Kal-Haven Trail Run

April 11th

About This Event:

• Event Type: The Kal-Haven Trail Run is the Southwest Michigan Hometown Ultra, a great first ultra for anyone looking to expand their running beyond 26.2 miles.
• Participation: A great hometown ultra to keep challenging yourself to a new PR every year.
• Relay Options: This run allows participants from all fitness levels to be involved as a 2-person relay team (duo) or 3-6 person relay team.
• Community Spirit: Shake off those winter cobwebs and run the relay with your best run friends!

Event Details:

• Location: The KAR Kal-Haven Ultra Run will be held on the Kal-Haven Trail State Park, offering a scenic, gently downhill run from “the Caboose” in Kalamazoo to South Haven.
• Aid Stations: There are ten aid stations that will energize runners with food, hydration, and awesome encouragement.
• Relay Support: These stations also provide runners with relay switch points while also supporting an opportunity for “fans” to support their runners.
• Experience: It’s a day that is sure to be challenging, yet fun.

Important Dates & Times:

• Race Day: Saturday, April 11, 2026
• Solo Runners: 7:00 AM Start Time
• 2 Person Teams: 7:30 AM Start Time
• 3 to 6 Person Teams: 8:00 AM Start Time

Registration:

• Payment: Payment must be made when you register - there will be NO payment accepted at packet pick-up or race day.
• Online Registration: As well, there is no paper registrations. If you are planning to register day of, please bring a device that you can register on.

Registration Fees:

• Online registration WITH Commemorative Shirt: (Dec 1 - March 22)
  • Solo Registration: $75
  • 2 Person Team Registration: $55 per team member
  • 3 to 6 Person Team Registration: $45 per team member
• Late / Day-Of Registration: (March 23 - April 11) NO SHIRT OPTION when registering AFTER March 22nd
  • Solo Registration: $85
  • 2 Person Team Registration: $65 per team member
  • 3 to 6 Person Team Registration: $55 per team member

Packet Pickup:

• Friday, April 10th: 4pm - 7pm - Mitten Running Co, 6290 S Westnedge Ave Ste A, Portage, MI 49002
• Saturday, April 11th (Race Morning): 6am – 7:45am at Kal-Haven Trail State Park, 4143 10th Street N, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (where the race starts)

Event Information:

• Event Type: RRCA Championship Race
• Solo Runners: 7:00 am start
  • Kalamazoo to South Haven, MI ~33.5 miles
  • Solo runners may have up to 3 drop bags
  • Two return shuttles times available: 1:30pm & 3:30pm sharp. Must pay for this at time of registration. No day-of additions.
• 2 Person Teams: 7:30 am start
  • Kalamazoo to South Haven, MI
  • Exchange in Bloomingdale, approximately half way
  • Team member substitutions: The team captain may make changes to their teams online up to midnight on 03/31/26
• 3 to 6 Person Teams: 8:00 am start
  • Teams with fewer than 6 runners are still required to complete each leg as detailed below.
    • 10th Street to 6th Street - 3.9 miles
    • 6th Street to Kendall - 5.7 miles
    • Kendall to Bloomingdale - 8.0 miles
    • Bloomingdale to Grand Junction - 5.9 miles
    • Grand Junction to Kibbie - 6.5 miles
    • Kibbie to South Haven - 3.5 miles
  • Note – all distances are provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
  • Team member substitutions: The team captain may make changes to their teams online up to midnight on 03/31/2026.

Parking:

Please note that parking is not allowed along 10th Street or along the entrance to the 10th Street Trailhead. Overflow parking is at Center Point Church. There will be a provided shuttle service for everyone attending the Kal-Haven Trail Run. Starting from Center Point Church at 2345 10th St N, Kalamazoo, the shuttle will run on a continuous loop from 6:30am to 8:15am.

The Fine Print:

• All registrations are final, no refunds or deferments will be given.
• To guarantee a commemorative shirt, registration must be received by March 22, 2026. IF YOU REGISTER AFTER MARCH 22, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A SHIRT.
• Important note for 3 to 6 person COED relay teams:
  • A coed 3-4 person team must have a minimum of one female runner
  • A coed 5-6 person team must have a minimum of two female runners

This year's apparel:

To receive a commemorative shirt, registration must be received by March 22, 2026. IF YOU REGISTER AFTER MARCH 22, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A SHIRT.

Awards:

• All finishers will receive a finisher medal
• Awards for each event will be broken down to 5 year age groups, and will have awards for Male, Female, and Non-Binary
  • Solo event
  • 2 Person Relay (overall only)
  • 3 to 6 Person Relay (overall only)

Learn More:

For more information and to register, visit the official event page: Kal-Haven Trail Run.