<h2>For the last 2 years, runners could qualify for Boston twice in the same race! NO. WE DON&#39;T KNOW IF THAT WILL WORK FOR 2026/2027. </h2>
<h5>Special note regarding BAA: The qualifying window for the 130th Boston Marathon, scheduled to take place on April 20, 2026, began on September 1, 2024. Until the BAA makes an announcement, we won&#39;t know the registration dates for the 2026 Boston Marathon. For the 130th Boston Marathon, which is scheduled to take place on April 20, 2026, the qualifying period began on September 1, 2024. Registration details for that race will be announced following the 2025 Boston Marathon. Boston has changed their qualifying times for 2026. </h5>
<h5> </h5>
<h5>You should only sign up for this race if you are going to be ready to qualify for Boston. To sign up before July 15 you&#39;ll need to run a &#34;qualifying race&#34; to sign up. Please check the table below.</h5>
Please note: Because of the nature of this course, we do not allow wheel chairs (Handcycle or push rim) in this 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 is a race we designed specifically to give you a shot at getting to Boston in 2026. Limited to 330 runners. See our Qualifying times chart for qualifying times. THERE IS A 4:30 TIME LIMIT. (If you&#39;re chronogically gifted and your BQ time is longer than 4:30, we&#39;ll allow for that!)
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: 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: Packet pickup is at Fulton Street Pub &amp; Grill from 4-7 Saturday. 801 West Fulton Street.  Sunday at the race site starting at 6am. The race site is at 1400 Maynard SW.  Starting time is at 7am Sunday morning. Bring your shoes. Recommended. But optional.
There are qualifying standards to get into this race. The reason we have qualifying standards is because WE WANT EVERYONE IN THIS RACE PREPARED TO QUALIFY FOR BOSTON! The table is below. AFTER JULY 15, WE&#39;LL WAIVE THE QUALIFYING TIMES FOR THIS RACE. WE STILL EXPECT YOU TO BE TRAINED TO RUN A BOSTON QUALIFIER IF YOU&#39;RE GOING TO ENTER. More on Boston Qualifying standards and info on their registration dates, CLICK
Contact us with question: donkern1&#64;gmail.com, 616 293 3145 
Our sister BQ.2 race is being held in Geneva, Illinois. It&#39;s under different management and on a different registration platform. Don&#39;t get confused. They also do a Spring Chance BQ.2 in the spring.  Race Where Airplanes Fly!
 Don&#39;t miss this experience to run/walk on a course typically reserved for airplanes!  GRR Runway 5K &amp; 1 Mile, presented by the Christman Company, is an annual run/walk along Gerald R. Ford International Airport&#39;s runway.  Athletes will head out onto one of the major airport runways for a lightning fast race on this USATF-certified course. Bring the kids for the 1 Mile fun run!  This event is a must on your bucket list for all who live in the Grand Rapids area, whether you&#39;re looking for an early Spring PR or a race that supports a local charity (2025 charity will be announced soon).  Join us on June 7, 2025! Join us for the 40th Annual Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquabike/Swim on the shores of Beautiful Reeds Lake. This premier West Michigan event consists of a Sprint Distance Triathlon, Duathlon, Aqua Bike, Swim and our Elite Sprint Championship wave.
 
Title sponsor since 2007, Rhoades McKee supports the event to promote West Michigan&#39;s commitment to an active and healthy lifestyle. Rhoades McKee is a comprehensive full-service law firm, with over 50 attorneys and 25 legal practice specialties. With offices in Grand Rapids, Hastings, and Holland, Michigan, Rhoades McKee offers legal services in the areas of Business and Litigation, Real Estate and Construction, and Family and Individual Law.  This year the Family Fun Run-Ninja Warrior will be held at St. Anthony of Padua School on the new Fitness Path!  We will have a shorter route, but will include the use of the workout stations on the path. We will have a relay style race with teams of 4!! 
We welcome you to bring your tailgate set up in the parking lot. A picnic style lunch of hot dogs, chips, apple and water will be provided with your race registration.
We will have giveaways and raffle prizes too! 
**The last day to register and be guaranteed a t-shirt will be Friday, September 1st. Race registration will be open until Noon on Friday, September 8, 2023**

An awesome botique marathon for Boston Qualifying!

Flat & Scenic - paved trails with no traffic

Well organized and supportive from start to finish

Wonderful small race & encouraging environment

Awesome volunteers and excellent organization

Marathon, plus Millennium Meadows Marathon on August 27 as a training run

5k - Wheelchair

1 Mile - Economy Package

Last Chance BQ.2 - Grand Rapids

Marathon Results