Last Chance BQ.2 - Grand Rapids

🏃‍♂️ Overview of Last Chance BQ.2 - Grand Rapids

For the last 2 years, runners could qualify for Boston twice in the same race! NO. WE DON’T KNOW IF THAT WILL WORK FOR 2026/2027.

📅 Important Registration Information

• Qualifying Window: The qualifying window for the 130th Boston Marathon, scheduled to take place on April 20, 2026, began on September 1, 2024.
• Registration Dates: Until the BAA makes an announcement, we won’t know the registration dates for the 2026 Boston Marathon.
• Changes: Boston has changed their qualifying times for 2026.
• Qualifying Requirements: Please check the table below for qualifying race requirements to sign up before July 15.

🚫 Race Participation Guidelines

• Eligibility: You should only sign up for this race if you are going to be ready to qualify for Boston.
• Wheelchair Restriction: Because of the nature of this course, we do not allow wheelchairs (Handcycle or push rim) in this race.
• Runner Limit: Limited to 330 runners.
• Time Limit: THERE IS A 4:30 TIME LIMIT. If you’re chronologically gifted and your BQ time is longer than 4:30, we’ll allow for that!

🌟 About the Race

Last Chance BQ.2-Grand Rapids has become one of the premier and most nationally known BQ events. The timing is perfect and we provide a venue that has proven to be one of the highest percentage qualifiers in the country, hovering around 60%.

This event is brought to you by the same team that puts on the University of Michigan Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon. As runners, we know how important Boston is to you, and we know what it takes to get there. We’ve been there ourselves, and we’ve helped THOUSANDS of runners get there in our 20 years with the UM Health-West Grand Rapids Marathon. In 2024 we’re here to help you get there with a race focused completely on getting you to Boston 2025.

🏞️ Course Details

Course: Last Chance BQ.2 - Grand Rapids occurs at Secchia Meadows in Millennium Park, one of the many Kent County Parks and what we think is the most scenic and beautiful. You will run on a wide and paved path that crosses a footbridge, winds along the Grand River, and cuts through meadows. Most of the course is heavily shaded.

📍 Race Weekend Information

• Packet Pickup: At Fulton Street Pub & Grill from 4-7 Saturday, 801 West Fulton Street.
• Race Site: Sunday at the race site starting at 6am at 1400 Maynard SW.
• Start Time: 7am Sunday morning.
• Shoes: Bring your shoes. Recommended. But optional.

❓ Contact Information

Contact us with questions: donkern1@gmail.com, 616 293 3145

🌐 Related Event

Our sister BQ.2 race is being held in Geneva, Illinois. It's under different management and on a different registration platform. Don’t get confused. They also do a Spring Chance BQ.2 in the spring.

🔗 For More Details

For more information and to register, visit our registration page.