Mt. Baldhead Challenge

The Mt. Baldhead Challenge directs runners up 302 steps on Mt. Baldhead, the most noticeable feature. This September multi-terrain race in Saugatuck-Douglas, Michigan, offers two distances: a 10K+ (actually 7 miles) and a half marathon (13.1 miles). Both courses combine woodland trails, sand dunes, pavement, and waterfront sections, presenting a varied challenge beyond a simple road race with a short dirt segment. Both courses begin at Oval Beach and conclude at Coghlin Park in downtown Saugatuck. The stairs appear around mile 3.5 for the 10K+ and mile 4.25 for the half marathon, following initial trail and dune segments. The 10K+ covers approximately 3 miles of trail with 750 feet of cumulative climbing; the half marathon includes about 5 trail miles and 1,050 feet of climbing. Starts are staggered by wave to maintain course flow, and timing is chip-based. All proceeds benefit free after-school and summer programs for local youth, including students at the Boys & Girls Club at Douglas Elementary School.