Groundhog Day Marathon

Race Overview

We’ve all heard of Punxsutawney Phil, the little furry guy in Pennsylvania who comes out, sees his shadow, and declares six more weeks of winter. Then there’s Augustus T. Groundhog, better known as Grand Rapids Gus. He’s Phil’s much more interesting cousin. Unlike Phil, who it seems can only see shadows, Gus has much better eyesight and can look at a calendar on February 2 and know that spring doesn’t start for six weeks. Gus suggested that instead of lamenting over six more weeks of winter, we should EMBRACE the cold and snow and do something fun. And so, the Groundhog Day Marathon was born.

The modified course for 2024 was pretty popular. We've certified the new course, so we’ll be starting behind the pavilion this year again. Looking forward to seeing you in 2027!

Early Start

• Start Time: If you're planning to be running more than about 6 hours, please start at the 7:00 am early start.
• Normal Start: The normal start is at 8:00 am.

The Basics

• Event Type: It’s a winter running event, outside Grand Rapids Michigan.
• Weather Note: YES! THERE WILL PROBABLY BE LOTS OF SNOW ON THE COURSE.
• Date: The Friday and Saturday beginning of February. In 2027, it's February 5-6.
• Dress Code: It’s more fun than you should have with your clothes on. (And we DEFINITELY suggest you keep your clothes on!)

Our Events

• Friday - Moonlight 1/6 Marathon: WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 1/6 MARATHON! 300 Runner limit.
• Event Time: 6:30 p.m. Friday.
• Saturday - Marathon: A beautiful, snowy course. 500 Runner limit combined for full and half marathons.
• Event Time: 8:00 a.m. Saturday.

Course Information

• Type: A total of 12 loops of approximately 2.18 miles on a CERTIFIED course.
• Aid Stations: Aid stations at 1 mile plus the finish line area.
• Surface: It’s paved, which means no underlying rocks and roots.
• Snow Expectation: Don’t plan on the course being free of snow.

Swag

Every participant will get an awesome hoodie, finisher medal. Whole and Half-Hog get a stocking cap as well.

Training Partner

• Running Club: RunGR is our largest local running club.
• Coaching: Multiple coaches, provide training programs for all of our races.
• Membership: Offering a prorated membership, known as their FAST program.
• Link: https://rungr.com/

Hotels & Travel

Our airport is GRR. Look for hotels HERE

Weather Warning

This is a middle of the freakin' winter thing. Weather could suck. (Usually does.) You do know we’re in Michigan, right? So register at your own risk. There are no refunds, deferrals until Friday of race weekend, no transfers. If there’s a snowstorm of Biblical proportions, we’ll have a snow date the next Saturday. If it’s still not possible to hold the event, we’ll give people registered for this year a 50% credit on next year’s event.

Contact Information

• Race Director: Don Kern [email protected] 616 293 3145
• Volunteer Coordinator: Stephanie Cornwell, [email protected]
• Mailing Address: 1170 Oakburn Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Race URL

Groundhog Day Marathon Registration