Your guide to the 2019 Kalamazoo Marathon, Borgess Run - MLive.com

May 01, 2019 at 10:25PM

Thousands of runners and spectators gather on Nazareth Road the Kalamazoo Marathon and Borgess Runs on May 6, 2018. (Rebekah Welch | MLive file photo)

KALAMAZOO, MI -- The annual Borgess Run series of races, celebrating their 40th year in 2019, and the Kalamazoo Marathon are just around the corner.

The Borgess Run for the Health of It brings thousands of runners to Kalamazoo beginning Friday, May 3.

Everyone from experienced marathon runners to families with young children can participate in the multiple races between Friday, May 3, and Sunday, May 5, the date of the marathon.

This year, there is a change to the marathon route because of construction on Western Michigan University's campus.

Proceeds raised from participant fees and from contributions made during the events benefit four children's charities: Girls on the Run of Greater Kalamazoo, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo, The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo and The Ascension Borgess Foundation/Healthy Babies.

Whether you plan to run, walk, cheer from the sidelines or avoid the traffic backups all together, here's everything you need to know before the big day.