Early Registration for the 2026 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon Opens July 1st Following Successful 2025 Event

Following a banner year for participation, community engagement, and charitable giving, the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon announces early registration for its 2026 event starting next Tuesday, July 1st. The Marathon's most recent event, held in May, produced an estimated economic impact of  $1,172,000 for downtown Kalamazoo and raised over $10,000 for local charities.

KALAMAZOO, Mich., June 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Registration for the 2026 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon – held Saturday, April 25 through Sunday, April 26, 2026 – will officially open next Tuesday, July 1st. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of early bird pricing and a bundling discount available for Run Camp training when clicking the bundle square on the registration page at zeiglerkalamazoomarathon.com.

The 2025 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon, held this past May, drew thousands of runners and walkers from the Midwest and across the nation. Participation surged by over 20% across all race categories, creating a powerful economic and cultural boost for the greater Kalamazoo area.

This year's event generated an estimated $1,172,000 in economic impact for downtown Kalamazoo, bringing energy and excitement to local businesses and neighborhoods. Nearly 100 sponsors and vendors helped fuel the festivities, creating a vibrant race weekend atmosphere with live music, food trucks, and pop-up cheer zones.

Participants also enjoyed the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon's famous spirit stations which included growing community presence from various organizations like Western Michigan University,  Guys Who Give, 5GP Running Group, Kalamazoo Academy of Rock, MidWest Enterprises for the Blind, and the Rotary Club of Portage to name a few. Spirit Stations included Waldo Stadium, Donut Point, Pickle Pit, Bacon Station, and the Gummy Bear Forest.

Increased participation from runners across the country was also seen through the success of the 50 State Challenge, the Mitten Challenge – in partnership with the Wisconsin Marathon, and the Marathon's virtual running events.

The 2025 race also continued to Drive A Healthy Community by giving back. With the help of participants, sponsors, and donors, the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon raised over $10,000 for local charities.

For more information on volunteering, becoming a vendor, or sponsoring the 2026 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon, please visit zeiglerkalamazoomarathon.com.

About Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon
The Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon attracts participants from all over the U.S. by "Driving a Healthy Community" in the Greater Kalamazoo area and beyond. The annual community event includes a Marathon, Half Marathon, Full & Half Relays,10K, 5K run/walk, PNC Kids' 1K  as well as the 50 State Challenge. Additionally the event hosts a health and wellness expo along with Packet Pick-up.

Formerly known as the Borgess Run for the Health of It!, the event was renamed the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon in 2022 after Zeigler Auto Group became its title sponsor.

As of 2025 all races start and finish at Bronson Park and run through Downtown Kalamazoo, with the full marathon, half marathon, and 10K passing through Western Michigan University's Waldo Stadium. The marathon course also includes the Winchell Neighborhood, the Portage Creek Bicentennial Park Trail, Stryker campus, Milwood Neighborhood, Edison Neighborhood, and Upjohn Park.

Known for its highly-spirited excitement zones and water stations, the 5K, 10K, and Half participants enjoy Gummy Bear Forest; and Half and Full Marathon runners experience the infamous Bacon Station while all distances enjoy the dill-icious Pickle Pit. All participants and spectators can participate in the Stryker Finish Line Celebration in Downtown Kalamazoo at Bronson Park.

Visit zeiglerkalamazoomarathon.com for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Francis Mariela | 239.273.6976
[email protected]

SOURCE Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon