SHE RUNS Grand Rapids

An Event for ALL Women

Join us for SHE RUNS Grand Rapids - an all-women’s event that celebrates the power of women in sport. Rooted in the spirit of Title IX, She Runs is about more than miles. It’s about making space - for every SHE. We are committed to building a race environment where every woman feels seen, safe, and strong. Whether you’re lacing up for your first race or chasing a new PR, you belong here!

Same Location, Same Season, New Adventure

We will return to the Grand Rapids community hub of John Ball Zoo. Taking to the streets together this fall will bring picturesque views and plenty of summer training time. We hope you’ll join us on this amazing adventure!

Race Day Timeline for Sunday, September 27th*

Packet Pickup                              7:00 am

Welcoming Ceremonies             8:00 am

National Anthem                          8:10 am

myTeam Triumph Half Start       8:15 am*

Half Marathon Start                     8:25 am*

10k Start                                        8:40 am*

myTeam Triumph 5k Start          8:50 am*

5k Start                                           8:55 am*

Race Day Festival Opens             9:00 am

Finish Line closes                         12:30 pm** 

Race Day Festival Closes            1:30 pm

*Start times subject to change

**Hand timing available for those who finish after

Packet Pickup/Registration

Saturday, September 26, 2026: Details coming soon!

Sunday, September 27, 2026: John Ball Zoo, from 7:00AM to 8:30AM

We look forward to seeing you!

Virtual Events

For those registering for virtual events your shirt, bib and medal will be mailed to you at no extra cost. Directions on uploading your activity will be sent to you as event day approaches. We also encourage you to send us photos of your training and participation in the virtual distances that we can share.

Pacing

She Runs Grand Rapids is proud to offer a team of community runners and walkers for both the 10K and Half Marathon! These women will help guide every pace (7:00/mile to 14:00/mile and waking) to help you reach your goal! 

Social Teams

Because we are all better together, participants can create or join a Social Team in the registration process with a minimum of five participants and no maximum! Award categories coming soon. 

Refunds, Deferrals and Transfers

As is common with most races, She Runs Grand Rapids does not offer refunds due to the investment of putting on a large and unique experience. Participants can defer their registration to next year one time, transfer to a different race distance, or transfer their registration to another individual until September 13th in their RunSignup account. 

Referrals

This year, receive 1 dollar back for every friend who signs up using your referral code for up to 10 dollars.

Everyone who finishes the half marathon, 10k and 5k will receive a custom finisher medal.

Top three overall, and in each Age Group of all three races receive awards as well. 

Overall winners receive: 

1st Place: 
HOKA shoes
$75 New Balance apparel/accessories
$100 Gazelle Sports gift certificate

2nd Place:
HOKA shoes
$50 New Balance apparel/accessories
$75 Gazelle Sports gift certificate

3rd Place:
HOKA shoes
$25 New Balance apparel/accessories
$50 Gazelle Sports gift certificate

First, second and third place Age Group winners for each event will receive $25, $15 and $10 Gazelle Sports gift certificates, respectively.

Here, you will find information on any COVID-19 protocols that will need to be followed to provide a safe event. We will also communicate any updates or changes to protocols prior to event day.

This year's event shirt is offered in sizes XS- XL. It is a relaxed, women's fit t-shirt. Please refer to the size chart below:

SHE RUNS Grand Rapids Expo 2022 presented by Foster Swift

This year's expo will be an event in itself! Brought to you by Foster Swift, the interactive expo will be a celebration of everything that SHE RUNS Grand Rapids is! 

This year, we have something quite special planned for expo Saturday. On April 30th from 11 am to 5 pm take a stroll down the bricks of Grand Rapids’ first paved road, Monroe Center, and be the inaugural guests of our new store at 52 Monroe Center. Check in and receive your SHE RUNS Grand Rapids shirt just down the road at 74 Monroe Center, and experience our expo space in the famed lobby. 

8:30am | Shake out run | register here
Join other She Runs Grand Rapids participants for an easy shake-out run around downtown on Saturday, April 30, led by the Wednesday Night Hills & Stair group, starting and finishing at the Expo presented by Foster Swift (74 Monroe Center NW). The run will be approximately 2.5 miles, with an option to go longer, and is open to all who would like to join. Please meet in front of 74 Monroe Center and check-in before 8:30am. 
 
9:30am | Gazelle Sports Kids Run | register here
If you know any little fawns who’d like to take their first leaps into running, the Gazelle Sports Kids Run is the perfect opportunity. Kids aged 8 and under can check in or late register with a parent or guardian Saturday, April 30th beginning at 8:30 am in our new expo space at 74 Monroe Center before heading to the starting line on Monroe Center near Rosa Parks Circle.
 
10am | Family Friendly Yoga | register here
Join us after the kids run for a yoga class led by Sara at Aptitude Yoga + Fitness. This yoga class will be suitable for all ages and ability levels.
 
11:30am | Zumba | register here
Join Yeli and Nerida from Yeli’s Fitness for a 30 minute Zumba experience in the She Runs Grand Rapids Expo space! No equipment necessary, just bring yourself and dress in clothing that allows for movement. This fun, upbeat class will start your She Runs Grand Rapids weekend off on the right foot!
 
1:00pm | Pacer Panel 101 Discussion | register here
Have a few questions on what to do race morning? Wondering how running with a pacer works? How can running with a pace group help you achieve your race day goals? Join us in the activity space at the expo at 1pm on April 30 for an open Q & A session with a few of our veteran pacers. Registration not required, but helpful for us to know how many people to tentatively expect for seating.
 
2:00pm | HIIT the Ground Running with Planet Fitness | register here
Stefanie from She Runs Grand Rapids Volunteer sponsor, Planet Fitness, will  lead participants through their functional training circuit, similar to the 360 circuits they run at Planet Fitness locations. This alternative workout can be done on a weekly basis to support your running schedule, while using minimal equipment. 
 
3:00 PM | Yoga with Sven | register here
Join us for a 45 minute beginners yoga for runners class in the fitness sampler area at the She Runs GR Expo. Feel free to bring your own mat or we will have some available for you to borrow at the expo.

Registration & Race Info

Is this event inclusive to all women?

SHE RUNS Grand Rapids is an all-Women's event centered around the empowerment of women and celebrating women in sports (Title XI). Our goal is to ensure every SHE feels included and welcomed by way of representation, removing barriers to entry, and creating safe spaces to participate, train and race.  The purpose of our event is to: 

- To move your body 
- To celebrate the long lasting impact of Title 9 and women in sports 
- To empower one another through movement 
- To create safe spaces for women to connect
- To connect sponsors to our movement community 
- To enhance partnerships within the community
- To  reduce barriers of entry
- To increase representation

It is with this purpose that we are committed to the inclusion of all women in She Runs Grand Rapids. We understand gender and the conversations around it are complex and evolving. It is our goal to be inclusive of all individuals who are affirmed by using She/Her pronouns and to create a safe and welcoming space for all who choose to participate in and celebrate movement as their most authentic selves. Discrimination, harassment, and/or bullying will not be tolerated on any She Runs Grand Rapids digital platforms or at in-person events.

Our racing and competition policy will follow all USATF guidelines regarding fair sport.

Who do I contact if my company is interested in sponsoring the event?

Please contact sherunsgr@gazellesports.com for any sponsor inquires.

Will courses change for 2026?

The She Runs Grand Rapids courses will, hopefully, remain the same as 2025! We are working to finalize the routes. However, runners can look forward to a scenic route, starting and finishing at John Ball Zoo. We can't wait to see you out three! Links to the course routes will be published when the routes are approved.

Aid Stations will be offered on all three event courses and feature water, hydration, portable restrooms, and University of Michigan Health-West medical personnel. Check out the course maps for locations.

The half marathon course will feature one nutrition station near the halfway point featuring nutrition chews/gels. The nutrition station will be available just before an Aid Station so you can hydrate as necessary after taking nutrition.

What are my options for registration?

February 13, 2026  - August 30, 2026 

• Half: $85
• 10K: $45
• 5K: $35

August 31, 2026 - Event Day (September 28)

• Half: $90
• 10K: $50
• 5K: $40

All registered participants will receive a women’s fit shirt, custom medal, and race bib.

Are awards offered for She Runs Grand Rapids events?

Yes! Everyone who finishes the half marathon, 10K, and 5K will receive a custom finisher medal designed by a local female artist. 

Awards will go to first, second, and third place Overall as well as Masters and Age Group winners for each event.

Age groups are as follows:

14 & under

15-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

80+

Does She Runs Grand Rapids offer Social Teams?

Yes! Create a Social Team with a minimum of five participants and no maximum! You’ll name your team and all team members will be scored by the cross country method of scoring. Plus, on event day, we’ll recognize the top teams in four categories (Largest Team, Best Team Event Day Kit, Fastest Team and Most Unhurried Team) with a $10 Gazelle Sports gift certificate for all team members at the Awards Ceremony. Because after all, aren’t we all better together?

Is there an official Pace Team for She Runs Grand Rapids?

She Runs Grand Rapids is proud to offer a team of community runners and walkers for both the 10K and Half Marathon! These women will help guide every pace (7:00/mile to 14:00/mile and waking) to help you reach your goal! Look for your pace on signs held by the pacers at the She Runs Grand Rapids starting line and line up there. Plan to keep your pacer(s) in sight while you are on course to stay on track for your finish time. Pace signs only will be held by event volunteers in the starting areas for the 5K event to assist in appropriate line up at the start.

Race Day Logistics

Where can I park for the event on September 27?

John Ball Zoo will have some free parking available for She Runs Grand Rapids participants and their guests (enter off Fulton). There is also a variety of free street parking surrounding the zoo. Please be respectful of the neighbors and make sure you park your vehicle only where public parking is available. 

Several self-locking bike racks are available at John Ball Zoo if you’d rather cycle to the event. The DASH does not operate until 11:00 AM on Sundays, but electric scooters and bikes are available around the downtown area for rental transportation 24/7.

Will there be somewhere to keep my personal belongings while I participate?

She Runs Grand Rapids will offer a Gear Check tent on September 27 for all registered participants at the Race Day Festival at John Ball Zoo. Plan to store your personal belongings in the clear bag that will be provided to you at Gear Check and attach the tab on your participant bib to your bag. Plan to retrieve your personal belongings before Gear Check closes at 1 PM.

How can I find my results?

Simply scan the QR code available on your participant bib with any smartphone when you finish to access your results. Or stop at the Information tent at the Race Day Festival to have a volunteer do so for you.

How much time is available for me to finish my event?

The courses will remain open until 12:30 PM After 12:30 PM, those crossing the finish line will be hand timed so volunteers can begin clearing the street.  Late in the morning, the Grand Rapids Police Department may ask those participating to move to the sidewalks as streets reopen to traffic and rules of the road (stopping at stop lights, etc.) will apply. Aid Stations will continue to offer support and fluids until everyone has finished their event.

What is available at each Aid Station on race day?

Aid Stations are located approximately every two miles on all the event courses and feature water, electrolyte replacement fluids, medical support, portable restrooms and lots of encouragement from our volunteer teams! 

Again this year, She Runs Grand Rapids will be using silicone cups provided by Hiccup to distribute fluids at Aid Stations. Once you are done drinking, please place your cup in the provided bins or toss onto the ground for collection by volunteers.

The Half Marathon course will also feature two nutrition stations along the course that will offer nutrition chews/gels. The nutrition stations will be followed almost immediately by an Aid Station for hydration purposes.

Will medical support be available at the start/finish?

Yes, in addition to being available at each Aid Station, a medical tent staffed by University of Michigan Health-West will be open from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the start/finish line. If you or anyone you are with experiences a medical emergency between Aid Stations and/or away from the start/finish line, dial 911 immediately to provide your location. If you are experiencing a medical situation while participating that will allow you to continue to an Aid Station or the finish line, medical help will be available.

Will there be nutrition and hydration after I finish my event?

Upon finishing, participants will be able to carbo load, enjoy fresh fruit and re-hydrate with water from the post-event refreshments area adjacent to the finish line.

Can I celebrate with family, friends and other participants after I finish?

YES! The She Runs Grand Rapids Race Day Festival will take place adjacent to the start/finish line at John Ball Zoo from 9 AM to 1:30 PM and feature music, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (use the “free beverage” tab on your participant bib to enjoy a complimentary cup), food truck fare for purchase, and interactive spaces provided by event sponsors.

Accommodations & Accessibility Needs

I can no longer participate in She Runs Grand Rapids 2026. Can I get a refund?

Refunds are NOT an option for She Runs Grand Rapids, but until 11:59 PM on September 18, 2026, you can defer your registration to the 2027 event or transfer your registration to a different distance online by accessing your RunSignUp account. After September 18, deferrals are no longer an option but registered participants can transfer to a different event distance in person at any event check-in/late registration event or at John Ball Zoo beginning at 7:00 AM on race day. Please note that those who transfer to a different distance after September 18 cannot be guaranteed a specific shirt and will not receive any difference between event costs as a refund but will be required to pay any additional cost if transferring from a shorter to a longer event.

How to do a deferral or transfer:
1. Go to www.runsignup.com and click Sign In at the top right to log into your Run Sign Up account
2. Click the Profile link at the top right
3. Scroll down and click My Registered Races
4. Find the She Runs Grand Rapids link
5. Click Manage Registration
6. If you are on a computer, click either Transfer Event or Defer Registration on the left hand side. If you are on a mobile phone, click Race Menu at the top center, followed by either Transfer Event or Defer Registration.

I am a nursing mom, will there be space to nurse privately? 

We’ve got you covered! We will be providing a Nursing and Pumping Tent conveniently located at the Race Day Festival at John Ball Zoo. Opening at 7:00 AM and closing at 1:30 PM. 

I selected the wrong size shirt when I registered? How can that be corrected?

Until shirts are ordered on August 1st, you can update your registration through your RunSignUp account by selecting this race or by contacting the race. After August 1st, there may be an opportunity to switch out your size after the race on event day, Sunday, September 27, but that option is not guaranteed. 

Can I participate with a stroller?

Yes, strollers are allowed in the event! In order to keep congestion to a minimum, we ask that those pushing strollers line up near or at the back at the starting line on event day. 

Can I run or walk with my dog?

No. Dogs are welcome as spectators but not as runners or walkers in She Runs Grand Rapids as we strive to keep everyone safe on event day! However, if you run or walk with a certified therapy dog, please plan to do so with your companion on event day.

Are any parts of your running route inaccessible to someone with a mobility aid, prosthetic, etc.?

A portion of the Half Marathon race is on a trail and may not be level. Flooding should not be an issue in late September, but we will attempt to remove excessive water from roads/trails. While a best effort will be made to make our course accessible for all participants, note that much of the course may not be accessible to spectators with a mobility aid. Please note our Race Day Festival will be on grass.  Be sure to follow She Runs Grand Rapids on social media for weather updates that will affect the race.

I have medical equipment I carry in a vest/harness/backpack while I run. Is that allowed? 

YES! If your equipment is required for medical reasons (ONLY) then please keep it with you while you run! 

I am an athlete with a disability and need a Guide Runner. Do they have to register and pay?

Guide Runners are welcomed! Participants are required to identify their own Guide. One per participant at no cost. Once you have registered, email your name and reason for a Guide Runner to sherunsgr@gazellesports.com for a code to share with your Guide. They will register using your code, at no cost. Remember, this is for athletes with disabilities such as visually impaired, MS, intellectual disabilities, etc.

If you know any little fawns who’d like to take their first leaps into running, the Gazelle Sports Kids Run is the perfect opportunity. 

Kids aged 8 and under can check in or late register with a parent or guardian Saturday, April 30th beginning at 8:30 am in our new expo space at 74 Monroe Center before heading to the starting line on Monroe Center near Rosa Parks Circle.

Parents are encouraged to join their children at 9:30 am as they race up Monroe Center (Grand Rapids' first paved road) from Rosa Parks Circle to Division Avenue (0.3 miles) as part of our new SHE RUNS Grand Rapids expo experience. 

Depending on the number of registrants, two heats may be offered, one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 9:45 a.m. Upon finishing, registered participants will enjoy hydration and packaged snacks. If you do not plan to run with your child, please plan to meet them at the finish line on Monroe Center just west of Division Avenue.

Register here!

hide me

SHE RUNS Grand Rapids is looking for impact stories to share with our community! Do you have a real story of triumph, adversity, and/or overcoming obstacles? If so, we want to hear from you so we may all discover a little bit of relatability in each individual story, and stay motivated to cross the finish line.

Submit your story here. 

Presented by:
 
 
 
To celebrate our 11th event we are excited to announce the 11 Day Lead In to event day on April 30, 2023. Our goal is to make your pre-race experience easy and convenient with 11 days of opportunities to connect with SHE RUNS Grand Rapids event staff and sponsors across Michigan. The 11 Day Lead In will take the place of the traditional expo we have offered in previous years. During April 20-30 we will offer opportunities for women to pick up their event bib and shirt from different Gazelle Sports locations. Late registration will also be offered. Be sure to check back as we add more details and look for future communication on where to purchase exclusive SHE RUNS Grand Rapids branded apparel. 
 

11 Day Lead In Schedule:
 

Thursday, April 20: (Soldadera Coffee and Boxed Water will be available at all events while supplies last)
4-7p – Gazelle Sports Grandville (new location now open!)
Connect with HOKA and Athletic Physical Therapy, and enjoy beverage samples from Brewery Vivant, Farmhaus Cider Company, Fenn Valley Winery and Brewery Nyx.

Friday, April 21:
11a-1p – Gazelle Sports 28th Street
Enjoy an experience with the Grand Rapids Urban League.
4-7p – Gazelle Sports Holland

Saturday, April 22: Click here to Register
8-11a – Gazelle Sports Downtown Grand Rapids
HOKA will be available with demo shoes and New Balance with demo sports bras or guests to use for their run or walk, along with the University of Michigan Health-West sports med team.
8a – Join the Urban Herd Run/Walk
10a – Race Day Ready Panel Discussion

Sunday, April 23:
12-3p – Gazelle Sports Birmingham
10:30a – 5k run/walk led by store staff
Register Here

Monday, April 24:
4-7p – Gazelle Sports Northville
HOKA will be available with demo shoes and New Balance with demo sports bras for guests to use during their run or walk.
6:30p – 3 or 6 mile run/walk led by store staff
Register Here

Tuesday, April 25:
11a-1p – Gazelle Sports Downtown
Connect with the University of Michigan Health-West sports med team and enjoy an experience with the Grand Rapids Urban League.

Wednesday, April 26:
4-7p – Gazelle Sports 28th Street
Connect with the University of Michigan Health-West sports med team and Athletico Physical Therapy, and enjoy beverage samples from Brewery Vivant, Farmhaus Cider Company, Fenn Valley Winery and Brewery Nyx.

Thursday, April 27:
11a-1p – Gazelle Sports Kalamazoo

Friday, April 28:
4-7p – Gazelle Sports 28th Street
Connect with the University of Michigan Health-West sports med team and HOKA.
5:30p – Meet the Pacers Panel
Register Here

Saturday, April 29:
11a-1p — Gazelle Sports 28th Street
New Balance will be on hand for sports bra fittings
Pre-event Shake Out Run/Walk

Sunday, April 30:
6:30a – Calder Plaza, Downtown Grand Rapids

This upcoming year, Gazelle Girl is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Although we are looking ahead to a return to an in-person event, we are also reflecting in gratitude on the incredible community that we’ve built over the last 9 years. 

Over the last ten years, our city, our nation and our world have all changed and the last 18 months in particular pushed our perspectives to open more broadly in acknowledgment of what’s most important- caring for each other. Gazelle Girl has always aimed to be an inclusive event, and that commitment has only deepened as we move into year ten, so it's time for the event to evolve- including a new name, a new logo, and a renewed commitment to authentic inclusivity of every She who strives to be the best version of herself through movement. She Runs Grand Rapids will maintain the heart of Gazelle Girl and expand upon the invitation to every She who runs. 

On May 1, 2022 we will celebrate the legacy of what we’ve built, honor the moment in which we now find ourselves, and look ahead to the future of inclusivity in the running community. Our sincerest hope is that you’re as excited as we are about the evolution of this event.

Course maps for the 2026 SHE RUNS Grand Rapids will be released as we get nearer to the event.  We will share links to the Strava maps when they are finalized.

We acknowledge that the land on which we live, hold this event, and maintain our retail stores is the unceded ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the People of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi. With this awareness comes a responsibility and a commitment by Gazelle Sports to learn about and honor indigenous communities, to acknowledge our complex and painful past, and to name injustices where they exist.

Because we need to plan ahead in order to offer a great participant experience while raising money for charity we are not able to issue any refunds for registration of this event. If the event is cancelled due to weather, or at the recommendation of local officials, refunds will not be issued.