Half Marathon races near Burton

The Michigan Monster Dash is a Halloween-themed run and walk held at Kensington Metropark in Milford, Michigan. The start and finish are located at Maple Beach by Kent Lake. Finish Line Runs, a race group from the Detroit/Ann Arbor area, organizes the event, typically scheduled for late October. Participants can select from a 1k Kids Dash, 5k, 10k, or half marathon. A virtual option is available for each distance, allowing individuals to run from home, a treadmill, or a local path. The in-person course winds through Kensington’s wooded area and is described as relatively flat, emphasizing the Halloween atmosphere over a challenging route. Costumes are highly encouraged, contributing to a family-friendly feel across all events, from the kids’ dash to the longer distances. The race supports Make-A-Wish Michigan, with participant contributions exceeding $8,000 for the charity. Previous race perks have included discount coupons from Dick’s in Novi, chocolate milk from Horizon Organic, and jerky packs from Jack Link’s.

Miles 4 Meals includes a 5K run, a 5K walk, and a Kids 1K Fun Run taking place at Water's Edge Park in Corpus Christi. This is the event's 17th year. The children's race starts first, then the 5K run, and finally the 5K walk occurs in the early evening. The 5K course is certified by USA Track & Field, meaning official times are recorded for rankings and can be submitted afterward. Packet pickup is available at the Coastal Bend Food Bank prior to the event. On race day, pickup is at the park, and an awards ceremony concludes the races.

Black Toenail Friday is a post-Thanksgiving trail race held at Proud Lake Recreation Area in Southeast Michigan. It offers half marathon and 7.5-mile distances, along with virtual and ruck divisions. The race begins at 11:00 AM, allowing participants to sleep in after Thanksgiving. This event is the final race in Trivium Racing’s Michigan Mega Medal Series and typically sells out. The course features well-marked, groomed wooded trails winding through forest and lake sections. The footing is smooth, making it suitable for beginners, yet it retains a distinct trail character compared to road races. The half marathon involves two laps of the course, while the 7.5-mile race completes one lap. Participants aim for personal bests, ruck the course, or run with companions. Post-race activities include campfires, ramen, and hot cocoa. Registration includes a long-sleeve tech shirt, with a hoodie option available.