The M22 Challenge made the news for registering the race’s 900-athlete cap in just three minutes—a new record. The annual triathlon-style competition is definitely the most talked about race in Leelanau County. But it’s not the only one. Here’s a rundown of all the most popular summertime races for anyone who loves to run.
Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon
June 17th
A scenic half marathon and 5k running race in Glen Arbor, Michigan, the Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon (a USATF-certified half marathon) takes runners around Big Glen Lake in a clockwise loop, starting and finishing near downtown Glen Arbor. Runners ascend Inspiration Point on the south side of Big Glen Lake where they experience one of the most spectacular views of Leelanau County. The 5k-course is flat and fast, and will takes runners through tree-lined roads near downtown Glen Arbor.
For more details and race registration information, check out Endurance Evolution’s racing webpage by clicking here.
Friends of Fishtown 5k
July 22nd
[source: fishtownmi.org]
This summer marks the ninth running of the Friends of Fishtown 5k/walk. This beautiful, family-friendly course winds through Leland’s neighborhoods and along the Leland River, starting and finishing in the heart of Fishtown. Easy climbs and graceful descents make this an event for the serious runner or the whole family.
Click here for a course map (including elevations) and here for registration. Ticket went on sale February 1st and, remember, all proceeds of the 5k help preserve Fishtown.
Port Oneida Heritage Run
August 5th
[source: phsb.org]
Run for the farms in 2017 during the 8th Annual Port Oneida Heritage Run. The race offers two runs through the beautiful scenery of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore while helping to support preservation of the Park’s historic resources.
The rolling 5k trail run/walk is on the multi-use Heritage Trail and the Bay View hiking path. The Tiller’s 10k is a combination of back gravel roads and a portion on a firm Lake Michigan beach. Both offer a unique tour of the Port Oneida Rural Historic District—one of the most prized historic landscapes in the country. The looped courses meander through the fields and hills of the pastoral landscape of farmsteads from the late 1800s.
For more details and race registration information, click here.
Harvest Stompede
September 10th
One of the most unique races in the country—and a great event for racers and spectators alike—the annual Harvest Stompede offers a one-of-a-kind course that meanders through rolling vineyard rows that are heavy with ripe wine grapes that are soon to be picked. The race is designed for both serious and recreational runners, and walkers, with options for a 5k walk, 5k run or 7-mile run. Following the race, everyone can enjoy self-guided wine tour along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail featuring world-class wines and culinary delights that reflect the season’s bounty. Tickets for the tour portion of the weekend are $40.
For details, tickets and race information, click here.
Sleeping Bear Marathon
October 7, 2017
A scenic marathon, half marathon, and 5k run/walk in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Sleeping Bear Marathon starts and finishes in Empire, Michigan. The out-and-back marathon course will take runners by the Dune Climb, past Little Glen Lake and through the village of Glen Arbor with breathtaking views of the Manitou Islands and Sleeping Bear Dunes along the way. The half-marathon and 5k will follow the same course as the marathon, with the half marathon turning around at the 6.5 mile mark, and the 5k turning around at 1.5 miles. At the peak of fall color season, the tree-lined course will be one that both runners and spectators won’t soon forget.
For details and race registration information, click here.