Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K

Name: Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Start: 2026-10-03
End: 2026-10-03
Location: Empire, Michigan

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Empire, Michigan, United States

calendar_today 03 Oct, 2026

directions_run Running

language Official Website

sell $35 – $85

About the Event

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 Marathon Course: Experience challenging hills and stunning scenery along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.

5K Course: A fun out-and-back route that finishes at the beautiful shores of Empire Beach.

Held at the peak of fall color season, this tree-lined course offers a memorable experience for both runners and spectators alike. Come see why Good Morning America calls this area one of the most beautiful in the United States!

Races Offered

Full Marathon

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 26.2 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

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07:30

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$85.00

Half Marathon

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 13.1 Miles

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Type — Running

timer

08:00

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$75.00

5K

Oct 03, 2026

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Distance — 3.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

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08:20

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$35.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Empire.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 10.3° / 14.3°

wb_sunny 5.4° / 10.6°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 20.5 /

water_drop 74.0%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 10.3° / 14.3°

wb_sunny 5.4° / 10.6°

air 20.5 km/h

water_drop 74.0%

About Empire

Empire is a village on Lake Michigan in the northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan in the United States. Located in southwestern Leelanau County, its population was 362 at the 2020 census. The village is located within Empire Township, and is famous for its proximity to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Empire is home to the lakeshore's headquarters, the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center.