Distance
Start Time
Cutoff
Terrain
All distances finish in Empire, Michigan, after setting out from the iconic Dune Climb or Empire Beach. The marathon and half marathon weave through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, passing Little Glen Lake and the village of Glen Arbor with the Manitou Islands and the dunes on the horizon. The 5K follows a picturesque out-and-back route that ends on the sand at Empire Beach. Held at the height of fall, the event runs through one of America's most striking autumn landscapes.
Dune Climb
Empire Beach finish
Little Glen Lake
Glen Arbor village
Manitou Islands views
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
Fall colours
Start / Finish
Dune Climb (marathon and half marathon) or Empire Beach (5K)
Empire, MI
Terrain
Route
Race Day
On the day
Before you enter
Other questions
The half marathon is a hilly adventure woven through the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. The full marathon also rolls through the dunes and lakeshore terrain, so expect undulating ground across the longer distances.
Yes. The 5K is offered as a run or walk, making it the most accessible option on the day.
The courses take in a sweeping panorama that includes the Dune Climb, Little Glen Lake, the village of Glen Arbor, the Manitou Islands and the Sleeping Bear Dunes themselves.
October is peak season in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area, so accommodation in Empire, Glen Arbor and nearby Traverse City books up quickly. Booking early is strongly advised.
Yes. The Empire Beach finish area, the Dune Climb start and Glen Arbor village all offer good spots to watch runners, and the shared finish in Empire makes it easy to catch every distance.
Entry fee
Registration isn't open yet. We'll show pricing when the organiser confirms.Empire, USA
Expected October 2027
Provisional date, around Oct 2Are you the organiser of Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K?
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