Groundhog Day Marathon

Groundhog Day Marathon is held in Walker, Michigan, just outside Grand Rapids, over February 5-6, 2027. Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. brings the 1/6 marathon world championship (4.37 miles) along with the Half Hog (17.47 miles) and the Whole Hog (30.57 miles), which pair that sixth with the half or the full. The marathon (26.2 miles) and the half marathon (13.1 miles) then start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, on a demanding certified loop course known for snowy footing and hard winter conditions.

This one is for runners who would rather take winter on than wait it out. Traction and warm layers matter more here than a precise pacing plan, and times run slower than on a dry road course, so set your expectations before the start rather than during the race. If you have entered a Whole Hog or a Half Hog, remember that Friday evening takes something out of your legs: treat Saturday as an endurance effort, not a time trial.