Registration for the 2018 Winter Blast Half Marathon, 10k and 5k is Open

Registration for the Sixth Annual Winter Blast Half Marathon, 10k and 5k, presented in partnership by Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) and the City of Portage is now open.  The series of running events will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2018 (Expo Saturday, February 24). Join us in this extraordinary community celebration of health and wellness.  The half marathon, 10k and 5k courses highlight the Portage Trail Way System and include a mix of mostly flat paved bike trail and roads.  The half marathon and 5k courses are USAT&F certified.  Please join the Kalamazoo Area Runners in recognizing the support of the half marathon presenting sponsor AT&T.  Many other sponsors have joined in support of this amazing event that has been a tradition for 6 years in the City of Portage.

Registration is available through RunSignUp and the direct link is found at  https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Portage/WinterBlastHalfMarathon10K5K.  Volunteer sign-up is also available at RunSignUp.  Please note the various registration deadlines as they vary by race designation.

All running events start and end at Portage Central High School, 8135 South Westnedge Avenue, Portage, MI  49002 on Sunday, February 25, 2018. Events will begin at 8:00 am, with individual race start times to be announced.   The half marathon will close registration once it attains its cap of 1,500.   Cutoff time to be included in half marathon results is 3 hours, 45 minutes. Roads will be re-opened at 12:00 noon.

The event features a number of different prizes including both runner awards and community spirit awards for the teams that feature the hydration stations.  Runner awards to first place overall open, masters, grand masters, senior masters and five year age division awards three deep in all three events with finisher medals to all half marathoners finishing within the time limit.

The Winter Blast Half Marathon, 10k and 5k depends on sponsorship revenue to be successful and provide this rich tradition in the City of Portage.  Companies, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to consider how they can reach out to our runners and support this event.  Sponsorship packages are available.  All proceeds will support the Portage Winter Blast Half Marathon, 10k and 5k and the Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR).

For more information about the Winter Blast Half Marathon, 10k and 5k, the various events and travel information, please visit https://portagewinterblast.wordpress.com.  Questions can also be addressed to the Event Team at 269-388-2830.