Beyond Training Program

Thinking about training for your first half marathon or marathon and seeking a comprehensive training program in a supportive environment? Completed one or more half and/or full marathons and looking for the next dimension in your training?

Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) hosts two seasons of our half and full marathon training program, "Beyond." The Winter season runs January - April, leading up to the Kalamazoo marathon and other spring events. The Summer season runs July - October, leading up to the Grand Rapids and Detroit marathons, and other fall events.

The 2026 Summer Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program (Kalamazoo) runs Saturday mornings beginning Saturday, July 11 and runs through Saturday, October 10. Saturday runs start at 7 a.m. through July and August and at 7:30 a.m. in September and October. Low, Moderate and High Intensity Training Schedules prepare runners for the Kalamazoo Marathon and Half Marathon, and other fall half and full marathons.

Program Cost

Membership in Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) is required to join the Winter Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program.  The program cost is $45 through July 4, 2026 and $55 afterwards, plus the cost of a KAR membership if not already a member ($25 individual/$35 family/$20 full-time student).  

The 2026 Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program (Kalamazoo) includes:

  • Organized and supported Saturday morning runs held on a variety of courses in Kalamazoo, Portage, and other surrounding communities.
  • Pace groups are led by experienced and supportive team leaders to help you meet your goals.
  • Hydration and SAG support are provided on the course.
  • The majority of runs begin and end at an indoor venue with restroom facilities.
  • Low, moderate and high intensity half and full marathon training schedules with day-by-day workouts.
  • Weekly email communications with training tips, schedules, and more.

Testimonials

This program was exactly what I needed to successfully train for my first full marathon. Four months is a long time to train, and it takes both a mental and physical toll. There are so many ups and downs. I simply could not have made it to race day without the support and encouragement that this program offers, not to mention the sense of accountability to stick with the training schedules. My first marathon (the Cincinnati Flying Pig) ended up going great; I couldn’t have done it without this group! – Doug Chapel

Having moved to Kalamazoo recently and not knowing anyone here to do my group runs with, I would say I am pleasantly surprised with the Kalamazoo area running community. I would like to thank each and every individual who made beyond training a huge success and I would definitely be willing to take part again in 2018. – Vijay Turlapati

It may sound crazy, but getting up in time to eat and get to a Kalamazoo location ready to run by 8:00 am on Winter Saturdays, with 100s of like-minded folks, is a rush! You hear and share great stories, rack up the miles, and prepare for a dynamite Spring marathon. It’s habit-forming! – Carole Bolthouse

Contact Information

For more information on the 2026 Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program, please contact Gary Lambert (gary.lambert@kalamazooarearunners.org) or Sally Read (sally.read@kalamazooarearunners.org).