MarathonOpening SoonBQ

Sleeping Bear Marathon

October 2, 2027 · 7:30 AMEmpire, Michigan, United States

Save

Race snapshot

Race Day

52°F

48–64°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

600ft

Moderate rolling hills · Net elevation change −100 ft

Crowd Rating

2/ 10

Quiet course sections

The Lowdown

The Sleeping Bear Marathon is an out-and-back road marathon inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in northern Michigan. It starts at the Dune Climb, follows the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail for most of the way, passes Little Glen Lake and runs through the village of Glen Arbor, and finishes at Empire Beach in Empire. The course is USATF-certified and a Boston Marathon qualifier. The race is held in early October at the peak of fall color season, alongside a half marathon and a 5K. Marathon and half marathon runners need a Sleeping Bear Dunes entrance pass on race day, and can buy it before or after the race. Every finisher gets a custom medal and a hoodie, plus a free meal after the race at River Club Glen Arbor.

Previous edition results — 2026

Course Highlights: 01Dune Climb – marathon start, in the parking lot off Hwy 109 at Hunter Rd.
02Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail – carries most of the course
03Little Glen Lake – the course runs past the lake
04Glen Arbor – the course goes through this village
05Northwood Drive – marathon turnaround at mile 13.1
06Empire Beach – finish line, at 10484 Niagara St.
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 5K
Time Limit: 6 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 12 years
Entry Methods: Online registration through RunSignup, opening January 1, 2027
Day-of registration is offered only if the race has not sold out, and a shirt is not guaranteed
Eligibility: Marathon runners must be 12 or older
Required Documents: Valid Sleeping Bear Dunes Entrance Pass on race day, bought before or after the race (marathon and half marathon only)
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds and no deferrals, including for illness or injury
Transferring a bib to another runner costs $15
Switching to a pricier distance charges the difference, and switching to a cheaper one is not refunded
Event insurance is offered at checkout and claims go through FanShield

01: The marathon course is USATF-certified and a Boston Marathon qualifier
02: Aid stations carry water and Gatorade, with Gu Energy Gel at miles 6, 13.1 and 20
03: Most of the course is on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, and roads are open to traffic at the crossings
04: Shuttles run from Johnson Park to the start from 6:00 to 7:45am, and there is no race parking at the Dune Climb
05: Gear check carries one bag per athlete from the start to the finish
06: Every finisher gets a custom medal and a hoodie
07: All runners get a free meal after the race at River Club Glen Arbor
08: Top three men and women overall and in each age group win awards, plus a first-place non-binary award
09: Strollers and dogs are allowed only in the 5K
10: Course records are 2:46:38 for men (2022) and 3:14:45 for women (2019)
11: Free live tracking is available through RaceJoy

Questions about the Sleeping Bear Marathon 2027

When is the Sleeping Bear Marathon 2027?

Saturday, October 2, 2027.

Where is the Sleeping Bear Marathon?

Empire, Michigan, United States.

What time does the Sleeping Bear Marathon start?

The race starts at 7:30 AM, local time.

What is the Sleeping Bear Marathon time limit?

6 hours.

How do I enter the Sleeping Bear Marathon 2027?

Registration has not opened yet. Jan 1, 2027: Registration Opens. Oct 2, 2027: Race Day. Ways in: Online registration through RunSignup, opening January 1, 2027; Day-of registration is offered only if the race has not sold out, and a shirt is not guaranteed.

How much does the Sleeping Bear Marathon 2027 cost?

Marathon: $90.

What is the Sleeping Bear Marathon elevation gain?

600 ft (183 m) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: −100 ft (30 m). Moderate rolling hills.

What is the Sleeping Bear Marathon course like?

It passes Dune Climb, Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and Little Glen Lake.

What is the weather like at the Sleeping Bear Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 9–18 °C (48–64 °F). Feels cool.

Where are the Sleeping Bear Marathon results?

The official 2026 results are on the organizer's site. Official results

Is the Sleeping Bear Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer600ft gain, 52°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

Running this race?

MarathonOS puts your race countdown on your Lock Screen and keeps every race-week checklist on your phone. Checklists and your race report are free for your first race.

Scan to download

Community

Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.

Race Day Photos

Share the scenery, finish-line celebrations, and behind-the-scenes snapshots.

No photos yet. Be the first to showcase the course.