
From the Organizer
Run the Pier Running Festival is a premier annual race experience set along the beautiful Manistee lakeshore, showcasing some of the most iconic scenery Northern Michigan has to offer.
Participants will run out onto Manistee’s historic North Pier, circling the legendary lighthouse before heading back along the shoreline in one of four race options: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply taking in the views, this is a course you won’t forget.
This year’s festival features 600 total finisher awards—so run strong and earn yours. Every registered athlete will receive an Official Run the Pier Running Festival T-shirt, along with additional swag items (to be announced).
The Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K courses wind along scenic Lakeshore Drive, delivering sweeping Lake Michigan views, fresh air, and a true Northern Michigan running experience. All routes will be published on our website and shared through participant newsletters once finalized—thank you for your patience as we finalize details.
Run the Pier continues to grow each year, welcoming 600+ athletes from out of town, bringing energy and excitement to Manistee each summer.
📅 Saturday, July 25th
🍳 Food trucks on-site with breakfast and lunch options for athletes, families, and spectators.
Run the pier. Circle the lighthouse. Finish with the lake at your side.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
80°
Typical Low
60°
Chance of Rain
30%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Manistee 3se, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
631 ft
Nearest Airport
TVC
Cherry Capital Airport · 44 mi
Major Hub
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 101 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Run the Pier Running Festival, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
47
Days to train
Coming Up
Ludington Lakestride Half Marathon 10K and 5k
24 miles away
July 5K Fun Run
21 miles away
Arcadia Daze 5K
18 miles away
Onekama Days 5K & Fun Run
7 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Run the Pier Running Festival
Jul 25, 2026