Welcome to the Great Lakes Medical Spa, Armed Services Marathon, 1/2 Marathon & 5K​

Entering its 15th year, the Armed Services Marathon, 1/2 Marathon & 5K is now scheduled for SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023. This event is open to EVERYONE as we want to honor, respect and promote members of our armed services branches and first responders. WE ARE ALSO VERY EXCITED TO SHARE THAT OUR VENUE, AT THE GRAND HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STADIUM received rave reviews. In meeting with the leadership at the high school, we could not be more excited with the enthusiasm and pro-active support displayed by them. There is MORE than ample parking at the high school to accommodate EVERYONE. This event is also embraced and supported by the Township of Grand Haven, Ottawa County Sheriff Department and Ottawa County Road Commission. All the event distances will start AND finish on the track inside the football stadium. This event is also one of the most scenic courses in West Michigan. 97% of the course is run on bike paths and the 3% of roads you run on have VERY little traffic. This event will make contributions to the West Michigan and original founding chapter of  FOLDS OF HONOR (Click on their tab, above).  In addition to enjoying one of the most scenic venues, other amenities you'll enjoy include a long sleeve "Dri-Fit" tech shirt, event bag with logo, custom finisher medal, and custom overall and age group awards to name a few. We'll also have post-race Subway sandwiches and other food items including chocolate milk provided by Country Dairy. After the event, post-race picnic and awards, please see our friends at Odd Side Ales and enjoy your first craft beer on us. Please click on the You Tube video for our video promotion.

BOSTON MARATHON, NEW YORK CITY MARATHON & ABBOTT MARATHON MAJORS SERIES:

Our marathon and Half Marathon courses are measured and certified courses, making them qualifying courses for the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon and the Abbott Marathon Majors Series. Please click on their respective logos below for more information on their qualification requirements:

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​ARMED SERVICES INVOLVED:

​We are again excited to collaborate with members of the military branches. Each branch will have a booth and/or exhibit in the stadium including the U.S. Coast Guard displaying one of their 29' rescue vessels. The other branches will also bring in exhibits to the stadium. We will again have a Joint Services Honor Guard presentation prior to the singing of The National Anthem. Each military branch will staff an aid station for your support. Our participants will vote which aid station they enjoyed the most and the winning branch will be awarded the "Traveling Trophy". In 2021 and 2022, the U.S. Marine Corps decidedly won the trophy and it is proudly displayed in their office. It has been and is a true privilege to collaborate with all the members from all the branches. ​​

​Respectfully,

Ron Knoll​

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