the overGRound marathon/relay

The overGRound is a free, unsanctioned marathon and marathon relay through the city of Grand Rapids whose route showcases the variety of GR’s features and neighborhoods (beyond Butterworth and Millennium). This is an inclusive, supportive, and free running event celebrating community and a grassroots, no frills spirit of running and free fitness. It is a co-hosted event featuring the many wonderful running and fitness communities of Grand Rapids. Together, participating clubs can invite people out to run, cheer, and support runners on the course. The public is warmly welcomed to participate.

This is the second year of the overGRound. This year's participating clubs include Lyon Street Run Club, November Project GR, Friendship Miles, Society Track Club, and Village Rec Club. 

This year the overGRound will be held October 26, 2025 at 8am, starting and ending at Veterans Memorial Park. The [subject to updates!] carefully designed route passes the many coffee shops that host Lyon Street Run Club, a variety of neighborhoods, cityscapes, and parks, and end passing by November Project Grand Rapids’ home of Lyon and Bostwick before returning to Veterans Memorial Park.

Whether you run the marathon, organize a team to run the relay, or just show up to support the runners, let’s make it once again a fun, unique, out-in-the-open Grand Rapids event that goes beyond the norm.

More details:

• All paces welcome to participate, with every participant from last to first getting a welcome back at Rosa Parks Circle
• This is mostly a self-supported event, but there will be a map, some signage and aid stations on course, and bikers who will check in with runners
• The marathon relay is open to any team configuration or leg distances; the coffee shops make good changepoints but do what works for you
• We encourage you to bring your own bibs and have fun with them
• The 2024 Participant Guide is HERE to give you the flavor but watch for the 2025 edition coming soon
• The Facebook event is HERE for reference
• You are welcome to do any combination of the following: a) run the marathon, b) run as part of a relay marathon, or c) volunteer to help this event be a success, d) come out and cheer (just show up on the course, or at Rosa Parks Circle, on race morning). 

#theoverGRound2024