Cycling & running events in Kalamazoo-Portage, 2026

Kalamazoo-Portage Training Notes

Running: Locals run the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail when they want steady base miles, and the route spans over 22 miles while linking Kalamazoo with nearby towns. The Kal-Haven Trail is a 5-mile crushed limestone line from Kalamazoo to South Haven. Al Sabo Preserve brings over 25 miles of interconnected trails, and Asylum Lake Preserve gives trail runners approximately 274 acres where trails wind around the lake, through woodlands, and across open fields. Kalamazoo Area Runners anchors the social side. The Kalamazoo Klassic, Bronson Children's Hospital Run & Walk, Kindleberger 5k Run/Walk, and Kalamazoo Marathon keep the calendar honest.

Cycling: The Kalamazoo Bicycle Club sets the tone for road miles, with Monday Nite Rides from Texas Drive Park and Wednesday Nite Rides from KalHaven Trailhead. Monday riders get VanKal at 20 miles or Lawton at 28 miles, and Wednesday riders get Bloomingdale at 44 miles or Kendall at 30 miles. The Tuesday Nite Women's Ride starts at Pedal South and uses the 25-mile Portage-Pavilion route. The Portage Bikeway gives commuters and Z2 riders more than 17 miles of shared-use trails plus over 35 miles of on-road bike lanes. Oakland Drive Hill and Maple Street Hill handle the intervals.

Season: Summer owns the best months here, and Run Kalamazoo Move Through Summer makes the season feel relaxed and social. Groups form organically, water stops show up about every two miles, and runners can jump in for beginner 5K work, 10K work, or longer goals. Cyclists use summer for regular club rides, Ye Olde Flowerfest routes, gravel days, and steady base miles on Kal-Haven. Winter changes the rhythm, and winter Run Camp feels different from the summer setup. Locals still keep the legs moving, but runners and riders get more selective with routes, surfaces, and effort.