Zeigler Auto Group Talks Upcoming Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon on Wood Radio’s Talk of The Town


 
Zeigler Auto Group talks Upcoming 
Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon on Wood Radio's Talk of the Town

Matt Thomas, Chief of Staff at Zeigler Auto Group, sat down with Steve Kelly and Bret Bakita for Wood Radio's Talk of the Town to discuss the upcoming Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon event featuring the return of the full marathon. Thomas discussed the Marathon's mission to Drive a Healthy Community and how it aligns with Zeigler's values for community involvement and improvement. Also discussed was the free PNC Kids' 1K and a special discount for Wood radio listeners. 



KALAMAZOO, MICH. (January 27, 2023) - Wood Radio's Talk of the Town, with Steve Kelly and Bret Bakita, interviewed Matt Thomas, Zeigler's Chief of Staff, today on the upcoming Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon event scheduled for April 22-23 weekend. Wood Radio is West Michigan's #1 news and talk radio station transmitting on 106.9 FM, 1300 AM, and online at woodradio.com.


Zeigler Auto Group became the title sponsor of the Marathon last year, bringing the beloved race weekend back to the community after a two year in-person hiatus. With Zeigler's vision for community involvement and improvement, sponsoring the marathon made perfect sense. 
Today, the Marathon's Driving a Healthy Community tagline honors the legacy that the race holds for many local runners while moving the event forward to include a community that is nation-wide and world-wide. 

Among the many details Thomas shared about the Marathon was the return of the full marathon, which was not part of the event last year due to time constraints. He also highlighted the fact that the first event of the weekend, the PNC Kids' 1K was absolutely free, along with the Health Expo with plenty of events for the whole family. 

This year's race was designed as a destination race by including iconic landmarks in the area that will give participants an entirely unique experience and bring in runners from all over. One of the biggest additions for 2023 is the run through WMU's Waldo Stadium and the City of Portage Bicentennial Park. Participants will also be able to run through different neighborhoods, the Gummy Bear Forest, the Bacon Station, and Stryker. 

Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon's 2023 event weekend is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, April 22 with the PNC Kids' 1K and Health Expo. The full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K run/walk are scheduled for the following day on Sunday, April 23rd.

Zeigler's Chief of Staff also announced a special discount: WOOD that Wood Radio listeners could enter to save on this year's event. 


For those looking to participate without running or walking, Thomas spoke about the numerous volunteer opportunities available from parking to helping with distributing race day packages. One of the areas he recommended, for those looking to volunteer, was the starting line or at the finish line. Speaking from experience, he described the feeling of seeing participants go through the finish line and how it changes you, and gives you a different perspective. Those interested can visit the Marathon's website and sign up


Additionally, the Marathon needs pacers to help motivate runners during the various events. These leaders cheer on, encourage, and guide fellow runners towards the finish line. To become a pacer at this year's event, click here.


ABOUT ZEIGLER AUTO GROUP

Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 78 franchises across 35 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers.

 

Besides its extensive automotive portfolio, the organization owns and operates Zeigler Motorsports, an 85,000-square-foot motorsports dealership and action park, offering 19 different powersports brands, plus its own onsite restaurant: Trak Houz Bar & Grill. Additionally, Zeigler Motorsports houses the Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy, an executive training company.

 

The Kalamazoo-based dealer group also owns and operates Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago, three Byrider franchises, three finance companies, several insurance firms, and a leasing firm.

 

Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,300 people, ranking among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the nation with estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2022. The family-owned and operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Michigan.