Gazelle Girl Half Marathon is the perfect half to start Spring Race Season in Michigan. I have been fortunate enough to run this race every year since it started in 2013. I feel a sense of pride in this race as this was the first half marathon I ever ran and it was the inaugural year of the race in which I ran it.
This is a Women’s Half Marathon that is held just before a 5k and 10k, all of which have primarily female runners. The pacers are friendly and motivating (not to mention fun to run with). Running alone without a pace group is also fun as this race has amazing community support. Specifically, at mile 3 there are approximately 30 men in tutus cheering on runners. Further into the race, there are Girls on the Run teams also providing support, when runners need it the most.
The course has been mostly flat with one slight incline in the beginning up Division Avenue and one small hill toward the end after the Sixth Street Bridge. Aid stations and cheering groups are also plentiful along the route.
This event raises money for four charities in West Michigan that impact the lives of girls and women: Kent County Girls on the Run, the YWCA, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (G.R.O.W.), and the Gazelle Sports Foundation.