10 & 20 Mile Training Run

Prepare for your fall race goals with the **10 & 20 Mile Training Run** in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on September 26, 2026. This unique and entirely free supported training run, presented by the University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon and Team World Vision, offers a fantastic opportunity to test your endurance without an entry fee. It serves as an official preview of significant portions of the actual Grand Rapids Marathon route, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the course ahead of the big day.

The course is primarily run on scenic paved bike paths, guiding you through beautiful parts of Millennium Park, known for its wide paths, footbridges, winding sections along the Grand River, and shaded meadows. While roads will be open, the route largely keeps runners on dedicated paths for a "pure running bliss" experience. Aid stations, stocked with water and Gatorade, are strategically placed every 2 to 3 miles along the route, supported by dedicated volunteers from Team World Vision, RunGR Running Club, and Hope Water International. Restrooms are also available at various points, including the start/finish area and around miles 3 and 17. For 2026, due to construction, the event will start and finish at the northernmost entrance to the GVSU Devos lot, just off Winter Street.

Typical race day conditions in late September in Grand Rapids are ideal for running, with highs around 70°F and lows around 49°F, and only a 15% chance of precipitation. This event is more than just a run; it's a chance to engage with the local running community, meet marathon pacers, and even have a chance to win random prizes just for registering. Whether you're aiming for a 10-mile shakeout or a crucial 20-mile long run, this well-supported, no-frills event is the perfect rehearsal for your upcoming race challenges.