Last Chance BQ.2 - Grand Rapids

🏃‍♂️ Latest Update from BAA for 2026 Registration and 2027 Qualification Window

2026 BOSTON MARATHON REGISTRATION WEEK

• Dates: Registration occurs over five days, September 8 through 12, 2025.
• Eligibility: Anyone who has achieved a currently valid Boston Marathon qualifying time can apply.
• Platform: Applications will be accepted via B.A.A.’s online platform, Athletes’ Village.
• Deadline: Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, September 12.

📅 2027 Boston Marathon Qualifying Window

The B.A.A. has announced that the 2027 Boston Marathon qualifying window will open on Saturday, September 13, 2025 – one day after Registration Week for the 2026 event closes. The qualifying window will remain open through 2027 Boston Marathon Registration Week in September 2026, with exact dates to be announced later.

📝 Sign-Up Information

• Preparation: You should only sign up for this race if you are going to be ready to qualify for Boston.
• Timing: To sign up before July 15, you'll need to run a "qualifying race".
• Restrictions: Due to the nature of this course, we do not allow wheelchairs (Handcycle or push rim) in this race.

🏆 Race Overview

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. Limited to 330 runners. See our Qualifying times chart for qualifying times. THERE IS A 4:30 TIME LIMIT. (If you're chronologically gifted and your BQ time is longer than 4:30, we'll allow for that!)

🌳 Course Details

Course: Last Chance BQ.2 - Grand Rapids occurs at Secchia Meadows in Millennium Park, one of the many Kent County Parks and what we think is the most scenic and beautiful. 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.

📅 Race Weekend Information

• Packet Pickup: At Fulton Street Pub & Grill from 4-7 Saturday, 801 West Fulton Street.
• Race Site Pickup: Sunday at the race site starting at 6am.
• Starting Point: The race site is located at 1400 Maynard SW. Starting time is at 7am Sunday morning.
• Footwear: 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 Information

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

⚠️ Additional Information

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.