Runners in Michigan Adventure Racing’s Art Prize Edition has competitors navigating through this international art competition. Photo: Joshua Duggan.

By Howard Meyerson

Grand Rapids is known for a lot of things: Art Prize, the Grand River, and a booming craft-beer economy are among them, but the city is also gaining recognition in the gonzo world of physically challenging events.

It’s becoming a Midwest adventure and endurance racing center. “Adventure racing is bigger here than probably anywhere in the U.S. on a per capita basis,” notes Mark VanTongeren, founder of Michigan Adventure Racing (MAR), in Ada, which annually produces four adventure races and two trail running races.

MAR’s grueling Epic Edition and Art Prize Edition races are among several  scheduled around Grand Rapids this fall, including the popular Zombie Dash. Find out more about each in my latest report on the new  My Experience Grand Rapids Blog.