Michigan Has The Second Best Half-Marathon In The Nation

Many runners love the challenge of running a marathon. There are different lengths to choose from: half marathons, full marathons, and ultra-marathons. Some even run themed or fun runs such as Cupid’s Undie Run, The Color Run, or Zombie Runs. If you want to take on the challenge of a long-distance run but aren’t fully prepared to take on a full marathon, you may want to consider a half marathon. Lucky for us Michiganders, we have one of the best half-marathons in our own state.

According to USA Today 10Best, Michigan has the second-best half marathon in the nation. Just a little over an hour from Detroit, you can find the Hippie Half in Gregory. This half marathon is a part of Run Woodstock’s weekend of events. Their website says it’s “3 days of peace, love, music, and running.” Many of the participants camp for the weekend and enjoy a festive atmosphere complete with live music. Entry into any Saturday morning run/walk event or weekend pass gets you into other events. These include laid-back runs, hippie hikes, music, yoga sessions, and more.

Run Woodstock notes on their Facebook page as that the event "sets your soles free" with some peace love and running. "There's a distance for everyone and an amazing time to be had throughout the weekend, with free runs, music, food, and the grooviest time you'll ever have!" they said.

This year, the Hippie Half typically takes place in September at 20120 Bartell Rd., Gregory. The event is on 140 acres of forest and field with a beach nearby. When it comes to the course, it’s primarily a single-track trail with gravel road crossings. Runners taking part in the half-marathon will run a single loop while full marathon runners will complete two loops. As far as awards, all finishers will receive Peace Sign Medals and different age groups will receive awards in different categories like the “very cool award.”

They thanked everyone who voted and kicked off their gratitude with two words, "SUPER GROOVY!"

Michigan made the top 10 alongside other half-marathons including the Disneyland Half Marathon in California and OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in Indiana. You can see the full list of the 10 best half-marathons across the nation here.

As part of a new business plan, Foot Locker is planning to close more than 400 stores in malls across North America. According to Business Insider, executives for the retailer shared a  "Lace Up" business plan that includes the opening of new stand-alone store concepts. Foot Locker told Business Insider that it expects to close as many as 420 by 2026 to focus on its better-performing stores.

The retailer plans to open more than 300 new concept stores by 2026. These would include stores outside of malls. It's reported that at an investor day event, Foot Locker executives described three new store formats, including a 15,000-square-foot "community" store designed for areas with "strong affinity for sneakers."

Foot Locker operates more than 3,000 Foot Locker, Kids Footlocker, Champs Sports, WSS and atmos stores worldwide. It has around 1,300 stores in malls in North America. According to the Foot Locker website there are 35 stores in Michigan. The Lansing, Southfield, and Sterling Heights locations are listed but are temporarily closed. The shoe chain expects to have around 2,4000 stores by 2026.

More than 400 mall stores across North America closing.

These Michigan Foot Locker Stores Could Be Closing By 2026.

Briarwood Mall is a shopping center in Washtenaw County. It's Foot Locker store is located in the Macy's wing next to Claire's Accessories.

This Foot Locker location is inside of Michigan's largest indoor outlet center Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. Visitors can find the store in District 3 of the outlet between Aldo and Carters Children's Wear.

The store located in Fairlane Town Center is House of Hoops by Foot Locker. It's in the lower level near the JCPenney. 

Genesee Valley Center is around 1.3 million square feet of shopping with more than 125 stores. Its Foot Locker store is in area B near the JCPenney.

Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids has both Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker. The Foot Locker store is right next to Rue 21 and near Sephora.

Rivertown Crossings in Grandville has a House of Hoops by Foot Locker location. Victors can find the shoe retailer in the lower level of the mall near Macy's.

The Lakes Mall offers three department stores, seventy stores and eight eateries. Its Foot Locker store is near a home appliance repair store.

Twelve Oaks Mall has over 180 stores. One of those stores is Foot Locker located in the lower level near Nordstrom.

Meridian Mall serves the greater Lansing area. It's Foot Locker store is located not too far from the H&M clothing store.

Crossroads Mall is in West Michigan on South Westnedge Avenue. This mall caters to the Portage-Kalamazoo area.

Macomb Mall has been in Roseville since 1964 according to their Instagram. The mall's Foot Locker store is in the East Court near the Dick's Sporting Goods.

Fashion Square Mall has dining, entertainment, and shopping options. It also has the only Foot Locker in Saginaw.

Southland Center in Taylor features chain retailers, restaurants, and a movie theater. It's Foot Locker location is next to Rue 21 and near JCPenney.

The Oakland Mall is located at 14 Mile Road and John R. Visitors can find the Foot Locker store near the At Home store next to Hot Topic.

Somerset Collection is a luxury shopping mall, located in Troy with more than 180 specialty stores. Its Foot Locker location is on level 3, north. This shoe retailer is near Macy's.

Westland Shopping Center features more than 100 stores including Foot Locker. The retailer is near Kohl's.