Events
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://sleepingbearmarathon.com/.
Place
10484 Niagra St.
Empire, MI US 49630
Description
Join us for a scenic marathon, half marathon, and 5K run/walk in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. All races finish in Empire, MI. The Marathon and Half Marathon start at the Dune Climb with the 5K starting at Empire Beach.
The out-and-back marathon course will take runners by the “Dune Climb”, Little Glen Lake, and through the village of Glen Arbor with breathtaking views of the Manitou Islands and Sleeping Bear Dunes along the way.
The half marathon will see some challenging hills and beautiful scenery along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
The 5K takes you on a fun out/back route finishing at the beautiful shores of Empire Beach.
At the peak of fall color season, the tree-lined course will be one that both runners and spectators won’t soon forget. See why Good Morning America calls this area one of the most beautiful in the United States.
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES PARK PASS
Message from National Park Service:
- Full and Half Marathon participants must have a valid Sleeping Bear Dunes Entrance Pass on race day, either before or after the race. Information can be found here.
- Participants may purchase their park pass at the visitor center, campgrounds, Dune Climb, or Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Staff will be at the Platte River Campground until 8:00 pm on Friday. The Philip Hart Visitor Center in Empire will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily for pass sales. They can also utilize the self-pay stations at North Bar Lake, Peterson Road Beach or the Maritime Museum Beach. Other beaches have self-pay stations but those 3 are the closest to Empire. If they don't have time to purchase a pass before the race, they can always do it after the race is over.
- This is NOT a parking pass. Regardless of where you park, you will still need this pass.
- 5K participants, spectators, and volunteers DO NOT need a Sleeping Bear Dunes Entrance Pass.
PACKET PICK-UP INFORMATION
Packet pick-up information is here.
RACEJOY: Participant Tracking
Stay connected with your favorite athletes using RaceJoy our new participant tracking app!
This powerful app, available on both iPhone and Android, allows you to track participants seamlessly through their event splits. For those athletes carrying their phones, RaceJoy leverages GPS for precise real-time tracking (requires they have the RaceJoy app and tracking enabled).
Spectators can also send personalized messages to athletes, adding an interactive and supportive element to the event experience. RaceJoy truly enhances your ability to follow and cheer on athletes every step of the way!
DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE
WHAT YOU GET
- Finisher Shirt and Medal
- Post-race refreshments and snacks
- Professional Race Timing With Fast, Accurate results
- Free Digital Race Photos from Focal Flame Photography
- Free Race Tracking With RaceJoy.
- One of the most beautiful running courses around!
GET A REFUND: REFER FRIENDS
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
RaceJoy
Interactive Race Day Experience with RaceJoy
Live Phone Tracking, GPS Progress Alerts and Cheers!
We are providing you with RaceJoy as part of the official race experience for the Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K.
Download the RaceJoy mobile app in advance to ensure proper phone setup. Invite your friends and family to track you and send you cheers!
Some key RaceJoy features include:
GPS Progress Alerts
- Receive continual progress updates as you complete your goal.
Live GPS Tracking
- Remote spectators can track your progress live in a map view. You can also track others.
Send-a-Cheer
- Receive supportive audio cheers from remote friends & family.
Virtual Results (virtual events only)
- Enter your race-assigned bib number to automatically submit your finish data for real-time scored results.
