Last Chance BQ.2 - Grand Rapids

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

For the last 2 years, runners could qualify for Boston twice in the same race! NO. WE DON'T KNOW IF THAT WILL WORK FOR 2026/2027.

📅 Special BAA Note

• Qualifying window: The qualifying window for the 130th Boston Marathon, scheduled to take place on April 20, 2026, began on September 1, 2024.
• Registration details: Registration details for the 130th Boston Marathon will be announced following the 2025 Boston Marathon.
• Changes: Boston has changed their qualifying times for 2026.
• Announcement: Until the BAA makes an announcement, we won't know the registration dates for the 2026 Boston Marathon.

✅ Eligibility Notice

• Readiness: You should only sign up for this race if you are going to be ready to qualify for Boston.
• Qualifying race: To sign up before July 15, you'll need to run a "qualifying race" to sign up. Please check the table below.
• Wheelchairs: Please note: Because of the nature of this course, we do not allow wheelchairs (Handcycle or push rim) in this race.
• Participants: This race is limited to 330 runners.

🌟 Course Details

Last Chance BQ.2-Grand Rapids has become one of the premier and most nationally known BQ events. The timing is perfect, and we provide a venue that has proven to be one of the highest percentage qualifiers in the country, hovering around 60%.

This is a race we designed specifically to give you a shot at getting to Boston in 2026. The course occurs at Secchia Meadows in Millennium Park, one of the most scenic and beautiful Kent County Parks. You will run on a wide and paved path that crosses a footbridge, winds along the Grand River, and cuts through meadows. Most of the course is heavily shaded.

🏁 Event Logistics

• Packet Pickup: Packet pickup is at Fulton Street Pub & Grill from 4-7 PM Saturday. 801 West Fulton Street.
• Race Day: Sunday at the race site starting at 6 AM. The race site is at 1400 Maynard SW.
• Start Time: Starting time is at 7 AM Sunday morning.
• Gear: Bring your shoes. Recommended but optional.

📊 Qualifying Standards

There are qualifying standards to get into this race. The reason we have qualifying standards is because WE WANT EVERYONE IN THIS RACE PREPARED TO QUALIFY FOR BOSTON! After June 15, WE'LL WAIVE THE QUALIFYING TIMES FOR THIS RACE. WE STILL EXPECT YOU TO BE TRAINED TO RUN A BOSTON QUALIFIER IF YOU'RE GOING TO ENTER.

More on Boston Qualifying standards and info on their registration dates, CLICK here.

📞 Contact Us

Contact us with questions: donkern1@gmail.com, 616 293 3145.

🌐 Related Races

Our sister BQ.2 race is being held in Geneva, Illinois. It's under different management and on a different registration platform. Don’t get confused. They also do a Spring Chance BQ.2 in the spring.