters, and then Age Group with no awardee duplicated (i.e. no double dipping).
Scan the QR code on your bib to see your place!
Overall Winner awards for all distances will go to the top male, top female, top nonbinary, top male masters (40+), top female masters (40+), and top nonbinary masters (40+), and top Full & Half Marathon Relay teams. Overall and Master Winners are not eligible for age group awards.
Awards will be given to the top 3 nonbinary finishers in each distance.
Age group awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups:
13 and under (excludes Full & Half Marathon, per minimum age requirement), 14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
13 and under (excludes Full & Half Marathon, per minimum age requirement), 14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Can I walk the race?
The marathon, half marathon, and 10K are intended to be run by runners of a wide range of paces. That said, there is the Zeigler Kalamazoo 5K walk specifically for our walkers! The walk is non-competitive and scored with the 5K run, meaning walkers are generally not included in the age group awards unless you walked fast enough to place!
When does online registration close?
Online registration will remain open until the start of the events with the exception of the relays (keep reading). Head to THIS PAGE and click on "Event Details" under your desired event(s) to see current pricing and price increases. Make sure to sign up early to get the best price.
Registration will be open thru Sunday for LATE SIGN-UPS with the exception of the Full and Half Marathon Relays which close on Sunday, April 27th.
You must sign up on your computer or smartphone prior to coming to registration and packet pick up. There will be NO ONSITE COMPUTERS.
I can’t make it to packet pick-up. How can I get my packet?
Sorry, we do not mail out bibs. If you are unable to make it to packet pick-up on Saturday, a friend or family member can pick it up on your behalf as long as they have your full name and what race you are running. We also offer a late packet pick-up on race day morning starting at 6:00am.
Will there be medical assistance available?
Yes. Medical assistance will be provided by a great team of medical professionals from Ascension Borgess, Armor PT, NovaCare, Life EMS, and more. Medical professionals will be monitoring the course and based at the finish line.
Who do I contact if my company is interested in sponsoring the event?
Email Race Director, Carrie Drake, director@zeiglerkalamazoomarathon.com
Do you have any hotel specials?
Hotel Room blocks can be found HERE.
Additional Questions?
Email Director of Operations, Alaina Schuld, hello@zeiglerkalamazoomarathon.com
