This coming weekend marks the 11th annual Grand Rapids Marathon & Half Marathon, an event that attracts thousands of runners to Michigan’s second largest city. MRG recently checked in with Race Director Don Kern to learn a bit more about this year’s races, set for Sunday, Oct. 19. (We were especially curious about his tradition of congratulating each runner at the finish … and we’d been hearing about pickle juice making an appearance on the race course … after watching the Youtube video below, I’m considering trying it myself with my next marathon!)

First, is there anything new this year with the race and/or race weekend?

We added a new event this year that took place on Sept. 13, the Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon. It was a joint effort between us and our friends in Fox Valley, who also held the same event the same day. The goal was to get people into Boston. We had a very high percent of Boston qualifiers at both locations.

Also, we have our own beer this year, brewed at New Holland. Mile 27 Pilsener Lager. Easy to drink, great for marathon recovery.

How would you describe the race experience? 

The goal here is to make this the best race experience ever. Runners are all given personal attention and communication. Our event is a very “convenient” marathon, with tons of free parking within just a few hundred yards of the start/finish area and showers available at the YMCA.

I’ve also heard that you make a point of personally congratulating all runners as they cross the finish line — how and why did you start this tradition?

In 2005 when we moved downtown for our second year, it just happened. I stood at the finish line, shaking hands, hugging friends. The next thing  I knew the day was over. Then my inbox was full of people telling me how cool it was that the RD was there to shake their hands. I’ve been doing it every since.

Can you tell us about the pickle juice?? We’ve heard that every runner can have pickle juice on the course at some point…is this true?

[Dr. Rick Ganzi, Grand Rapids Marathon Pace Team Director and pickle juice guy, answers this question.]

We serve pickle juice along the marathon course at two locations. We do not offer it to the half marathoners since they really shouldn’t need it. Here are some of the pickle juice-related things we have done over the last couple of years — it’s been written about in many other places as well, but these are a few highlights:

And, this Youtube video:

Are you running in Grand Rapids this weekend? What are you most looking forward to on race day?

February 22, 2023

Just Keep Moving: Changes for Michigan Runner Girl

By the MRG Podcast team Listen to this episode of the Michigan Runner Girl Show by clicking on the player at the […]

November 2, 2022

Sammie Bennett, mental health advocate and SHE RUNS Grand Rapids race ambassador: ‘There’s a place for everybody’ 

By the MRG Podcast Team Listen to this episode of the Michigan Runner Girl Show by clicking on the player at the […]

October 4, 2022

Try Trail Running This Fall (And Every Season)

Blue-gray pebbles and plump sand to the left. Cool, lapping waves to my right. A few steps farther, driftwood criss-crosses […]

September 21, 2022

Awesome Ideas for Fall Adventures at Michigan State Parks

By the MRG Podcast Team Listen to this episode of the Michigan Runner Girl Show by clicking on the player at the […]

3 Responses to “Grand Rapids Marathon & Half Marathon: ‘A race that supports every runner’ (plus there’s pickle juice!)”

  1. Dr. Rick Ganzi,

    Pickle Juice Sport has 3 Products. We have a 16 oz, 8 oz, & The Super Concentrated 2.5 oz Shot. The Shot is the best for long distance rides or Marathons. I would like you to reach out to us and speak about us sending you samples. Also our product is key that when drinking out of a Pickle Juice Jar research has shown that it can lead to Diarrhea “Dumping Syndrome”. Our Specially Formulated Pickle Juice will not give you the negative affects but will keep you going by Preventing and Stopping Cramps in their tracks.

    Regards,

    The Pickle Juice Company
    Ace Emard

  2. Carra Hood

    I am beyond excited to FINALLY be running the Grand Rapids Marathon this coming Sunday! Two years ago I began my journey in distance running by completing the GR half marathon. After finishing I knew I would be back to complete the full marathon a year later. Fast forward to Summer 2013. I was training hard and feeling great then, BOOM. Injury. I was crushed and my dream of conquering the GR full was postponed. Now with only 6 days to go I cannot wait for every mile, Gu shot and aid station to finally cross the finish line!

Leave a Reply

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>