2026 Portage Winter Blast
The 2026 Portage Winter Blast takes place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Loy Norrix High School, located at 606 E Kilgore Rd in Portage, Michigan. The event features a road and mixed-terrain running experience with a course that includes paved neighborhood roads and sections of Portage's scenic paved bike trail system. The temperature on the event day is expected to be in the range of 25 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, with partly cloudy conditions and light winds, offering a relatively mild winter running environment. Participants can expect a well-organized event with multiple race distances, starting and finishing at the high school, and a focus on community and winter wellness.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Half Marathon starting at 8:00 AM EST
- →5K Run/Walk starting at 8:10 AM EST
- →10K Run starting at 8:20 AM EST
What is the course like for the 2026 Portage Winter Blast?
The half marathon follows an out-and-back route that begins and ends at Loy Norrix High School. The course travels west on Kilgore Road, reaches a turnaround point at approximately the halfway mark, and returns along the same route. The course incorporates a blend of paved neighborhood roads and sections of Portage's scenic paved bike trail system, creating a relatively flat to gently rolling winter running experience.
What is the event schedule for the 2026 Portage Winter Blast?
- →Half Marathon: 8:00 AM EST (5-hour cutoff)
- →5K Run/Walk: 8:10 AM EST
- →10K Run: 8:20 AM EST
How much does registration cost for the 2026 Portage Winter Blast?
- →Early pricing available through January 1, 2026: $55 for the half marathon; $35 for the 5K/10K (with KAR member discounts)
- →Standard pricing through February 21: $75 for the half marathon; $40 for the 5K/10K
- →Race-day registration available with a mobile device required (no paper registration)
What is included with registration for the 2026 Portage Winter Blast?
A technical long-sleeve shirt is included with all registrations received by February 8, 2026.
Where can participants pick up their race packets?
- →Saturday, February 21: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Loy Norrix High School
- →Saturday extended hours: 4:00–6:00 PM at Mitten Running Company (6290 S Westnedge Ave, Portage)
- →Race morning: 6:30–8:00 AM at the event site
Who hosts the 2026 Portage Winter Blast?
The event is jointly hosted by Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) and the City of Portage as a community celebration of winter wellness.
What is the significance of the 2026 Portage Winter Blast?
The event serves as a popular training race for spring marathons in the region, particularly the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon series. It is a well-organized running event that brings together runners of all levels for a winter wellness celebration.