Last Chance BQ.2 takes place on September 13, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offering a full marathon distance of 26.2 miles. The race starts at 7:00 AM from 1400 Maynard SW. Entry fees range from $120 to $175, making it an accessible option for runners targeting Boston Marathon qualifying standards. As a late-season marathon, this event provides endurance athletes a final opportunity to achieve their BQ goal before the qualifying deadline. The early morning start gives runners favorable conditions for distance racing and allows time to complete the course comfortably within standard cutoff times. Grand Rapids' location in western Michigan positions this race as a regional destination for serious amateur marathoners pursuing their autumn racing goals.
From the Race Organizer
Qualifier Registration for the 2027 Boston Marathon will take place September 14-18, 2026 within the B.A.A.’s online platform, Athletes’ Village. Anyone who achieved a currently valid Boston Marathon qualifying time for their respective age and gender could apply during this time in Athletes’ Village. Registration is not on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, September 18. 2027 BOSTON MARATHON QUALIFYING WINDOW The B.A.A. has also 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. WE'LL UPDATE THIS SECTION MORE AS THE BAA SETS THEIR DATES FOR FUTURE QUALIFICATION The qualifying window for the 2027 race opened on September 13, 2025, and will remain open through registration week in September 2026. You should only sign up for this race if you are going to be ready to qualify for Boston. To sign up before July 15 you'll need to run a "qualifying race" to sign up. Please check the table below. Please note: Because of the nature of this course, we do not allow wheel chairs (Handcycle or push rim) in this race. 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 2027. Limited to 330 runners. See our Qualifying times chart for qualifying times. THERE IS A 4:30 TIME LIMIT. (If you're chronogically gifted and your BQ time is longer than 4:30, we'll allow for that!) This event is brought to you by the same team that puts on the University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon. As runners, we know how important Boston is to you, and we know what it takes to get there. We’ve been there ourselves, and we’ve helped THOUSANDS of runners get there in our 20 years with the UM Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon. In 2026 we’re here to help you get there with a race focused completely on getting you to Boston 2027. 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: Packet pickup is at Fulton Street Pub & Grill from 4-7 Saturday. 801 West Fulton Street. Sunday at the race site starting at 6am. The race site is at 1400 Maynard SW. Starting time is at 7am Sunday morning. Bring your shoes. Recommended. But optional. 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! The table is below. 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 Contact us with question: donkern1@gmail.com, 616 293 3145 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.
Hotels Near This Race
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Last Chance BQ.2 – Grand Rapids 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 13.
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
When is Last Chance BQ.2 – Grand Rapids 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI?
Last Chance BQ.2 – Grand Rapids 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI takes place on September 13, 2026. The race is held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Where is Last Chance BQ.2 – Grand Rapids 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI held?
Last Chance BQ.2 – Grand Rapids 2026 — Grand Rapids, MI is held at 1400 Maynard SW in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Where can I find hotels near Last Chance BQ.2 – Grand Rapids 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.
