Armed Services Marathon

The Armed Services Marathon, 1/2 Marathon & 5K is scheduled for this May at the Grand Haven High School Football Stadium. This event is also embraced and supported by the Township of Grand Haven, Ottawa County Sheriff Department and Ottawa County Road Commission.

All 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.

The entire event is sanctioned with USA Track and Field, the national governing body of track, field and running events. The marathon and 1/2 marathon courses are measured and certified with USA Track and Field. The marathon course is a qualifying event for the Boston and New York City Marathons. The 1/2 marathon is also a qualifying course for the New York City Marathon, at a slightly faster pace, naturally. While all family members are encouraged to participate, we need you to keep your “furry” family members home. While we certainly have and love our own pets, pets will NOT be allowed at the venue or on the course.

The marathon has a 6 hour time limit. If you’re not able to finish the marathon in 6 hours, DON’T BE DISCOURAGED. We offer a special start time of 1 hour early (7:00AM) for those unable to finish the marathon in 6 hours. This early start is NOT available to anyone else.

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.

Each branch of the military will have a booth and/or exhibit in the stadium. In 2021 the U.S. Coast Guard displayed one of their 29′ rescue vessels and other branches will also bring in exhibits to the stadium. There will again be a Joint Services Honor Guard along with a band and/or chorus to lead us in 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, 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.