Is this a Boston Marathon qualifier?
Yes, the Sleeping Bear Marathon is a USATF-certified course, and is a Boston Marathon qualifying race. We send all marathon results to the Boston Marathon production team within a few weeks after the race.
Where is parking for this event?
Parking is available at Johnson Park, located approximately a 5-minute walk from the 5K start/finish line and just a 2-minute walk to the shuttle buses. For navigation, please use the address: 11698 S Reynolds St., Empire, MI 49630.
If additional parking is needed, overflow parking is available in the downtown Empire area.
Important: All athletes and spectators must park at Johnson Park or within the Empire area.
Do I need to buy a Sleeping Bear Dunes Park Pass?
Message from the National Park Service:
Full and Half Marathon participants are required to have a valid Sleeping Bear Dunes Entrance Pass on race day, either before or after the race. Information on how to purchase a pass can be found HERE.
Participants can purchase their park pass at the visitor center, campgrounds, Dune Climb, or Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Staff will be available 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. Self-pay stations are also available at North Bar Lake, Peterson Road Beach, or the Maritime Museum Beach. Other beaches have self-pay stations, but these three are closest to Empire. If participants are unable to purchase a pass before the race, they can do so after the race.
Please note that this is NOT a parking pass. Regardless of where you park, you will still need the Entrance Pass.
5K participants, spectators, and volunteers are not required to have a Sleeping Bear Dunes Entrance Pass.
Will there be gear check for the half/full marathon?
Yes, each athlete is allowed one bag to be transported from the start line to the finish line. Athletes may either bring their own bag or use one provided at the half/full marathon start line. Please drop your bag at the Gear Check sign, ensuring it is labeled with your BIB NUMBER (labels will be available). Your bag can be picked up at the finish line after your race, but you must have your bib to claim it.
*For security reasons, please leave valuables in your car or with family/friends, as Race Day Events is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Will day-of registration be available?
If the race sells out, day-of registration will not be available. However, if spots remain, day-of registration will be offered, though it is not highly recommended.
*Participant shirt not guaranteed with late registrations at packet pick up or on race day.
Is there a course time limit?
The course closes for all races at 1:30 p.m., which is a 6 hour limit for the marathon, and 5 hour limit for the half marathon. Athletes that are on course past the closure times may be pulled from the course. We don’t currently offer an early start option for any of the distances.
Are roads closed to vehicle traffic?
All roads are open to vehicle traffic on race day, but the majority of the race takes place on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. When running on the road, athletes should run as far toward the left shoulder as possible. Volunteers and police will be stationed at major intersections to aid in athlete crossing, but athletes should be prepared to stop if needed.
Can someone pick up my packet for me?
Yes, someone else can pick up your packet on your behalf. They’ll need your full name and/or your confirmation email QR code.
Are spectators allowed along the course?
Absolutely! The 5K features an out and back near the finish line, and the half marathon and marathon courses are open to vehicles, and there are plenty of places to stop along the course to cheer on your runner.
Are strollers or dogs permitted in the race?
Strollers and dogs are allowed only in the 5K. If participating with a stroller or dog, please start at the very back of the pack and yield to all other participants. Be aware that the roads are open to traffic, and in some areas, the shoulder where you'll be running is narrow. For safety reasons, we ask those with strollers to start at the back and exercise extra caution. This policy is reviewed annually and may change from year to year.
Are headphones allowed?
Headphones are allowed, but we ask that you keep the volume at a reasonable level for your safety and to be considerate of fellow participants. You should still be able to hear other runners and volunteers nearby. Please be respectful of those around you!
What is the award policy?
Race Day Events will hold event awards for 30 days after the event is complete.
Contact us via email at raceday@racedayevents.com for more information about receiving your awards after the event.
*Please note that we charge a $10 shipping fee for any participant wishing to have their award mailed after the event is complete.
Where do I pick-up my pre-purchased merchandise?
Pre-purchased merchandise will be available for pick-up at the merchandise table at Early Packet Pick-Up or at the event.
Any merchandise that is not picked up at the event will be available for pick-up or shipping for a $10 fee within 30 days after the event. For more information, please contact us at raceday@racedayevents.com.
I have questions about my event insurance.
Click here for information on insurance for this event.
How do I sign up for event insurance? Add-on coverage is offered during the checkout process when signing up for this event. You will be given the option to add or decline coverage with one click. Note: If you decide to decline coverage, you will not be able to go back and add it after registering.
Did you purchase event insurance and now need to use it or just have a question?
Submit and contact FanShield (RegShield) here.
Where do I get my race t-shirt and packet?
Event t-shirts are picked up with your race packet. To claim your packet, you’ll need to provide your full name and/or your confirmation email QR code at packet pick-up.
Where can I find information about the shuttle buses?
