
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.
Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is a half marathon held in Empire, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 3 October 2026. The course is run on road surface with 0m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 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 elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 0m to 0m above sea level — a 0m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
Our difficulty rating for Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based half marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
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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