Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
About this race
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!
Pick your distance
Running
Full Marathon
Half Marathon
5K
Typical race-day weather
Based on 11 years of historical conditions on this event's race dates in Empire.
About Empire
Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K takes place in Empire, Michigan, United States. The local timezone is America/Detroit.
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Empire
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Empire 5K Races Best Empire routes for beginners and speed work.
- Empire Running Calendar 2026 See all upcoming race dates.
Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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