City Guide: Running in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Looking for the top places to run, local running stores, group runs, and more? Here’s your guide to running in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

(Feature photo by iStock.com/Craig Rinzema)

Article last updated: November 7, 2025

The Grand Rapids City Guide is developed in partnership with Gazelle Sports. Read more about Gazelle Sports in the Running Stores section below!

Grand Rapids has been named one of the most walkable cities in the country, with a downtown that’s easy to navigate and trails nearby. You’ll also find a group run almost any day of the week, making it easy to immerse yourself in the local running community.

Most races are scheduled in the spring and fall. Courses such as the 10-mile LMCU Bridge Run and Grand Rapids Marathon are great ways to tour the city and take in the sights of downtown, the river, and surrounding parks. If exploring on your own, Millennium Park and White Pine Trail have more than 100 miles of running paths.

After a run, be sure to swing by Gazelle Sports, the local running company that’s majority women-owned and has been serving Michigan’s runners for 40 years. Then head over to one of the city’s eateries serving up fresh-squeezed juices, breakfast skillets, bagel sandwiches, craft beers, and burgers.

Bookmark this guide for your next trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rather than researching where to go, you can spend more time on the trails and grabbing a post-run pastry from a local bakery.

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Running in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Grand Rapids running community is special in both its diversity of run groups and running landscapes. From vibrant, urban 5K routes to quiet, wooded trails that go on for miles and miles, it’s a great place to find community and go at your own pace.

Want to run hills and stairs? There’s a group for that. Looking for an all-paces inclusive experience? There’s a group for that. Up for a pre-dawn surprise run and work out? There’s a group for that, too!

When Is the Best Time to Visit Grand Rapids, Michigan?

The spring and fall are alive with race start and finish lines, and these are the best times to visit Grand Rapids as a runner. The USATF 25 km Championships kicks off the season in May, and half and full marathons provide race courses through the most beautiful spring blooms and cozy fall colors.

Where to Stay in Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Where to Run in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Downtown Grand Rapids with the river in the forefront and a partly cloudy sjy at sunset in the background — (Photo courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids)

Downtown Grand Rapids
You’ll see why Grand Rapids is one of the most walkable cities in the country when you take in the sights and sounds of the vibrant neighborhoods and lively business districts. Explore the Heritage Hill neighborhood (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), feed off the excitement from the events at the Van Andel Arena, and scope out more than 200 restaurants, shops, and businesses. Be sure to stop by the Gazelle Sports downtown store (52 Monroe Center Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan) or visit the store’s website to learn the staff’s favorite 5K routes. You can also plan a route of your own to check out a few downtown highlights.

A sidewalk path through a park with green grass and trees on either side at sunset — (Millennium Park; photo courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids)

Millennium Park
Find 1,400 acres of natural beauty just outside of downtown Grand Rapids at Millennium Park (1415 Maynard Avenue SW, Walker, Michigan). Be on the lookout for deer, beavers, and bald eagles as you run, walk, or bike through the park. There are 18 miles of trails to explore, most of which are paved. These paths provide connections to trails within Johnson Park (southwest) and Kent Trails (northeast). Find more park information and a trail map here.

Reeds Lake
Run the scenic 4.2-mile loop around Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids. This paved trail offers views of the lake and travels by multiple parks in East Grand Rapids. There are maps and markers along the trail to ensure you don’t get lost (find the full map here). Afterward, be sure to walk around Gaslight Village at the west end of the lake, which is home to many great shops and restaurants.

A sidewalk path leading into a tunnel of tree coverage and a bridge in the distance — (White Pine Trail; photo courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids)

White Pine Trail
White Pine Trail, also called Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, is a 92-mile paved rail trail that runs through towns, cities, and farmland, from Grand Rapids to Cadillac. Popular stops along the trail include Third Nature Brewing Company, Eastern Kille Distillery, and Rockford Brewing Company — all of which are in Rockford, about a 20-minute drive north of Grand Rapids. A great spot to start your run is the Rogue River/Belmont trailhead (6252 Belmont Avenue NE, Belmont, Michigan). From here, you can run north toward Rockford or south toward Grand Rapids. Find more trailheads and a full map here.

As with any running route, take the necessary precautions for a safe run. Whenever possible, run with a buddy. Tell someone you know well where you’re going and when you expect to return, bring your cell phone and an ID, and remain aware of your surroundings.

Running Stores in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A wall in a retail store displaying various running shoe models and a large black and white photo of runners in the center — (Photo courtesy of Gazelle Sports)

Gazelle Sports
Gazelle has been encouraging and celebrating healthy lifestyles in the community for 40 years! The locally owned and operated running store has seven Michigan locations, with three in the Grand Rapids area. Running shoe brands include Brooks, Hoka, On, Adidas, Altra, Nike, and Saucony. You’ll also find gear from Janji, Tracksmith, Patagonia, and Vuori. Among Gazelle Sports’ signature annual events is SHE RUNS, a women-only half marathon, 10K, and 5K.
52 Monroe Center Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 616-828-4665
3930 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 616-940-9888
4499 Ivanrest Avenue SW, Grandville, Michigan; 616-249-1705

Striders
On the southwest side of town, in Grandville, Striders welcomes beginner and veteran runners and triathletes. Find gear and shoe brands such as Altra, Asics, Brooks, Hoka, Nike, Sketchers, Topo, Speedo, CEP Compression, Nathan, Goodr, and many others.
4045 Chicago Drive SW, Grandville, Michigan; 616-261-9706

The Runnery
First established in 1979, The Runnery has been in its current Comstock Park location, just north of Grand Rapids, since 2007. The locally owned small business focuses on providing great customer service while helping beginner and experienced runners find their next running shoes.
5361 Alpine Avenue NW, Comstock Park, Michigan; 616-785-7880

Run Clubs in Grand Rapids, Michigan

We aim to keep this guide updated regularly, but things can change quickly! Before attending a run club on this list, call the associated store or check the group’s social media to confirm the date, time, and location.

Creston Run Group
When: Mondays at 6 p.m.
Distance: 3.5, 4.5, and 6.5 miles
Starting Point: Brickyard Tavern at 940 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Lyon Street Run Club
When: Tuesdays at 6 a.m.
Distance: 3 or 5 miles
Starting Point: Rotating locations; check Instagram

November Project Grand Rapids
When: Wednesdays at 6:01 a.m.
Distance: Varies (free fitness group focused on HIIT workouts for all levels)
Starting Point: Bostwick Avenue NE and Lyon Street NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan (Grand Rapids Community College campus)

Hills and Stairs
When: Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 3-5 miles (depending on how many hills you run)
Starting Point: City Built Brewing Company at 820 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Striders Group Run
When: Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: Striders at 4045 Chicago Drive SW, Grandville, Michigan

Society Track Club
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Distance: 3-5 miles
Starting Point: Meets at the corner of Wealthy Street SE and Croswell Avenue SE, East Grand Rapids, Michigan

Gazelle Sports Urban Herd
When: Saturdays at 8 a.m.
Distance: 3-5 miles
Starting Point: Gazelle Sports Grandville at 4499 Ivanrest Avenue SW, Grandville, Michigan
Check Instagram for updates.

The Dirty Herd
When: Sundays (time changes by season)
Distance: Trail, distance varies
Starting Point: Robinette’s Apple Haus or Cannonsburg Ski Area
Check Instagram for updates.

Destination Races in Grand Rapids, Michigan

(Hurt the Dirt; photo by Jamie Geysbeek Photography)
(Amway River Bank Run; photo courtesy of Amway River Bank Run)
(LMCU Bridge Run; photo by Joe Miles)
(SHERUNS Grand Rapids; photo courtesy of Gazelle Sports)
(Grand Rapids Marathon; photo by Laura Caprara/STELLAFLY)
(Whoville 5K; photo courtesy of Gazelle Sports)

Hurt the Dirt
April | Rockford, Michigan | Marathon, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon
This single-track trail race is described as fast and flowy, making it great for first-timers. Capped at 440 runners, the event features finisher awards and post-race pulled pork, chicken, or jackfruit sandwiches.

Amway River Bank Run
May | Grand Rapids, Michigan | 25K, 10K, 5K
Join more than 10,000 runners for the largest 25K road race in the United States, which runs concurrently with the USATF 25 km Championships. You’ll start and end in downtown Grand Rapids and run on both sides of the river for this looped course.

LMCU Bridge Run
September | Grand Rapids, Michigan | 10 Miles, 5K
Run through downtown Grand Rapids, across several city bridges with great views, and through Riverside Park. Several bands play along the course, and a portion of the proceeds supports local organizations.

SHE RUNS Grand Rapids
September | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
Celebrating the power of women in sport, SHE RUNS Grand Rapids is an all-women event welcoming runners and walkers. Produced by Gazelle Sports, all race distances start and finish at John Ball Park, and half marathon runners loop Millennium Park.

Grand Rapids Marathon
October | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Marathon, Half Marathon
Running for more than 20 years, the Grand Rapids Marathon is sponsored by the University of Michigan Health. Runners get a tour of downtown Grand Rapids and Millennium Park on this flat and fast Boston-qualifying course.

The Whoville 5K
December | Grand Rapids, Michigan | 5K
Dress up as a Who from Whoville for this holiday 5K around Riverside Park. While there’s no official race timing at this community event, produced by Gazelle Sports, you’ll find plenty of cookies and hot cocoa.

After a Run: Where to Eat in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The outside of a brick building on a sunny day with people lining up to order food from a window and sitting at picnic tables — (City Built Brewing Company; photo by Bryan Esler)

City Built Brewing Company — Situated just across the street from the Grand River and the Grand River Edges Trail in downtown Grand Rapids, City Built Brewing features brews, draft cocktails, and zero-proof beverages. Enjoy Puerto Rican-inspired dishes in an inclusive atmosphere.
820 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan

A bakery pastry case stocked with danishes, cookies, and scones — (Photo courtesy of Field & Fire)

Field & Fire — Located in the same building as City Built Brewing, stop by for a handmade pastry, vegan breakfast skillet, or biscuit sandwich. If your run takes you to lunchtime hours, you’ll find healthy and organic sandwiches, salads, and bowls.
820 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 616-608-4533

The inside of a cafe with wooden stools, low-hanging lights, and a counter painted in green with a gold and white checkered wall in the background — (Photo courtesy of Good Judy’s Market & Juice Bar)

Good Judy’s Market & Juice Bar — Fruity and Fabulous fresh-squeezed juice bar and market. Stop in after a run at Reeds Lake for a cold-pressed juice and a vegan BLT or lemon avocado toast.
1146 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan

The outside of a brick building with big windows and blue chairs set up in front — (Photo courtesy of Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge)

Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge — Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge is inclusive, locally owned, and a proud supporter of area run clubs. Located in downtown Grand Rapids, there’s plenty of room to settle in and enjoy a coffee and Danish after a run.
100 Commerce SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 616-920-0209

A box of eight donuts topped with glaze, sprinkles, or cinnamon-sugar — (Rise Authentic Baking Co.; photo by Elyn Courey)

Rise Authentic Baking Co. — Just a few steps from John Ball Park, this gluten-free, vegan, and soy-free bakery offers a rotating selection of freshly-baked pastries and desserts, plus coffee and lattes. (Oh yeah, and the owners are runners!)
1220 West Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 616-288-7969

Terra Bagels — Find fresh-made bagels and shmears and plenty of sandwich options inside Terra Bagels’ quaint shop locations in downtown and in Eastown, less than two miles from the Reeds Lake trail.
Eastown: 1413 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 616-805-3740
Downtown: 40 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 616-465-4343

A table filled with cocktails and plates of food, including a burger and fries, a salad with strawberries, nachos, and a meat and cheese board — (Photo courtesy of Vivant Brewery & Spirits)

Vivant Brewery & Spirits — Housed in a former chapel, this brewery and restaurant serves a variety of drinks and fancy pub fare, such as the chilled couscous salad, truffle fries, and Nashville chicken sandwich. It’s located just two miles from the Reeds Lake trail.
925 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 616-719-1604

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