HalfRuns
Millennium Meadows Marathon

Millennium Meadows Marathon

Millennium Meadows Half Marathon offers a scenic, shaded loop through Grand Rapids' parkland.

Race Date

Aug 30, 2026

Location

Grand Rapids, MI

Standout63

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Location
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 10K
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
1,192

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyBQ Relevant

Atmosphere

Spectator SupportWell OrganizedGreat Swag

Course

Fast FlatShaded

The Experience

The Millennium Meadows Half Marathon, now in its 9th year, unfolds within the picturesque Secchia Meadows in Millennium Park, a gem of the Kent County Parks system. Runners navigate a wide, paved path that meanders alongside the Grand River, crosses a footbridge, and winds through open meadows, all while enjoying significant tree cover.

This USATF-certified course is known for its flat profile, making it an attractive option for those chasing personal bests or aiming for Boston Marathon qualifying times. While the loop format might not appeal to everyone, many find it enhances the experience, allowing spectators to easily find a vantage point and cheer runners on multiple times. The course is primarily road, with a paved surface.

With a median field size of around 466 finishers and drawing participants from approximately 18 states, the event fosters a welcoming atmosphere. Spectators often become familiar faces, offering more enthusiastic cheers with each pass. While the proximity to the Grand River can sometimes bring a distinct aroma, the overall production quality, rated highly by participants, ensures a well-supported and enjoyable race day.

Race-provided description

Welcome!  For 2026, Millennium Meadows Marathon is proud to be hosting its 9th year! We will feature a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and Marathon RELAY. All four events will take place Sunday, August 30th.  Again this year we are offering a referral program! Once you register you'll see a referral link that you can share via social media or email, with whoever will signup. Once they register using that code, YOU will be refunded $5 per person. It's good for as many times, until your registration is fully refunded! Who doesn't love money back? Secchia Meadows provides the perfect course for a team relay, with each relay leg being roughly 4 miles. Round up a team and come compete. We'll set up a relay row, where teams can place tents and have a great time.  Millennium Meadows Marathon events occur at Secchia Meadows in Millennium Park, one of the many Kent County Parks and what we think is the most scenic and beautiful. You will run on a wide and paved path that crosses a footbridge, winds along the Grand River, and cuts through meadows. Most of the course is heavily shaded. We are a proud supporter of the Kent County Parks Department and Team World Vision - Grand Rapids. Use our Donate button on the left menu, select which organization and follow the steps.   Events Full Marathon             6 loops for 26.2 miles  YES! THIS IS A BOSTON QUALIFIER (USATF CERTIFIED) COURSE Marathon Relay         6 loops for 26.2 miles Half Marathon           3 loops for 13.35 Half Marathon (with a 13.1 split mat!)  10k Distance             1 loop    Aid Stations There will be two aid stations located on each loop, stocked with water and Gatorade. Water and Gatorade tables will be well spread out, and volunteers will place cups onto the tables. There will be no food provided on the course. Awards We award the first place winner of both Men's and Women's for each distance. We also award Age Group Winners, for first through third place, Men's and Women's, for each event. 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+ (and don't worry, you chronically gifted runners, if there are age brackets above these, we'll take care of you!) Parking There's lots of parking. Don't worry. Starting times Full Marathon                        6:00 am    (Special 5am start for the Velocity Challenged for marathon only!) Half Marathon                       7:00 am  Marathon Relay                    7:00 am  10K (1 Modified loop)           8:00 am   Post-Race Village After completing your event, Post-Race Village will be open to come and pick up a prepackaged snack, water, Gatorade, and beverages provided by Archival Brewing. Secchia Meadows is blessed with tons of grassy space to spread out, recover and cheer on incoming runners Packet Pickup SATURDAY PACKET PICK UP - At Fulton Street Pub & Grill, 801 W. Fulton Street, from 2 pm - 6 pm. RACE DAY - In the pavilion at the race site starting at 5:15 a.m. (We'll get you a bib if you're doing the 5am start. Just show up early enough. LATE REGISTRATION -  ONLINE ONLY - We will not have late registration available at the race site however you can register on your phone up till the start of the race.  We can’t thank you enough for your participation and look forward to seeing you at the starting line for a fun race day!

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Start Time

7:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

1400 Maynard SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Park, Lake River

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles10K

Quality Score

Standout63
Methodology
Heritage16/20

8 years running

Size13/15

~466 finishers a year

Momentum4/5

shrinking

Loyalty13/20

13% returning runners

Course & details5/15

5 timing sources

National draw7/10

runners from 18 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:13:53

Weather0/10

typical high 79°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

60°

Afternoon (High)

79°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.1"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

68%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 1,192 finishers actually crossed the line across 8 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

1,192

Median time

2:10:59

Latest turnout

213

States

30

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:10p50 median ≈ 2:105:15

Turnout by year

20182025

'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Millennium Meadows Marathon?

The Millennium Meadows Marathon is held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.

Where does the Millennium Meadows Marathon take place?

It takes place in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

What distances does the Millennium Meadows Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 10K.

Is the Millennium Meadows Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Millennium Meadows Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the Millennium Meadows Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 1,192 runners who have completed the Millennium Meadows Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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