Forums >Racing>Millennium Meadows or BQ2 Grand Rapids (MI) Marathons
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Does anyone have experience with either of these races? Or races on the same course in Millennium Meadows Park in Grand Rapids (MI)?
The marathon involves 6 laps of the course and I'm wondering if that will drive me crazy or if it will be the best thing ever?!?
No, but I can recommend the regular Grand Rapids Marathon, in October. A good mid-size (~1500) race, nice flat course with a bit of scenery, well-organized, reasonably well-supported.
If you are set on this one, I don't think a 6-loop marathon would be too bad. How good or bad the race is will depend on what kind of day you're having. Of course people do 24-hour runs on a 1-mile loop, so I'm pretty sure it'll be better than that.
Dave
Dave - thanks for the feedback. I will keep the GR marathon in mind although I usually do the Detroit Free Press half or full around that time. That's a nice race with the bridge and tunnel crossings.
I also came across the Holland Haven marathon in early September. Starts south of Grand Haven and runs along Lakeshore into Holland. Looks like a nice course with only mild hills. My parents used to live around there. Does anyone have an experience with that race?
Dave - thanks for the feedback. I will keep the GR marathon in mind although I usually do the Detroit Free Press half or full around that time. That's a nice race with the bridge and tunnel crossings. I also came across the Holland Haven marathon in early September. Starts south of Grand Haven and runs along Lakeshore into Holland. Looks like a nice course with only mild hills. My parents used to live around there. Does anyone have an experience with that race?
I have done Detroit as well and I agree - one of the great marathon experiences, I often recommend to people. I think GR is usually on the exact same day; you should take a year off from the Freep and try it sometime. I have done a couple others in MI as well, but not the one you referenced. Sounds like you are looking for something to get in ahead of the Boston registration deadline?
I ran the Holland Haven Marathon last weekend. Didn't set a PR but beat my Boston qualifying standard by 6 minutes so I'm hoping...
The race was extremely well run, course was scenic for the most part and after the race I polished off blueberry pancakes (and two poached eggs, toast and fruit), at one of the best breakfast spots in the state: Morning Star Cafe in Grand Haven! A great Sunday!
I would encourage anyone with interest to check out the race next year. They also run a half marathon and 8K. Party after the race was also well done although I left a bit early to get started to Grand Haven for my pancakes!
and, although I plan to run the Detroit race this year, I will definitely keep GR in mind for next year. Sounds like a good race and GR is a great town,