Bayshore Marathon

The Bayshore Marathon takes place in Traverse City, Michigan on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, with the 2027 edition marking the race's 45th anniversary since it was founded in 1983 by local running enthusiasts. Organized by the Traverse City Track Club, the Marathon starts on the grounds of Northwestern Michigan College and follows a 100% paved, largely shaded out-and-back course along the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay via Birchwood Drive, East Shore Road, Center Road (M-37), and Bluff Road. Apart from an initial 225-foot climb in the first half mile, the route stays flat, with total elevation gain of about 371 feet (113 m), making it a favorite for both Boston qualifying attempts and first-time marathoners. The USATF-certified course submits both gun and chip times to the Boston Athletic Association. The Marathon field is capped at 2,000 runners and has sold out in recent years — the 2026 edition sold out with a waiting list of more than 650 runners for the Full Marathon alone, plus waiting lists for the Half Marathon and 10K. Bayshore weekend also includes a Half Marathon, 10K, and the Munson Healthcare Kids Fun Run (1.2 miles) for grades K-5. There is no race-day registration for any distance; registration for the 2027 races opens December 1, 2026.