Get ready for a premier Boston Marathon qualifying opportunity at the Last Chance BQ GR, a full marathon set for September 13, 2026, in scenic Grand Rapids, Michigan. This event is meticulously designed for runners aiming for their Boston Marathon qualification, boasting a reputation as America's #1 Boston qualifying marathon and consistently ranking as one of the fastest courses in the United States. With a high percentage of finishers achieving their BQ times, this race is tailored to help you reach your goal.

The Last Chance BQ GR marathon features a fast and runner-friendly course, primarily a multi-loop design within Secchia Meadows in Millennium Park. Runners will navigate a one-mile path leading to a 4-mile loop, repeated six times. The paved path offers picturesque views along the Grand River and through shaded meadows, providing a refreshing environment. While largely flat, the course does include gentle climbs and rolling hills in certain sections, offering some variety. Aid stations are strategically placed and frequently accessible on the loop course, offering water and Gatorade, and uniquely allowing runners to stage their own personal hydration bottles for easy access.

Beyond the course, the Last Chance BQ GR cultivates a supportive atmosphere with a limited field size and an exclusive focus on BQ hopefuls. You'll find experienced pacers guiding various Boston Qualifying times, and even race bibs are often prefixed with target qualifying times, fostering a collective drive toward Boston. Typical race day conditions in Grand Rapids for mid-September see highs around 75°F and lows around 52°F, with a 14% chance of precipitation. The abundance of shade on the course helps keep conditions favorable for strong performances.