2024 University of Michigan Health-West
Grand Rapids Marathon + Half

October 20, 2024


Your Race Weekend Guide

Dear Team World Vision runners,

For the past four months, your passion, energy, and desire to change lives has been on display. And through your story, God has proven Himself to be "the God of IMMEASURABLY MORE than all we could ask or even imagine." He has used you to break chains of injustice. Because of your "YES," hope is on the way. We've been so inspired!

As we take to the streets on October 20, this will be the fulfillment of what we've been working toward. The team will be united, and our mission will be in action. We can't wait to see you there!

Running with you,


Mallory & Karen

Packet Pickup + Expo Information 

Expo & Packet Pick-up: Saturday, 10/19/2024 from 9:00 am until 5:30 pm
Packet Pick-up: Sunday, 10/20/2024 from 6:00 am until race start

Location

David D. Hunting YMCA | 475 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Parking and Transportation

Parking is available in the DASH lot 7 or 9, on either side of the YMCA. Cost is $4.00.

YMCA Parking Map

What to Bring

Make sure to bring your ID!

Race Weekend Shirt

Buy your 2024 Race Weekend and Spectathlete Shirts online now and pick them up at the Expo! This is a great way to show some team spirit, remember the incredible year we've had, and celebrate your accomplishment! It's also a great post-race option for changing out of that sweaty jersey. The only way to get your shirt is to pre-order online by September 30 using the link below. Reminder: The back of our shirt includes the names of every team member who raised $100 by August 17!

2024 Race Weekend Shirt      TWV Spectathlete Shirt

Buy Your Race Weekend Shirt

Team Lunch

Important Details

Date: Saturday 10/19/2024
Time: 11:00 am
Cost: $15 per person, kids 12 are free
Location: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park | 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
 

Buy Team Lunch Tickets

This will be an incredible day of celebrations, stories, and carbo-loading for the big race ahead! Don't miss it! Your purchased ticket also includes admission to the inside Gardens and outside sculpture park.

Race Day Details for Runners

Date and Important Times

Sunday, 10/20/2024

"Velocity Challenged" Schedule

This start time is available to those who plan to walk the half marathon and for those who will need more than 6 hours to finish the full marathon. We recommend wearing a headlamp as it will be dark at this time.

Arrive at TWV Tent: 6:00 am
Group Photo &: Pep Rally: 6:30 am
Race Start: 7:00 am
Finish Line Party: 9:30 am until 3:00 pm

Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and ALL Relay Team Schedule

Arrive at TWV Tent for Group Photo & Pep Rally: 7:00 am
Walk to Start Corrals: 7:40 am
Race Start: 8:00 am
Finish Line Party: 9:30 am until 3:00 pm

Meeting Point

Location: David D. Hunting YMCA | 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan

The TWV tent will be located in the parking lot of the YMCA.

Gear Check

Each participant will receive a gear tag with their race bib. Attach your gear tag to your gear bag and leave it with the gear check crew in the Y's parking lot. Don't leave valuables in your bag; leave them with a friend or family member. After the race, reclaim your checked bag.

Finish Line Party

Join us after you finish for our Finish Line Party back at the Team World Vision Tent! We'll have food from New Holland, music, celebration, and fun for you and your fans.

Parking and Transportation

Parking is available in DASH lot 7 or 9, on either side of the YMCA for $4. Park in DASH Lot 9 to the west of the YMCA if your fans will want to drive out to a cheer station.

Map

Race Day Details for Spectathletes

Spectathletes, you are a crucial part of race day! You make this day special for your runner and all runners out there on the course. If you've ever run any kind of race, you know how meaningful the crowds cheers are. Be sure to cheer on all TWV participants by name, wear orange, and plan on being loud! A sign or cowbell is a great addition too.

Cheer Station #1

Time: 8:30 am
Location: Butterworth Park | 1440 Butterworth St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

This cheer station is located at miles 6.5 & 10.5 for half marathoners and miles 6.5 & 23.5 for full marathoners.

Map

Cheer Station #2

Time: 9:30 am until 12:30 pm
Location: Johnson Park | 2600 Wilson Ave NW, Walker, MI 

This cheer station is located at Mile 17 and 19.5 for the full marathon. Cross the Grand River via 28th St. Turn left on Indian Mounds and walk 1 mile. Look for orange!

  • Wear orange!
  • Cheer for people by name!

Map

Finish Line Party

Join us from 9:30 am until 3:00 pm at the Team World Vision Finish Line Party to meet your runner and celebrate! The TWV tent is located in the parking lot of the YMCA.

Location: David D. Hunting YMCA | 475 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 

What to Wear

Team World Vision Jersey

Buy your jersey ahead of time via the Team World Vision Store. Be sure to put your name across the front so people can cheer for you by name!

Check out our Gear Guide for ideas and a race day packing list! Lay out your "flat runner" so you can be sure you have everything you need (and post it when you ask for race day donations and prayers).

 
Dress for the Weather

The race will happen rain or shine! Be sure to have what you need for race day.

What to Wear

Race Weekend Shirt

Buy your 2024 Race Weekend and Spectathlete Shirts online now and pick them up at the Expo! This is a great way to show some team spirit, remember the incredible year we've had, and celebrate your accomplishment! It's also a great post-race option for changing out of that sweaty jersey. The only way to get your shirt is to pre-order online by September 30 using the link below. Reminder: The back of our shirt includes the names of every team member who raised $100 by August 17!

2024 Race Weekend Shirt      TWV Spectathlete Shirt

Buy Your Race Weekend Shirt

Fundraising

Fundraising Resources

As we get to race day, it’s not too late to hit or even go beyond your fundraising goal! Our finish line = a fresh start for vulnerable communities! Keep working toward making a big impact!

Download the app to take your fundraising on the go, update your social media, and keep your friends and family updated with photos, progress reports, and prayer requests, plus don’t forget to share your fundraising link. Be bold in asking for donations—you're crushing this race for a reason!