Celebrate Health & Wellness Milestones at the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon & Beacon’s Health Expo

It started in 1980 with 800 runners and a simple goal: to celebrate health, perseverance and the Kalamazoo spirit.

Fast forward to 2026 and the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon — presented by Beacon Health System — has grown into one of southwest Michigan's most anticipated community events, with more than 2,300 runners already registered for the upcoming race.

And it still stands for exactly what it did on day one.

"The Kalamazoo Marathon has been bringing this community together around health and wellness for more than four decades, and the spirit of this event aligns perfectly with who Beacon is," said Dr. Mark Noffsinger, a Beacon physician and longtime race participant.

"Whether we're staffing medical tents along the route, hosting the Health Expo in Bronson Park, or cheering on a runner who's come back from a cardiac event or cancer diagnosis, we’re doing exactly what we set out to do every day — deliver outstanding care, inspire health and connect with heart."

The marathon's roots go back to its original name — the Borgess Run for the Health of It. That spirit lives on. Over the years, the event has welcomed Olympic champions, international competitors and collegiate standouts.

But some of the most powerful stories belong to everyday runners who've come back from injury, cardiac rehab, or a cancer diagnosis to cross a finish line they weren't sure they'd reach, Dr. Noffsinger said.

Race weekend kicks off Saturday, April 25, with Beacon's Health Expo in Bronson Park, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can visit exhibits, get medical advice, connect with coaches, learn about nutrition and enjoy family-friendly activities — including the Kids 1K run/walk at 10 a.m.

It's the kind of event where a kindergartner crossing their first finish line and a marathon veteran warming up for mile 26 can be standing side by side.

On Sunday, April 26, races begin at 7 a.m. through the streets of Kalamazoo and the Western Michigan University campus. Beacon medical tents and 30 to 50 Beacon volunteers will be stationed along the entire route and at the finish line downtown, where bands, food and community spirit will carry runners across the line.

From first-time 5K participants to 80-year-olds completing the full marathon, this event meets everyone where they are.

To learn more about race weekend, the Health Expo and Beacon's role in the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon, visit Zeiglerkalamazoomarathon.com.