
Empire, United States of America · Saturday 3 October 2026
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!
Adjusted Time
1:40:47
Time difference: -4.2 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
We don't yet have verified elevation data for this course, so we can't rate its difficulty against other half marathons. Our data pipeline backfills course elevation continuously - check back soon.
Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is a half marathon held in Empire, United States of America. It is scheduled for Saturday 3 October 2026. The course is run on road surface with 0m of total climbing, with its high point near 0m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K website.
This is a very flat course, with only 0m of total climbing and little change in altitude throughout. Flat profiles let you hold an even pace from start to finish, which makes this a fast, PB-friendly race.
Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for racing. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for a personal best.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K against other half marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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