Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K

Join us for a scenic marathon, half marathon, and 5K run/walk in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. All races start and finish in Empire, MI. The out-and-back marathon course will take runners by the “Dune Climb”, past Little Glen Lake, and through the village of Glen Arbor with breathtaking views of the Manitou Islands and Sleeping Bear Dunes along the way. The half marathon and 5k will follow the same course as the marathon, with the half marathon turning around at the 6.5 mile mark, and the 5k turning around at 1.5 miles. At the peak of fall color season, the tree-lined course will be one that both runners and spectators won’t soon forget. See why Good Morning America calls this area one of the most beautiful in the United States.

Can't make it to join us on race day, but still want to be a part of the event?  We've added a new virtual race option for you. Wanna run on a Tuesday at noon? No problem. Weather outlook looking better for Friday evening? Go run! Run the race course any time you want in the two weeks leading up to the event and submit your time to be entered in the official virtual results. The best part is that you still get to come join the post race fun on race day! You're invited to come cheer on other runners and celebrate your finish with everyone on race morning. If you join us on race day you can pick up your shirt and finisher medal there, otherwise we'll mail those out to you after the race. This is a great way to be a part of the race and make it fit with your schedule.