2025 Summer Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program (Kalamazoo)

Thinking about training for your first half or full marathon and looking for a comprehensive training program in a fun and supportive environment? Completed one or more half and/or full marathons and looking to improve your race experience and meet new local runners?

Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) is pleased to introduce our half and full marathon training program! The 2025 Summer Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program (Kalamazoo) runs on Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. and follows schedules to prepare you for a fall half or full marathon. Training schedules target the Grand Rapids or Detroit Half and Full Marathons, but can be easily modified to fit many other fall races.

An Information Night will be held on a TBD date. More info on this will soon be announced - check back for more soon!

Membership in Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) is required to join the 2025 Winter Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program.  The cost begins at $45, plus the cost of a KAR membership if not already a member ($25 individual/$35 family/$20 full-time student). 

The 2025 Summer Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program (Kalamazoo) includes:

*Organized Saturday morning runs held on a variety of courses in greater Kalamazoo and Portage.  The majority of runs offer a pre and post run indoor or outdoor venue with restroom facilities.  

*Saturday Runs begin at 7 a.m., with pre-run gathering time and instructions 15 minutes before the start time. This allows us to start before the summer heat and for your to get your run in before all your fun weekend activities!

*Low, moderate, and high intensity half and full marathon training schedules with day-by-day workouts including speed work sessions on your own in at organized workouts at Kanley Track.  

*Hydration out on the course

*SAG (Support and Gear) at each Saturday run.

*Weekly emails with training tips, schedules, and more

*Supportive and encouraging Team Leaders with pace groups ranging from under 8:00 min/miles to 12 + min/miles. Program leadership includes RRCA running coaches. 

*A FUN and supportive summer training experience with shared camaraderie and team spirit.

First Week

Our first run will be this Saturday, July 12 at 7:00am at The Radisson Hotel (100 W. Michigan Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49007). Please plan to arrive around 6:45am in order to have time to put away your things, use the restroom, etc. Water station will be located along the route, but it is recommended that you bring a hydration belt or wattle bottle with you to keep your energy levels up.