The days grow cooler, the early October leaves begin their color change, and Don Kern breaks into a broad grin at his computer. Registration numbers are up for the 2008 Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, and the GRM Race Director can only smile as he thinks about how far the race has come in five years. In its inaugural season, the Marathon drew 930 runners. This year's event, expanded to four races, will surpass 4,000 participants.

In its second year, the parallel event for youth, the Bagel Beanery Kids' Marathon has multiplied 250%. Nearly a thousand area youngsters will have trained 25 miles over the past two months, preparing for their culminating 1.2 miles on the marathon race course October 18. The following morning, roughly 3,000 adults will line up for the 26.2-mile Marathon, the 5-person Marathon Relay, or the 13.1-mile Half-Marathon.

Marathon pace groups, unlike any in the US, will carry signs of famous (and infamous) folks who have run marathons. In addition to being great cheerleaders and steady pacesetters, the red-shirted GRM pacers will represent celebs from politics to entertainment: from Team Oprah to the P. Diddy Pacers. From George Bush's Presidential Race Team to Al Gore's Inconvenient Pace Team. At the Grand Rapids Marathon, there is support for just about any time and speed goal that runners will attempt.

Newbies to the race will find traditional hydration and nutritional support on the race course like water, Gatorade, and energy gels. Beyond that, these runners will be surprised to see other goodies available at the aid stations: Gummi bears, Oreo cookies, and pickle juice. Yes, that's right, pickle juice! A nice, liquid way to slug down some salt replenishment on the go.

To encourage more international participation, Kern has challenged Ontario runners to make the trek to West Michigan and outduel the state's neighbors to the south, Indiana. As of this writing, the Canadians have out-registered the Hoosiers, 105-102. Kern has promised cross-border participants to sing "O Canada" at the start of the race if their numbers top 150. (At last check, the fun-loving Race Director had downloaded the Canadian anthem to his laptop and had been practicing.)

This kind of quirkiness is just what runners of an already extreme sport are looking for. Kern, no traditionalist by any stretch of the imagination, is known for greeting virtually every finisher on race day. Either with a high-five, a hearty handshake, or an emotional hug. This is right before volunteers direct finishers to the beer and chili tent for some much-deserved replenishment.

Runners looking for healthier (less decadent) nourishment, can graze at the post-race tables offering more traditional fare.

For more information and a schedule of weekend events go to www.GrandRapidsmarathon.com