Event Description
Location
David D. Hunting YMCA
475 Lake Michigan Drive
Grand Rapids, MI
Take the Pearl Street exit off US-131. Easiest parking access if you go north to Bridge Street and then west to either Mt. Vernon (to access DASH 7 lot) or to Seward (to access DASH 9 Lot) and turn left/south to the parking lot entrances. See parking lot maps link below. Park in the DASH lots near the Y. They’re not hard to find, just relax.
Start Times
7:00 early start for “Velocity Challenged” for both the FULL and HALF. The early start is recommended if you’ll be at a more-than-six-hour marathon pace, however, the decision is up to you. DO NOT TAKE THE EARLY START if it means you’ll finish ahead of the winners!! Doing so may result in disqualification. Note: Early start not eligible for awards other than the finisher medal. All you fast folks start at 8:00 like everybody else. 7:30 a.m. – Wheelchair and Hand Cycle Division, myTeam Triumph & Other Chariot racers official start 8:00 a.m. – Official start of Marathon & Half Marathon and ALL relay teams. Arrival & Parking It’s an easy walk from the downtown hotels to the starting line. If you drive, there are bunches of parking lots along Summer, Winter, & Seward, and they’re all free on Sundays. THE YMCA PARKING LOT IS FOR YMCA MEMBERS ONLY. NO MARATHON PARKING. THERE ARE LOTS OF OTHER PARKING PLACES. Note: DASH lots 7 & 9 (on either side of theY) are $2.00 Click here for a parking map and info for the YMCA Downtown Grand Rapids and GVSU >
Packet Pickup
Is at the YMCA on race morning. Arrive early. Also from 9:00 – 6:00 on Saturday. Also at the YMCA.
Parking
You need a YMCA membership card to get into the Y lot. (Not available on Race Day anyway!) The Dash Lots are on either side of the Y. They’re $2.00. If you’re staying at a downtown hotel, it’s a lot easier to walk.
Early Starters, My Team Triumph & other Chariot Racers, Wheelers
The big Dash lot on Seward is still being filled up with runners when you start, so RUN ON THE LEFT/WEST side of the road as you go north on Seward.
Bag Drop
You can leave your bag at our drop area sponsored by MyWay Storage. Please tag your bag with your race number. Area will be supervised by volunteers, but ALL BAGS ARE LEFT AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Timing
“B-Tag” It’s on the back of your bib. DO NOT FOLD YOUR BIB!!! WEAR THE BIB ON YOUR OUTSIDE LAYER. Cross the mats at the start, wherever you see one along the way, and at the finish. NO TAG – NO TIME!!!! Don’t try to experiment with different ways of wearing the tag as a fashion accessory. It won’t freakin’ work. Wear it according to the instructions!!!
Beer
Bring a bottle of decent beer or a pint glass from your local microbrewery as a gift for the race director. At the FINISH, we have beer from New Holland Brewery. (Yeah–you buy me a beer, I buy you a beer, next thing you know we’re friends for life.) Beer garden area hosted by Alternatives in Motion. Contributions greatfully accepted. GUESTS ARE WELCOME IN THE BEER AREA–BUT THEY SHOULD BE WILLING TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO OUR CHARITY!!!
Medical
Look for them at every aid station. They’re doctors, nurses, physical therapists, etc. All highly qualified professionals from Metro Health Sports Medicine and Life EMS.
