Groundhog Day Marathon

Embrace the heart of winter at the Groundhog Day Marathon, held in Walker, Michigan, on February 6-7, 2026. This celebrated event, staged within the scenic Millennium Park, offers a truly unique challenge with distances including 30.57M, 26.2M, 17.47M, 13.1M, and 4.37M. The course is a certified, approximately 2.18-mile paved loop, intentionally designed to evoke the "Groundhog Day" movie experience, where runners embrace the feeling of repeating the same day over and over. Prepare for authentic winter conditions; typical race day highs hover around 19F with lows near -5F, and snow is highly probable, ensuring a genuine cold-weather adventure.

Runners consistently laud the Groundhog Day Marathon for its lively atmosphere and the dedication of its friendly volunteers. Essential aid stations, strategically placed at roughly 1 mile and at the start/finish of each loop, provide water, Gatorade, Oreos, and peanut butter-filled pretzels to keep you energized, though participants are encouraged to bring their own energy gels. The full marathon entails 12 loops, while the half marathon covers six, offering frequent opportunities for refuel and encouragement. Adding to the event's distinct character, the "World Championship 1/6 Marathon" (4.37M) kicks off on Friday evening, requiring headlamps for an unforgettable nocturnal run. With its Boston-qualifying marathon course, this race delivers a challenging yet immensely rewarding winter running experience.