The 2026 Groundhog Day Marathon will take place on February 6–7, 2026, in Walker, Michigan, at Secchia Meadows, located at 1400 Maynard Ave SW. Walker is a western suburb of Grand Rapids, and the event will be held on paved multi-use trails that are certified by USATF for marathon and half marathon distances. Weather conditions on the event dates are expected to include cold temperatures, with snow and ice likely present on the course. Participants can expect a unique, looped course that provides a Groundhog Day–themed "repeating day" experience, with aid stations offering water, Gatorade, Oreos, and peanut butter–filled pretzels. Runners must bring their own energy gels, and the course is designed to challenge participants under winter conditions, with the possibility of grooming for safety in severe weather.
What distances are available for this event?
→Marathon (26.2 miles) – 12 loops of 2.18 miles each
→Half Marathon (13.1 miles) – 6 loops of 2.18 miles each
→1/6 Marathon (approximately 4.4 miles) – 2 loops of 2.18 miles each
How much does registration cost?
→Marathon: $109 (increases after January 31, 2026)
→Half Marathon: $99 (increases after January 31, 2026)
→1/6 Marathon: $69
→Whole Hog (1/6 + Full): $139
→Half Hog (1/6 + Half): $129
What is the race weekend schedule?
→Friday, February 6: 1/6 Marathon World Championship at 6:30 PM (headlamps required)
→Saturday, February 7: Early Start at 7:00 AM for runners expecting 6+ hour finish times; Marathon and Half Marathon start at 8:00 AM
→Course support ends at 4:00 PM; runners still on course after 3:00 PM should use the early start option
What is included in registration?
→All finishers receive a hoodie and finisher medal
→Whole Hog and Half Hog participants also receive an embroidered stocking cap
→Official training program available through RunGR, Grand Rapids' largest running club
What are the key considerations for participants?
→This is a true winter event with cold temperatures, snow, and ice expected
→No refunds, deferrals, or transfers are available (except between event distances with price difference paid)
→The course is Boston Marathon qualifier certified, and runners must achieve BQ times despite winter conditions
What type of awards are given?
→Overall male and female winners in full and half marathons receive custom groundhog sculptures by chainsaw artist Jack Eppinga
→Age-group awards (five-year divisions, three deep) receive coffee mugs
→A "Coolest Groundhog" costume contest is part of the event
What are the course details?
→The course is entirely paved with no dirt, gravel, or technical terrain
→The course starts and finishes behind the pavilion at Secchia Meadows
→Aid stations are located at the 1-mile mark on the loop and at the start/finish area
→Energy gels are not provided; runners must carry their own
What is the packet pickup schedule?
→Packet pickup on Thursday from 5–8 PM at the race director's home in Grand Rapids
→Packet pickup on Friday from 4:30–7:30 PM at the venue
→Packet pickup on Saturday starting at 6:30 AM
What is the course design like?
→The looped course creates a Groundhog Day–themed "repeating day" experience
→The course is certified by USATF for marathon and half marathon distances
→Snow and ice are expected, and the path may be groomed for safety in severe conditions
What is the attire and equipment recommendation?
→Participants should prepare for cold temperatures, snow, and ice
→Headlamps are required for the 1/6 Marathon World Championship on Friday evening
→Runners must carry their own energy gels due to the absence of gels at aid stations
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is 2026 Groundhog Day Marathon?
A: The event takes place on 6 February 2026.
Q: Where is the event held?
A: The event is held in Walker, United States.
Q: What distances are available?
A: Available distances: 7 km, 21 km, 28 km, 42 km, 49 km.
