Race Day

All events held at David D. Hunting YMCA

Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Expo and Packet Pickup David D Hunting YMCA

1:30 p.m. – Grand Rapids Kids Marathon The final 1.2 miles of course.

Sunday 6:00 a.m. to race time  – Packet pickup

7:00 a.m. – Early start for the “Velocity Challenged” – Marathon and Half Marathon.

7:30 a.m. – Wheelchair and Hand Cycle Division, myTeam Triumph & Other Chariot racers start

7:45 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies – National Anthem – Welcome Comments

8:00 a.m. – Official start of Marathon, Half Marathon and ALL relay teams

8:20 a.m. – Run Thru the Rapids 10K Start

8:30 a.m. – Run Thru The Rapids 5K Start

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Runners cross the finish line. Mothers are proud. Angels rejoice.

Location

David D. Hunting YMCA
475 Lake Michigan Drive
Grand Rapids, MI

Take the Pearl Street exit off US-131. Don’t turn toward the Y! See parking info below.

Start Times

Early Start for “Velocity Challenged” for both the MARATHON and HALF MARATHON. The early start is recommended if you’ll be at a more-than-six-hour marathon pace, however, the decision is up to you. DO NOT TAKE THE EARLY START if it means you’ll finish ahead of the winners!! Doing so may result in disqualification.  IF YOU WILL TAKE MORE THAN 7 HOURS TO FINISH THE MARATHON, PLEASE TAKE THE EARLY START.

SEE TABLE ABOVE FOR ALL START TIMES

Note: Early starters not eligible for awards other than the finisher medal. All you fast folks start at the normal times like everybody else.

Packet Pickup

Is at the YMCA on race morning. Arrive early. At the Expo, 9:00 – 5:30 on Saturday. Also at the YMCA

Parking

You need a YMCA membership card to get into the Y lot. (Not available on Race Day anyway!) The Dash Lots are on either side of the Y. They’re cheap. If you’re staying at a downtown hotel, it’s a lot easier to walk. PARKING INFORMATION

Early Starters, My Team Triumph & other Chariot Racers, Wheelers

The big Dash lot on Seward is still being filled up with runners when you start, so STAY IN THE BIKE LINE as you go north on Seward.

Bag Drop

You can leave your bag at our drop area. Please tag your bag with your race number. Area will be supervised by volunteers, but ALL BAGS ARE LEFT AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Timing

“B-Tag” It’s on the back of your bib.  DO NOT FOLD YOUR BIB!!!  WEAR THE BIB ON YOUR OUTSIDE LAYER.  Cross the mats at the start, wherever you see one along the way, and at the finish. NO TAG – NO TIME!!!!   Don’t try to experiment with different ways of wearing the tag as a fashion accessory. It won’t freakin’ work. Wear it according to the instructions!!!

Beer

Bring a bottle of decent beer or a pint glass from your local microbrewery as a gift for the race director. At the FINISH, we have beer from New Holland Brewery. (Yeah–you buy me a beer, I buy you a beer, next thing you know we’re friends for life.) Your race bib gets you one beer. You can make a contribution to My Team Triumph if you want to get another beer or two. Beer garden area hosted by My Team Triumph. GUESTS ARE WELCOME IN THE BEER AREA–WRISTBANDS GOOD FOR UP TO 3 BEERS WILL BE SOLD AT THE EXPO AND AT THE BEER GARDEN.

Medical

Look for them at every aid station. They’re doctors, nurses, physical therapists, etc. All highly qualified professionals from University of Michigan Health – West Sports Medicine, PT Sports Pro, and Life EMS. View important medical information >