Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Decision scores
Six 0–100 scores telling you, at a glance, who this race is for.
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About the Race
Join us for a Scenic Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K Run/Walk in the Heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! All races finish in Empire, MI. The Marathon and Half Marathon start at the Dune Climb, while the 5K begins at Empire Beach. Marathon Course: This out-and-back route takes runners past the iconic Dune Climb, Little Glen Lake, and through the charming village of Glen Arbor. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Manitou Islands and Sleeping Bear Dunes throughout the course. Half Marat...
Course Profile
Course profile data unavailable for this race.
Course features
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Vibe & community
History & past results
Past finisher times and year-over-year participation will appear here once the organizer publishes them.
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Common questions
How hard is the Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K Marathon?
We don't have a verified elevation profile yet — check the organizer's course map for the climb breakdown.
What should I wear?
Dress for ~10°F warmer than the standing temperature once you start running. Throwaway long-sleeve at the start, gloves and a hat for sub-50°F mornings, singlet plus visor when it climbs above 60°F. The race-day forecast above is the source of truth closer to the date.
When does it sell out?
No published deadline. Most races raise the entry fee in tiers and can sell out without warning — sign up early if you're committed.
Similar races worth a look
- More like this in this city: All Marathon races in Empire, MI
- Same distance, same month: Best Marathon races in October
- Same distance, statewide: All Marathon races in Michigan
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