University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon
Oct 18Grand Rapids, MIMarathon, Half Marathon +2
Also a marathon, 6 mi from The Micro: Breaking 4, registration open
Aid stations, cutoffs and pacing in one plan, with the timeline your crew follows. Crew invites and race-day updates come with a Race Pass.
Build my planA Race Series Designed by Runners, for Runners
In 2021 we created the McKirdy Micro Marathon series to help athletes run a personal best and qualify for the Boston Marathon or beyond. At the time, we were just coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic where opportunities to run fast times were limited and motivation to continue training was difficult with no races on the calendar.
In 2023, we took the same concept and applied it at an elite level, hosting a race for athletes targeting the USATF Olympic Trials Qualifying Standard (OTQ) or the Olympic Standard. Many “on the cusp” athletes find they have limited options for races that are both fast and will provide the support they need to run their best.
Athletes from all over the world came to participate in a small localized race with the potential for massive impact. When the day was done:
48 athletes ran under the 2:18:00/2:37:00 OTQ Standard
More OTQs came from our race than any other race in 2023
Our race produced 2 Olympians
69% of the finishing athletes ran a personal best
85% of the finishing athletes ran their second fastest lifetime marathon
Moving forward, we are expanding the series to bring the McKirdy Micro race experience to athletes of all abilities over multiple distances! We hope you’ll come run your fastest marathon with us.
Registration opens
May 19, 2025
Tier 1 ends
May 25, 2025
Tier 2 ends
Jul 12, 2025
Tier 3 ends
Oct 1, 2025
Registration closes
Oct 11, 2025
Tier 4 ends
Oct 11, 2025
Race day
Oct 18, 2026
Price progression
Registration openings and major changes, like a new date or a cancellation.
Can't race, or need an entry? Post it here so nobody has to ask if it's still available.
Oct 18Grand Rapids, MIMarathon, Half Marathon +2
Also a marathon, 6 mi from The Micro: Breaking 4, registration open
Oct 25Grand Rapids, MIMarathon relay
Also a marathon, 6 mi from The Micro: Breaking 4, registration open
Oct 24Lansing, MIMarathon, Half Marathon +2
Also a marathon, 65 mi from The Micro: Breaking 4, registration open
Oct 18Detroit, MIMarathon, Relay
Also a marathon, 146 mi from The Micro: Breaking 4, registration open
Straight-line distance
Oct 18Grand Rapids, MIMarathon, Half Marathon +2
Oct 24Lansing, MIMarathon, Half Marathon +2
Oct 25Grand Rapids, MIMarathon relay
Nov 8Port Austin, MIMarathon, Half Marathon +1
Oct 31Walker, MIHalf Marathon, 10K +1
Oct 10Grand Rapids, MI5K
Oct 17Grand Rapids, MI1.2 mi
Oct 24Grand Rapids, MI5K
Oct 31Grand Rapids, MI5K
Oct 10Kentwood, MI5K
Sep 25, 2027Belmont, MI100 mi, 50 mi +2
Oct 10Caledonia, MIHalf Marathon, 10K +2
Oct 10West Olive, MI12 hr, 6 hr +3
Oct 31Spring Lake, MI10K, 5K
Oct 6Toledo, OH5K
Oct 9Albion, IN150 mi, 100 mi +1
Oct 9Chicago, IL
Oct 9Inkster, MI5K
Oct 10Niles, IL5K
Oct 10Montrose, MI5K, 1 mi
Oct 10Holland, MI5K
Oct 10Flossmoor, IL5K
Build your aid station plan, organize your crew, and dial in your nutrition strategy. Everything you need to finish strong.
Build my planAre you the race director for The Micro: Breaking 4?
Claim this race to manage registration, volunteers, and race day.