Is this a Boston Marathon Qualifying Race?

Yes, the Sleeping Bear Marathon is a USATF-certified course, and is a Boston Marathon qualifying race. We send all marathon results to the Boston Marathon production team within a few weeks after the race.

Do I need to buy a Sleeping Bear Dunes Park Pass? Where do I park?

Message from National Park Service: Participants may purchase their park pass at the ​Phillip A. Hart Visitor ​Center, D.H. Day Campground, Platte River Campground, Dune Climb, or Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Staff will be at the Scenic Drive until 6:30 pm and the D.H. Day Campground until 8:30 pm on Friday. Full and half marathon participants must have a valid Sleeping Bear Dunes Entrance Pass on race day, either before or after the race. Information can be found here to purchase a pass.

Parking is located at Johnson Park, about a 5 minute walk from the start/finish line.  For GPS navigation purposes, you can use this address: 11698 S Reynolds St Empire, MI 49630. Overflow parking is in the downtown Empire area if needed.

Will late registration be available?

We expect the race to fill up before race day, and if it does there will NOT be late registration available on race weekend.

How hilly is the course?

Check out these interactive marathon course and half marathon course maps:

• Marathon elevation map
• Half marathon elevation map
• The 5K is flat and fast

Is there a course time limit?

The course closes for all races at 1:30 p.m., which is a 6 hour limit for the marathon, and 5 hour limit for the half marathon. Athletes that are on course past the closure times may be pulled from the course. We don’t currently offer an early start option for any of the distances.

Are roads closed to vehicle traffic?

All roads are open to vehicle traffic on race day, but the majority of the race takes place on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. When running on the road, athletes should run as far toward the left shoulder as possible. Volunteers and police will be stationed at major intersections to aid in athlete crossing, but athletes should be prepared to stop if needed.

Can I pick up a packet for my friend/family member?

Yes! You may pick up a packet for family members and/or friends.

Are spectators allowed along the course?

Absolutely! The 5K features an out and back near the finish line, and the half marathon and marathon courses are open to vehicles, and there are plenty of places to stop along the course to cheer on your runner.

Are strollers or dogs allowed in the race?

Strollers and dogs are allowed in the 5K only. Please start with the stroller/dog at the very back of the pack, and yield to all non-stroller/pet participants. Please be aware that all the roads are open to traffic, and in some places the shoulder of the road, where you will be running, is a bit narrow. We want all participants to be safe and enjoy the race, which is which we ask for those with strollers to start at the back and use extra caution. We review this policy each year, and it may change from one year to the next.

Yes. Please be mindful of those around you and make sure you are able to hear any emergency announcements.

Refund Policy

This race does not offer refunds or deferrals. If you are registered for the event, you agreed to the no refund and no deferral policy prior to submitting your online registration. (This includes those who experience illness, injury or any other condition that may prevent them from participating in the event.)