Grand Rapids Kids Marathon 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI

Date
October 17, 2026
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Venue
David D. Hunting YMCA
Start Time
2:30 PM
Entry Fee
$0.00
Events
Kids Marathon
Includes
T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration OpenOfficial Race Website

The Grand Rapids Kids Marathon takes place at 2:30 PM on October 17, 2026, giving traveling athletes an afternoon arrival window. Held at the David D. Hunting YMCA in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this running event features a 1.2-mile distance and offers free entry, making it accessible for families and young runners. The afternoon start time allows you to plan morning travel without requiring an early-morning departure or overnight stay, though accommodations in the Grand Rapids area are readily available if you prefer to stay longer in the city.

From the Race Organizer
On the University of Michigan Health - West Grand Rapids Marathon Course. The day before the "big kids" run Welcoming Family Capital Management as our Presenting Sponsor The goal of the Grand Rapids Kids Marathon is to encourage healthy lifestyles for children and their families, and to help kids become physically active for a lifetime. Sign Up for Free Kids between the ages of 2 and 12 are invited to participate. Register here for the Kids Marathon now through October 18, 2025. Begin Your Training Starting the week of August 1, track each half mile of running/walking or 15 minutes of activity on your log sheet until you have completed 25 “miles.” Download the progress log CLICK to keep track of your activity. Join Our Community Events August 5 at 6:30pm: 1-mile Kick-Off run at Millennium Park September 23 at 6:30pm Obstacle Course at Millennium Park Get Ready to Run On Saturday, October 18, run the last 1.2 miles of your marathon on the official race course of the Grand Rapids Marathon at the David D. Hunting YMCA. Registered runners receive an official race bib and T-shirt. All finishers receive a medal and certificate. Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 Race Time: 2:30 Packet Pick-Up: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Location: South of David D. Hunting YMCA -- in the DeVos Lot of WGVU. Tent in the southwest corner of the lot. Distance: The course is 1.2 miles, starting and finishing at the actual Start/Finish line of the UM Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon Course Map CLICK for course map

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.

RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.

Grand Rapids Kids Marathon 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI

Race day is approaching. Hotels fill up fast.

--Days
:
--Hours
:
--Mins
:
--Secs
Book a hotel for race weekend

Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for October 17.

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

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

More Races

Browse all upcoming races in Michigan →

Other upcoming races in Michigan

Twilight Mile Mania 2026 — Lansing, MILansing, MIJul 30, 2026From $$0.00
Find Hotels →
Run The River 2026 — MIDLAND, MIMIDLAND, MIJul 31, 2026
Find Hotels →
Derreck’s Memorial 5k 2026 — Jonesville, MIJonesville, MIJul 31, 2026From $$25.00
Find Hotels →
Road Hog 5k 2026 — Homer, MIHomer, MIJul 31, 2026From $$30.00
Find Hotels →

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Grand Rapids Kids Marathon 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI?

Grand Rapids Kids Marathon 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI takes place on October 17, 2026. The race is held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Where is Grand Rapids Kids Marathon 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI held?

Grand Rapids Kids Marathon 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI is held at David D. Hunting YMCA in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Where can I find hotels near Grand Rapids Kids Marathon 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.