the overGRound marathon/relay 2026

The overGRound is a free, unsanctioned marathon and marathon relay in Grand Rapids, Michigan, starting in late October from Veterans Memorial Park. It is built around local running and fitness clubs rather than a formal race organization, and the relay allows teams to choose any lineup or leg distances they want. All paces are welcome, and participants are encouraged to bring their own bibs. The route starts and finishes at Veterans Memorial Park and remains entirely within Grand Rapids city limits, making it the first known marathon to do that. It passes coffee shops, parks, city blocks, and various neighborhoods, with coffee shops suggested as natural relay change points. The event is mostly self-supported, but runners receive wayfinding assistance, aid stations, bike check-ins, and volunteers on course. Local clubs bring people out to run, cheer, and support the field, and every participant is greeted back at Veterans Park from first finisher to last.