Kal-Haven Trail Run

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 10, 2027 

Start Times for the 2027 Kal-Haven Trail Run will be in heats and based on anticipated finish times.

There will be 4 starting heats: 7am, 7:30am, 8am, and 8:30am.  Heat placement will be determined by the organizers of the race and dependent upon quantity of participants and anticipated finish times.

You will be prompted to submit your anticipated finish time during the registration process.  For relay teams, the individual who creates your team will be responsible for submitting the team's anticipated finish time.

Registration:
Registration is available online up until the start of the races. 

There is no paper registration. If you are planning to register day of, please bring a device that you can register on. 

Registration Fees:

• Online registration WITH Commemorative Shirt (Oct 1 - March 21)  
  • Solo Registration - $95
  • 2 Person Team Registration - $75 per team member
  • 3 to 6 Person Team Registration - $50 per team member
• Late / Day-Of Registration (March 22 - April 10) NO SHIRT OPTION when registering AFTER March 21
  • Solo Registration - $105
  • 2 Person Team Registration - $85 per team member
  • 3 to 6 Person Team Registration - $55 per team member

Packet Pickup:

• Friday, April 9th, 4pm - 7pm - Mitten Running Co, 6290 S Westnedge Ave Ste A, Portage, MI 49002

• Saturday, April 10th (Race Morning), 6am – 8:15am @ Kal-Haven Trail State Park, 4143 10th Street N, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (where the race starts)  

Event Information:

RRCA Championship Race

Solo Runners

• 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

• 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 04/04/2027

3 to 6 Person Teams

• Teams are able to determine their ideal exchange zones.  Suggested exchange zones are listed with distances 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 04/04/2027

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 8:45am. 

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 21, 2027. IF YOU REGISTER AFTER MARCH 21, 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 04/04/2027.

This year's apparel:

The Kal-Haven Trail Run is excited to offer a commemorative hoodie for the 2027 event!  To receive a hoodie, registration must be received by March 21, 2027.   IF YOU REGISTER AFTER MARCH 21, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A HOODIE.

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)