The Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon is a yearly event that is part of the Drive for Life Foundation's mission to help local and regional organizations by "Driving a Healthy Community."
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The annual community event attracts participants from all over the U.S. and includes a Marathon, Half Marathon, Full & Half Relays,10K, 5K run/walk, PNC Kids' 1K as well as the 50 State Challenge. Additionally, the event hosts the Beacon Health Expo with a wide range of health partners and vendors and fun, family-friendly activities.
Formerly known as the Borgess Run for the Health of It!, the event was renamed the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon in 2022 after Zeigler Auto Group became its title sponsor. In 2025 the event also became part of the Drive for Life Foundation as a cornerstone event.
As of 2025 all races start and finish at Bronson Park and run through Downtown Kalamazoo, with the full marathon, half marathon, and 10K passing through Western Michigan University's Waldo Stadium. The marathon course also includes the Winchell Neighborhood, the Portage Creek Bicentennial Park Trail, Stryker campus, Milwood Neighborhood, Edison Neighborhood, and Upjohn Park.
Known for its highly-spirited excitement zones and water stations, the 5K, 10K, and Half participants enjoy Gummy Bear Forest; and Half and Full Marathon runners experience the infamous Bacon Station while all distances enjoy the dill-icious Pickle Pit. All participants and spectators can participate in the Stryker Finish Line Celebration in Downtown Kalamazoo at Bronson Park.
REAL IMPACT RIGHT HERE AT HOME
As a Drive for Life Foundation cornerstone event, the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon is host to a free Kids' 1K event sponsored by PNC; it also helps raise money for select charities. The free PNC Kids' 1K gives parents and guardians a no-cost way to get children involved in healthy habits early on. As a Drive for Life Foundation cornerstone event, the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon is host to a free Kids' 1K event sponsored by PNC; it also helps raise money for select charities. In 2026 the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon will partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan and the First Day Shoe Fund. Learn more about these wonderful charities below.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan helps children realize their potential and build their futures. The organization nurtures children and strengthens communities. And we couldn't do any of it without you. Since 1958, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (Bigs) and children (Littles), ages 6 through 18, in Kalamazoo, Allegan, Calhoun, and Van Buren counties. The financial support of thousands of donors makes it possible for the agency to professionally match and professionally support Bigs, Littles and their families through the life of the match. This leads to positive friendships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.
The First Day Shoe Fund
The First Day Shoe Fund is dedicated to providing new athletic shoes to elementary students in need at Kalamazoo County public schools. We believe all students should start school on equal footing. Since 2006, FDSF has been distributing new athletic shoes to students in our community; in 2025 we gave out over 11,289 pairs of shoes to students in need. That means that thousands of students were able to enter their classrooms comfortably and confident and participate fully in gym and recess because of our amazing community supporters.
For more information on the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon please visit zeiglerkalamazoomarathon.com or email us at hello@zeiglerkalamazoomarathon.