Half Marathon races near Zeeland

The Spooky Sprint in Caledonia, Michigan, southeast of Grand Rapids, is a Halloween-themed running event held annually at Caledonia High School. It offers a variety of race options, including a kids dash, an untimed 1-mile run, a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and a virtual race. A unique 'Volunteer then Run' entry is also available, allowing families and runners of all distances to participate together. The 5K, 10K, and half marathon feature chip timing, live results, awards, a custom bib, a designer shirt, and a finisher medal. The 1-mile run, though untimed, includes the main race's merchandise. The kids dash is designed for children 10 and under, providing a mini bib, youth shirt, and kids medal; children can participate in the dash without charge on race day if they forgo the swag. Finish-line treats and complimentary participant photos enhance the Halloween atmosphere, and the virtual race allows participation from any location while still receiving the shirt and medal.

The University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon is a fall road race in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. The start and finish are located near the GVSU Pew Campus and Blue Bridge. It attracts approximately 4,500 to 5,000 participants, along with thousands of spectators. The event is designed for both novice marathoners and those aiming for a Boston qualifying time. The course is known for being fast and flat, conducive to achieving personal bests. In a recent year, almost 20% of participants qualified for Boston. The race has a history spanning over twenty years. Its weekend activities feature an expo at the David D. Hunting YMCA, offering medical and wellness services, hands-only CPR demonstrations, and assistance from UM Health-West sports medicine. A Kids Marathon is also part of the event, catering to children aged 2 to 12. These young runners complete the final 1.2 miles of the full marathon distance, receiving a bib, shirt, and medal.

The Turkey Trails- Grand Rapids is a Thanksgiving-themed running event held annually in Grand Rapids. It offers a 5K, 10K, half marathon, 1 mile, Kids Dash, and a virtual race option. The event is designed for both families and regular runners, featuring youth pricing for ages 12 and under in the 5K and 10K, and a short untimed dash for children 10 and under. The in-person races provide chip timing, live results, and awards. The virtual option allows participants to run at their own location and still receive event merchandise. Most registrations include a custom bib, a designer shirt, and a finisher medal, with children receiving a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and medal. Complimentary participant photos and finish-line refreshments enhance the holiday outing atmosphere.

Winter Trail Fest West is a late-winter trail race held at Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Middleville, Michigan. It offers a half marathon and a 5-mile option, both beginning at noon. The race embraces the conditions Michigan provides: snow, slush, ice, mud, or a combination. Both distances feature runner and rucker divisions, and WTF West is among the few Michigan winter trail races with a specific ruck category. The half marathon course navigates rolling hills and rugged singletrack. The 5-mile race provides a shorter, quicker taste of winter trail running. The course features a well-known river crossing, with an option for runners and ruckers to use a quarter-mile detour to bypass the cold water. All finishers receive a custom WTF hoodie and medal. The event includes bonfires, enthusiastic volunteers, and post-race camaraderie. It is also part of the WTF + STFU Trail Series, linking with the Summer Trail Fest Ultra, where finishing both events earns connecting medals.