Groundhog Day Marathon Whole Hog (1/6 plus Full)
Friday, 7 February 2025· 18:30· Walker, MI, 49534, US
About this race
The modified course for 2024 was pretty popular. We've certified the new course, so we'll be starting behind the pavilion this year again. Looking forward to seeing you in 2025!
We’ve all heard of Punxsutawney Phil, the little furry guy in Pennsylvania who comes out, sees his shadow, and declares six more weeks of winter. Then there’s Augustus T. Groundhog, better known as Grand Rapids Gus. He’s Phil’s much more interesting cousin. Unlike Phil, who it seems can only see shadows, Gus has much better eyesight and can look at a calendar on February 2 and know that spring doesn’t start for six weeks. Gus suggested that instead of lamenting over six more weeks of winter, we should EMBRACE the cold and snow and do something fun. And so, the Groundhog Day Marathon was born.
EARLY START--If you're planning to be running more than about 6 hours, please start at the 7:00 am early start. The normal start is at 8:00 am
The Basics
It’s a winter running event, outside Grand Rapids Michigan. YES! THERE WILL PROBABLY BE LOTS OF SNOW ON THE COURSE.
The Friday and Saturday beginning of February. In 2025, it's February 7-8.
It’s more fun than you should have with your clothes on. (And we DEFINITELY suggest you keep your clothes on!)
Our Events
Marathon:
Like the movie, you’ll feel like you’re repeating the same day over and over. A beautiful, snowy (we hope), approximately 4.4 mile course. Splits every 1/12th of a marathon. 8:00 a.m. Saturday. 500 Runner limit combined for full and half marathons
Half Marathon:
For those of you who couldn’t stay awake through the whole movie. Only six times around.
Moonlight 1/6 Marathon on Groundhog Eve:
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 1/6 MARATHON! Hey, we’re going to be set up anyway, no sense in just long-distance people having all the fun. Two loops of the course. 6:30 p.m. Friday. 300 Runner limit.
Course
Ever see the movie? The course will give you the opportunity to relive the same day several times. A total of 12 loops of approximately 2.18 miles on a CERTIFIED course (Yes! You can qualify for Boston!) will have you feeling just a little case of deja vu. Aid stations at 1 mile plus the finish line area. Don’t plan on the course being free of snow. It’s paved, which means no underlying rocks and roots, but that’s about all we’re promising.
Swag - Every participant will get an awesome hoodie, finisher medal. Whole and Half-Hog get a stocking cap as well.
Training Partner - And our Official Training Program for Groundhog
RunGR is our largest local running club and has multiple coaches, who provide training programs for all of our races. With a club of more than 300 runners, the club provides a great opportunity to not only get a coaching plan, but also do your training with a large group of local athletes. RunGR will be offering a training plan, specific to Groundhog distances, as well as a prorated membership, known as their FAST program, so you can try out the club for 20 weeks. https://rungr.com/
For our Offical Training Program, CLICK
Hotels & Travel.
Our airport is GRR. Look for hotels HERE
This is a middle of the freakin' winter thing. Weather could suck. (Usually does.) You do know we're in Michigan, right? So register at your own risk. There are no refunds, no deferrals, no transfers. If there's a snowstorm of Biblical proportions, we'll have a snow date the next Saturday. If it's still not po
What to expect
Written from race dataThe Groundhog Day Marathon Whole Hog, taking place on February 7th, 2025, in Walker, MI, is a unique endurance event that combines a 1/6th marathon (approximately 4.4 miles) with a full marathon. While specific historical details about this particular "Whole Hog" iteration are not provided, such events often stem from a tradition of challenging runners with multiple distances or segments within a single race. Participants should expect a demanding yet potentially rewarding experience that tests both speed and stamina. The "Whole Hog" name suggests a commitment to completing the entire challenge, implying a significant physical and mental undertaking. The typical terrain and conditions for a February race in Michigan, especially in the Walker area, would likely involve cold weather, potentially with snow or ice, and a course that could be a mix of paved roads and possibly some groomed trails. Runners should prepare for variable weather, including wind chill, and ensure they have appropriate gear for winter running. The inclusion of two distinct distances within one event is a notable feature, requiring strategic pacing and mental fortitude to transition from a shorter, faster segment to the longer, more grueling marathon. This format offers a distinct challenge compared to a standard single-distance race, appealing to those seeking a novel and comprehensive test of their running capabilities.
The course
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Weather on the day
Fri, 7 Feb 2025Rain, Partially cloudy
28.1°C
Weather data by VisualCrossing
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