Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2023 Empire, MI 49630 US Directions

Events

Full Marathon

$105 7:30AM EDT - 1:30PM EDT Price increases after June 30, 2023 at 11:59pm EDT

Open to ages 12+.

Half Marathon

$95 8:00AM EDT - 1:30PM EDT Price increases after June 30, 2023 at 11:59pm EDT

Open to ages 12+.

5K

$50 8:20AM EDT - 1:30PM EDT Price increases after August 31, 2023 at 11:59pm EDT

Place

Empire Beach
10484 Niagra St.
Empire, MI US 49630

Description

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.

Race Website

Additional race information can be found at https://sleepingbearmarathon.com/.

Sleeping Bear Dunes Park Pass

Message from National Park Service:

Full and Half Marathon participants must have a valid Sleeping Bear Dunes Entrance Pass on race day, either before or after the race. Information can be found here to purchase a pass.
Participants may purchase their park pass at the visitor center, campgrounds, Dune Climb, or Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Staff will be at the Scenic Drive until 6:30 pm and at the Platte River Campground until 8:30 pm on Friday. They can also utilize the self-pay stations at North Bar Lake, Peterson Road Beach, or the Maritime Museum Beach. Other beaches have self-pay stations but those 3 are the closest to Empire. If they don't have time to purchase a pass before the race, they can always do it after the race is over.
This is NOT a parking pass. Regardless of where you park, you will still need this pass.
5K participants, spectators, and volunteers DO NOT need a Sleeping Bear Dunes Entrance Pass.

PACKET PICK-UP INFORMATION

Date: Friday, October 6
Location: Fleet Feet - Traverse City South - 3301 South Airport Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684
Time: 1:00PM - 7:00PM

Date: Saturday, October 7
Location: Empire Beach - 10484 Niagara St. Empire, MI 49630
Time: 6:30AM - 8:15AM
Race Day Parking Location: http://goo.gl/maps/jw4A

Participant Tracking

Let your friends and family know where you are! Download the Race Day Events App for real-time tracking and results on an interactive map! You’ll also find event information, event photo frames to share and more!

To Track A Participant:

Select “Sleeping Bear Marathon” and press the “Live Tracking” icon to add your favorite participants.
You’ll need to log-in with Facebook or create an account.
Participants must be added by name as bibs are not assigned until packet pick-up.
Choose “Notify Me” to receive push notifications for that participant.
Be sure to allow the app to provide you with notifications.

WHAT YOU GET

Finisher Shirt and Medal
Post-race refreshments and snacks
Professional Race Timing With Fast, Accurate results
Free Digital Race Photos from Focal Flame Photography
Free Race Tracking With the Race Day Event App
One of the most beautiful running courses around

Get A Refund By Referring Friends!

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Directions

Facebook

Like this page and invite your friends on Facebook.
Join this event and invite your friends on Facebook.

Interested in Learning More?

Join here for race discounts, updates and more!