The Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon announced that it will be unveiling its 2023 return date at the Enjoy Illinois300 taking place on Sunday at the WWT Raceway. The announcement will be placed on the hood of Zeigler.com‘s #77 Chevy Camaro driven by Josh Bilicki of Spire Motorsports. Fans are invited to follow Bilicki‘s #77 on Fox Sports 1 and across social media to learn the date of 2023‘s Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon.
Bilicki supported the 2022 Zeigler Kalamazoo race by driving the race day pace car and participating in the various activities held during the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon Health Expo.
With the much anticipated return of the full marathon event, the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon will be racing into the national spotlight at the NASCAR Cup Series race to officially kick off its 2023 campaign.
“It was evident from the incredible support of the community and our sponsors this past year that this event is integral to health and wellness in Kalamazoo. Even more, it is desired! We are excited to grow and expand in collaboration with the community to make this an experience where movement and health are celebrated by all!” said Carrie Drake, director of the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon.
“Why announce a marathon on network television to a national audience watching NASCAR? Because ‘Driving a Healthy Community‘ is important to our teams across the Zeigler Auto Group and to the city of Kalamazoo. This is one reason why Glassdoor ranked us number 1 among auto dealers for work-life balance during the pandemic. Also, a reason why U.S. News & World Report lists Kalamazoo at 40 within the top 150 best cities in America to live for quality of life and health. We invite runners across the United States to join the marathon next year and to discover all that Kalamazoo, Michigan has to offer,” said Aaron Zeigler, president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group, the event‘s main title sponsor.
Zeigler Auto Group became the event‘s main sponsor after a nearly two year live event hiatus due to the pandemic. During its 2022 reintroduction, the organization announced a new vision —“Driving a Healthy Community”— meant to embody the race‘s legacy while serving as the beginning foundation for a race‘s new era in the Kalamazoo area.
The event‘s latest installment, which took place this year on Sunday, April 24, was a well celebrated success with nearly 2,000 runners and walkers.
The Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon started with the PNC Kids‘ 1K on Friday and culminated with main event races on Sunday, April 24, 2022. The event weekend also featured NASCAR driver Josh Bilicki on Saturday during the Kalamazoo Health Expo, and Sunday with the professional athlete pacing the main races in the Zeigler.com Camaro.
“Now more than ever, getting outside to walk and run is an excellent way to be healthy. We envision the 2023 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon event that will inspire all parts of our community towards health and wellness,” said Chris Lampen-Crowell of the Kalamazoo Marathon organization.
Other highlights included popular spirit stations such as the Gummy Bear Forest and the Bacon Station. The Stryker Experience at Arcadia Creek Festival Place also included food trucks, a DJ, face painting, balloons, giveaways, and the Beer and Cheer Station sponsored by Imperial Beverage with complimentary beer for participating adults 21 and over.
Full details on the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon can be found online at ZeiglerKalamazooMarathon.com.
— Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon —
