Sleeping Bear Marathon
Sleeping Bear Marathon runs through Michigan's lakeshore country on paved roads and trails, blending fall color, dunes, orchards, and a certified course.
Quick facts
- Certified marathon near Sleeping Bear Dunes.
- Paved road and recreation-trail course.
- Lake Michigan, orchards, dunes, and fall-color scenery.
About the Sleeping Bear Marathon
Based in Empire, the Sleeping Bear Marathon showcases the landscape around Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is a scenic northern Michigan fall race with a modest field.
Course
The certified route mixes paved roads and recreation trail through rolling lakeshore and orchard terrain. It is not flat, but sustained hills are limited enough for controlled goal efforts.
Race-day weather
Early October can be cold, windy, rainy, or bright and mild. Lake Michigan exposure may produce sudden temperature and wind changes.
Past Sleeping Bear Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Results available | Open results |
| 2025 | Saturday, October 4, 2025 | Results available | Open results |
| 2024 | — | Results available | Open results |
Your race experience
Ran the 2026 Sleeping Bear Marathon?
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Sleeping Bear Marathon FAQ
When is the Sleeping Bear Marathon?
We're waiting for the finalized date for the 2027 Sleeping Bear Marathon. The most recent running was on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Is Sleeping Bear Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. Sleeping Bear Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.
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