Kal-Haven Trail Run

CHECK OUT THE 2026 COURSE MAP & AID STATION INFORMATION

About This Event: The Kal-Haven Trail Run is the Southwest Michigan Hometown Ultra, a great first ultra for anyone looking to expand their running beyond 26.2 miles, and a great hometown ultra to keep challenging yourself to a new PR every year. If an ultra is not for you, this run allows participants from all fitness levels to be involved as a 2-person relay team (duo), or 3-6 person relay team. Shake off those winter cobwebs and run the relay with your best run friends!!

The KAR Kal-Haven Ultra Run will be held on the Kal-Haven Trail State Park, offering a scenic, gently downhill run from “the Caboose” in Kalamazoo to South Haven (almost to the beach, but not quite).  There are ten aid stations that will energize runners with food, hydration, and awesome encouragement. These stations also provide runners with relay switch points while also supporting an opportunity for “fans” to support their runners. It’s a day that is sure to be challenging, yet fun.

Important Dates & Times:

Race Day - Saturday, April 11, 2026

Solo Runners – 7:00 AM Start Time

2 Person Teams – 7:30 AM Start Time

3 to 6 Person Teams – 8:00 AM Start Time

Registration: Payment must be made when you register - there will be NO payment accepted at packet pick-up or race day.

As well, there is no paper registrations. If you are planning to register day of, please bring a device that you can register on.

Registration Fees:

Online registration WITH Commemorative Shirt (Dec 1 - March 22) Solo Registration - $75 2 Person Team Registration - $55 per team member 3 to 6 Person Team Registration - $45 per team member

Late / Day-Of Registration (March 23 - April 11) NO SHIRT OPTION when registering AFTER March 22nd Solo Registration - $85 2 Person Team Registration - $65 per team member 3 to 6 Person Team Registration - $55 per team member

Packet Pickup:

Friday, April 10th, 4pm - 7pm - Mitten Running Co, 6290 S Westnedge Ave Ste A, Portage, MI 49002

Saturday, April 11th (Race Morning), 6am – 7:45am @ Kal-Haven Trail State Park, 4143 10th Street N, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (where the race starts)

Event Information:

RRCA Championship Race

Solo Runners – 7:00 am start

Kalamazoo to South Haven, MI ~33.5 miles Solo runners may have up to 3 drop bags Two return shuttles times available; 1:30pm & 3:30pm sharp. Must pay for this at time of registration. No day-of additions. 2 Person Teams – 7:30 am start

Kalamazoo to South Haven, MI Exchange in Bloomingdale, approximately half way Team member substitutions: The team captain may make changes to their teams online up to midnight on 03/31/26 3 to 6 Person Teams – 8:00 am start

Teams with fewer than 6 runners are still required to complete each leg as detailed below. 10th Street to 6th Street - 3.9 miles 6th Street to Kendall - 5.7 miles Kendall to Bloomingdale - 8.0 miles Bloomingdale to Grand Junction - 5.9 miles Grand Junction to Kibbie - 6.5 miles Kibbie to South Haven - 3.5 miles

Note – all distances are provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Team member substitutions: The team captain may make changes to their teams online up to midnight on 03/31/2026.

Parking:

Please note that parking is not allowed along 10th Street or along the entrance to the 10th Street Trailhead. Overflow parking is at Center Point Church. There will be a provided shuttle service for everyone attending the Kal-Haven Trail Run. Starting from Center Point Church at 2345 10th St N, Kalamazoo, the shuttle will run on a continuous loop from 6:30am to 8:15am.

The Fine Print:

All registrations are final, no refunds or deferments will be given. To guarantee a commemorative shirt, registration must be received by March 22, 2026. IF YOU REGISTER AFTER MARCH 22, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A SHIRT. Important note for 3 to 6 person COED relay teams A coed 3-4 person team must have a minimum of one female runner A coed 5-6 person team must have a minimum of two female runners

Team member substitutions: The team captain may make changes to their teams online up to midnight on 03/31/26.

Raffles

New this year! Every participant will automatically be entered into our raffles.

Prize drawings every 30 minutes from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM at the Finish Line

You could win:

• Swag items from Armor PT, Kalamazoo Area Runners, Mitten Running Co., and Run Kalamazoo (need to be present to win) • A FREE pair of Altra running shoes! (do NOT need to be present to win) - Shoes will be available at Mitten Running Co. in Kalamazoo. Winner will complete a foot scan and be fitted in the store. More details will be on the certificate for the winner.

This year's  apparel :

To receive a commemorative 1/4 zip pull-over shirt, registration must be received by March 22, 2026.   IF YOU REGISTER AFTER MARCH 22, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A SHIRT.

Awards:

All finishers will receive a finisher medal Awards for each event will be broken down to 5 year age groups, and will have awards for Male, Female, and Non-Binary Solo event 2 Person Relay (overall only) 3 to 6 Person Relay (overall only)