Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
- Date
- October 3, 2026
- Location
- Empire Beach, Empire, MI
- Distance
- Full Marathon · Half Marathon · 5K
From the Organizer
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!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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
64°
Typical Low
44°
Chance of Rain
39%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Maple City 1e, 9 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Empire, MI
Elevation
967 ft
Nearest Airport
TVC
Cherry Capital Airport · 21 mi
Major Hub
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 136 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
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
117
Days to train
- Race
- Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
- Date
- October 3, 2026
- Location
- Empire Beach, Empire, MI
Coming Up
More Running races near Empire, MI
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5K
9 miles away
2026 Brew-to-Brew Trail Day Fundraiser
13 miles away
Beulah Firecracker 5K
5K
13 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
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)
- What is the Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K?
- Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is a running race held in Empire, Michigan on October 3, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K?
- Saturday, October 3, 2026 in Empire, Michigan at Empire Beach, Empire, MI. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Oct 3, 2026