the overGRound marathon/relay 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI

Date
October 25, 2026
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Venue
Veterans Memorial Park, 101 Fulton Street E
Start Time
7:00 AM
Sunrise
8:07 AM
Entry Fee
$0.00
Events
Marathon, Relay Marathon (any leg or distance), Day-Of Volunteer (Exact Timing TBD), Day-Before Volunteer (Exact Timing TBD on Sat 10/24)
Register NowRegistration Open

The overGround Marathon starts at 7:00 AM, so plan to arrive in Grand Rapids with time for a pre-race breakfast and logistics. The full marathon distance of 26.2 miles launches from Veterans Memorial Park at 101 Fulton Street E, a centrally located venue that makes parking and pre-race setup straightforward. The race takes place on October 25, 2026, giving you a solid window to book travel and accommodation once your race schedule confirms. Entry is free, which is unusual and worth verifying as race day approaches. As a full marathon, you'll want standard race prep: familiar shoes properly broken in, a tested nutrition strategy, and adequate rest before the weekend event.

From the Race Organizer
The overGRound is a free, unsanctioned marathon and marathon relay through the city of Grand Rapids whose route showcases the variety of GR’s features and neighborhoods (beyond Butterworth and Millennium). This is an inclusive, supportive, and free running event celebrating community and a grassroots, no frills spirit of running and free fitness. It is a co-hosted event featuring the many wonderful running and fitness communities of Grand Rapids. Together, participating clubs can invite people out to run, cheer, and support runners on the course. The public is warmly welcomed to participate. This will be the third running of the overGRound, the first (known) marathon held fully within GR city limits. Once again, it will be hosted by local participating clubs—to be announced soon! This year the overGRound will be held October 25, 2026 at 8am, starting and ending at Veterans Memorial Park. The [subject to updates!] carefully designed course passes many coffee shops, a variety of neighborhoods, cityscapes, and parks before returning to Veterans Memorial Park. Whether you run the marathon, organize a team to run the relay, or just show up to support the runners, let’s make it once again a fun, unique, out-in-the-open Grand Rapids event that goes beyond the norm. More details: All paces welcome to participate, with every participant from last to first getting a welcome back at Veterans Park This is mostly a self-supported event, but there will be wayfinding guidance, aid stations on course, and bikers and volunteers who will check in with runners The marathon relay is open to any team configuration or leg distances; the coffee shops make good changepoints but "y’all do y’all" to complete the 26.2 We encourage you to bring your own bibs and have fun with them The 2026 edition of the Participant Guide is not yet available—we will email you when it’s ready! The Facebook event is HERE and the Strava event is HERE for reference You are welcome to do any combination of the following: a) run the marathon, b) run as part of a relay marathon, or c) volunteer to help this event be a success, d) come out and cheer (just show up on the course, or at Veterans Park, on race morning). #theoverGRound2026

Course & Travel Notes

The overGRound marathon/relay takes place in Grand Rapids on October 25, 2026, with an early 7:00 AM start, so you'll want to arrive with plenty of time to spare before sunrise at 8:08 AM. Gerald R. Ford International Airport is just 9.3 miles away, making it super convenient for flying in. Pack layers since temperatures typically range from the low 40s to around 61°F that time of year, and don't forget rain gear—there's about a 50/50 chance of rain in late October. The venue sits at a modest 666 feet elevation, so you won't need to worry too much about altitude adjustments.

⛰️ 666 ft elevation☀️ Typically 61°F / 40°F · 49% chance of rain✈️ Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) — 9.3 mi

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Grand Rapids, MI. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

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the overGRound marathon/relay 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for October 25.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Grand Rapids, MI. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the overGRound marathon/relay 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI?

the overGRound marathon/relay 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI takes place on October 25, 2026. The race is held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Where is the overGRound marathon/relay 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI held?

the overGRound marathon/relay 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI is held at Veterans Memorial Park, 101 Fulton Street E in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Where can I find hotels near the overGRound marathon/relay 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Grand Rapids. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.