Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K

The Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K begins the longer races from the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes, with the 5K starting at Empire Beach. All three races conclude in Empire, Michigan, by Lake Michigan. The event takes place during peak fall color, making the tree-lined roads as appealing as the finish time. The marathon route traces Lake Michigan and passes through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, featuring water views, rolling dunes, and northern Michigan scenery. The course is flat to gently rolling, professionally managed, and USATF-certified, suitable for runners aiming for a fast time or a Boston qualifier. Chip timing with live results is available, and finishers get a medal and race shirt before the post-race gathering at the finish line.