The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K
- Date
- November 8, 2026
- Distance
- Marathon · Economy Marathon · Half Marathon & more
From the Organizer
Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K – November 8, 2026
The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K is coming to Michigan on Sunday, November 8, 2026. This second year event offers a flat, fast, fully paved, USATF-certified course stretching across Michigan’s Thumb. The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier, and both the Marathon and Half will include pace teams from Beast Pacing to help you hit your goals. Starting in Caseville and finishing in downtown Port Austin, this point-to-point race delivers the perfect combination of speed, scenery, and small-town charm. Whether you’re chasing a PR, running your first race, or planning a fall race-cation, the Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon has it all.
Race Details
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
Locations: Marathon starts in Caseville, Half Marathon in Sleeper State Park, 5K in downtown Port Austin—all finishing in Port Austin, Michigan
Course: Fully paved, flat, USATF-certified; Marathon is a Boston Qualifier
Why Run Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon?
- Fast & Flat: The Marathon and Half feature fully paved, USATF-certified courses, ideal for personal bests and Boston qualification.
- Pace Teams: Beast Pacing will guide Marathon and Half Marathon participants with consistent splits.
- Cool November Temps: Crisp, race-ready weather on Michigan’s Thumb sets the stage for strong performances.
- Run for a Cause: Every registration supports the Rock CF Foundation and its mission to improve the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis.
- Unique Experience: Traverse Michigan’s Thumb from one side to the other, while 5K runners loop around downtown Port Austin and finish in time to cheer on the Half and Full finishers.
- Race Extras: Participant swag includes exclusive gear, plus referral incentives that give you money back when friends join.
- Destination Vibes: Enjoy a fall weekend on Michigan’s Thumb Coast, complete with small-town hospitality, Lake Huron views, and a lively finish line atmosphere.
More Than Just a Race
Your experience at the Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon goes beyond the miles. Every step helps fund the Rock CF Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals living with cystic fibrosis through awareness, advocacy, and action. By racing with us, you’re not only pushing your own limits—you’re helping power life-changing programs and research.
Ready to run Michigan’s Thumb? Don’t wait—register today for the Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K on November 8, 2026 and be part of a flat, fast, meaningful race experience on the shores of Lake Huron.
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
48°
Typical Low
35°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Port Austin Wwtp, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Port Austin, MI
Elevation
639 ft
Nearest Airport
MBS
MBS International Airport · 64 mi
Major Hub
DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport · 126 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 The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
153
Days to train
- Race
- The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K
- Date
- November 8, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Port Austin, MI
Harbor Beach Maritime 5K
5K
20 miles away
Sunset Classic 5K
5K
20 miles away
Port Austin Run and Walk
Less than a mile away
Laker 5k Run/Walk and 1/4 Mile Kids Fun Run
Youth
20 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 Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K?
- The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K is a running race held in Port Austin, Michigan on November 8, 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 Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K?
- Sunday, November 8, 2026 in Port Austin, Michigan at 8774 Lake St. Port Austin, Port Austin, MI. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K
Nov 8, 2026