
SHE RUNS Grand Rapids
SHE RUNS Grand Rapids celebrates women in sport with a scenic, community-focused half marathon.
Race Date
Sep 27, 2026
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Location
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 13,675
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
SHE RUNS Grand Rapids, first run in 2013 and now in its 11th year, is an all-women's event celebrating female athletes. Rooted in the spirit of Title IX, it aims to create a space where every woman feels seen, safe, and strong, welcoming both first-time racers and seasoned runners chasing personal bests.
The course takes runners through picturesque city streets before heading onto paved trails in Millennium Park, offering scenic views of lakes and vibrant fall colors. While generally flat with some shaded sections, reviews suggest it might not be a PR course due to some minor hills and a long out-and-back portion. The race typically sees around 300 finishers, with about 29% returning each year, drawing participants from approximately 10 states.
The atmosphere is marked by strong community support and a dedicated race director, Don Kern, who ensures a well-organized event. Runners praise the plentiful aid stations, clear course markings, and the warm reception, including a handshake from the race director at the finish. Swag includes a technical t-shirt, with additional goodies often found in the race packet.
Race-provided description
An Event for ALL Women Join us for SHE RUNS Grand Rapids - an all-women’s event that celebrates the power of women in sport. Rooted in the spirit of Title IX, She Runs is about more than miles. It’s about making space - for every SHE. We are committed to building a race environment where every woman feels seen, safe, and strong. Whether you’re lacing up for your first race or chasing a new PR, you belong here! Same Location, Same Season, New Adventure We will return to the Grand Rapids community hub of John Ball Zoo. Taking to the streets together this fall will bring picturesque views and plenty of summer training time. We hope you’ll join us on this amazing adventure! Race Day Timeline for Sunday, September 27th* Packet Pickup 7:00 am Welcoming Ceremonies 8:00 am National Anthem 8:10 am myTeam Triumph Half Start 8:15 am* Half Marathon Start 8:25 am* 10k Start 8:40 am* myTeam Triumph 5k Start 8:50 am* 5k Start 8:55 am* Race Day Festival Opens 9:00 am Finish Line closes 12:30 pm** Race Day Festival Closes 1:30 pm *Start times subject to change **Hand timing available for those who finish after Packet Pickup/Registration Saturday, September 26, 2026: Details coming soon! Sunday, September 27, 2026: John Ball Zoo, from 7:00AM to 8:30AM We look forward to seeing you! Virtual Events For those registering for virtual events your shirt, bib and medal will be mailed to you at no extra cost. Directions on uploading your activity will be sent to you as event day approaches. We also encourage you to send us photos of your training and participation in the virtual distances that we can share. Pacing She Runs Grand Rapids is proud to offer a team of community runners and walkers for both the 10K and Half Marathon! These women will help guide every pace (7:00/mile to 14:00/mile and waking) to help you reach your goal! Social Teams Because we are all better together, participants can create or join a Social Team in the registration process with a minimum of five participants and no maximum! Award categories coming soon. Refunds, Deferrals and Transfers As is common with most races, She Runs Grand Rapids does not offer refunds due to the investment of putting on a large and unique experience. Participants can defer their registration to next year one time, transfer to a different race distance, or transfer their registration to another individual until September 13th in their RunSignup account. Referrals This year, receive 1 dollar back for every friend who signs up using your referral code for up to 10 dollars.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Start Time
8:25 AM
Giveaway
Short Sleeve Technical T-Shirt
Start Location
John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Park, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MI25025MN · Grand Rapids Marathon Half Marathon Course 2025
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout7811 years running
~619 finishers a year
shrinking
29% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 6 photos
runners from 10 states
winner 1:15:42
typical high 71°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
54°
Afternoon (High)
71°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 13,675 finishers actually crossed the line across 11 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
13,675
Median time
2:12:54
Latest turnout
294
States
38
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the SHE RUNS Grand Rapids?
The SHE RUNS Grand Rapids is held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, starting at 8:25 AM.
Where does the SHE RUNS Grand Rapids take place?
It takes place in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
What distances does the SHE RUNS Grand Rapids offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K, 13.1 Miles.
Is the SHE RUNS Grand Rapids course flat and good for a PR?
The SHE RUNS Grand Rapids is a ultra-flat, out & back course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the SHE RUNS Grand Rapids?
HalfRuns has finish records for 13,675 runners who have completed the SHE RUNS Grand Rapids.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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