The Lowell 50 is a classic old world style gravel road race. You’ll race along the banks of the Flat River and through rural Ionia County on approximately 85% unpaved roads. You may choose from either the 57 or 34 mile race, both routes are single loops. The courses are challenging, scenic, and fun. Including one historic wooden covered bridge dating back to the mid-1800s’.

As many as 5,000 runners and walkers take to the streets of Kalamazoo each May for this race, which takes participants on a winding, out-and-back route through the city streets of Kalamazoo, through the campus of Borgess Medical Center and around the shores of Spring Valley Lake.

About This Event:
The 8th Annual Portage Winter Blast Half Marathon/10K/5K is organized by Susan G. Komen Michigan, Kalamazoo Area Runners, and the City of Portage in a community celebration of health and wellness. All proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen Michigan. Over the last 20 years, Komen Michigan has funded over $12 million in community breast health programs across 24 counties.

Course:
The half marathon, 10k and 5K courses highlight the Portage Trail Way System and include a mix of mostly flat paved bike trail and city roads. Road closures will occur as appropriate.  The course is cleared of snow and ice as much as possible, however, this is a mid-winter run and conditions may include extreme cold and windy conditions and slick surfaces caused by snow, ice, sleet, hail, mud, and rain.

Event Dates and Times:
All running events will start and end at Loy Norrix High School at 606 E. Kilgore Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49001  on Sunday, February 23, 2020.

Each race will have its own start as follows:

• Half Marathon – 8:00 am
  • Cutoff time to be included in half marathon results is 3 hours, 45 minutes. Roads will be re-opened at 12:00 noon.
• 5K – 8:10 am
• 10K – 8:20 am

Melting Mann Dirt Road Bike Challenge is just a small portion of a great day. We do our best to make sure your first Melting Mann experience is not the last! Special Melting Mann treatment begins at our Registration Headquarters in Vandalia, Michigan. Arrive and enjoy homemade Melting Mom Chocolate Chip Cookies and a kick start to your race with a cup of specially brewed Peloton Roast by Rons Beans. Ride the Ride, Race the Race and Cheer…the welcoming atmosphere of our Celebration Area invites not only racers, but also vendors, families and spectators.  Our Celebration Area offers picnic tables, warming fires, a view of the finish line and great music. Awesome food and our own Muddy Derailleur crafted beer, brewed for our racers by Goshen Brewing Company, takes your day over the top and puts our event on your calendar for every race season!