KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — Thousands of Kalamazoo residents are checking the weather forecast, choosing their race outfits, and getting mentally prepared for the Borgess Run for the Health of it and the Kalamazoo Marathon on Sunday.
Organizer Blaine Lam says while other running events in Michigan are seeing a steady decline in participation, their numbers are rising because it’s a special event with a ton of help from the community.
He says they have the sponsorships to keep entry fees lower, the weather usually cooperates, and their t-shirts are specially designed.
The events begin Friday evening with the Kid’s Fun Run and the Motivational Mile for runners in recovery.
Saturday is the Borgess Run Expo at the Wings Event Center and Sunday morning, the 5K run and walk, a 10K, a half marathon and the full marathon start from the Nazareth Campus.
Thousands participate in the various events. Thousands more just like to cheer on the runners. Where is the best place to see the event?
Lam thinks the start/finish line at Nazareth Campus is best because five different races start in the first half hour.
He says the Winchell Neighborhood is also a good place to view the action, because they have bands, drinks, and even bacon.
This is last year that the stately Motherhouse at Nazareth will serve as the backdrop for the event. It’s slated for demolition this summer.
And for the first time in years, the route for the Kalamazoo Marathon will change to avoid WMU where the new Arcadia Flats student housing complex is under construction.
Lam says it will take some of the hills out of the course and they will make up most of the distance they are losing near the Farmer’s Market.
Changing the course is no simple matter because they have to make sure it’s still exactly 26.2 miles and certified so that the event is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
Everything you need to know about this weekend’s running events can be found on the website.
(copy written by John McNeill)
