Fit Do Race Reviews: Borgess Run for the Health of It Half Marathon

By LL in KCMO

On May 5th, Jess and I ran the Borgess Run for the Health of It Half Marathon in Kalamazoo, MI. We chose this half marathon to run together as we wanted to run with our dad for his first half. We all agreed that it was a good race overall. You would expect it to be, though, since the half marathon has been held for 34 years. However, Jess and I both agreed that we likely would not run the full marathon (which was only in its 3rd year) as it clearly was a half marathon with the full tacked onto it.

Both the marathon and half marathon were large loops through Kalamazoo, MI. The course started and ended at Nazarene College, which is right by the Borgess Hospital campus. The marathon started at 8:00 AM and the half at 8:20 AM, followed by a 5k run and 5k walk. Jess and I both thought that the start times were a little late, which in turn made the course a little hot as the temperatures rose throughout the day. 

The course itself was fairly nice. We ran downhill on the way out (which was a little daunting since you knew you had to run back up after doubling back). Running down Main Street in downtown Kalamazoo was probably the best as there were the most spectators and no traffic. In other areas along the course, you had to be watchful when passing on the right as the road was only closed in one direction. 

There were some nice sights along the course as well. 

{As my dad said, all of last year's marathoners...}

{All along the course, Borgess has some awesome billboards} 

Normally with a half marathon, you do not get to enjoy the luxuries of a full marathon - like icy pops, gummy bears, cool sponges, water stations with GU juice and water every 1.5 miles - but because there was a full attached to this half marathon, we did get all these added touches, which was nice.

All in all a good race. A fun time particularly because of the company.

As for the full marathon, if you are interested in "earning your mittens," there is a challenge with the Borgess Marathon, in collaboration with the Kenosha, WI marathon (which is always the day before). If you run both marathons in the same weekend, you can earn your mittens.

During the races, you get special treatment and bibs to designate that you are a maniac doing both races. Unfortunately, due to the confusing marathon course, one woman trying to earn her mittens took a wrong turn and ended up on the half marathon course and finished about 8 miles shy of the full marathon. Not sure how Borgess handled that one. 

And what better way to end the race than at the local brewery!