Sleeping Bear Marathon

This was a well-executed marathon event. Check in was at the park where the start/finish line was located. They had a tent set up for the event, which served for check-in, and both pre and post-race functions too. The race director was available to the runners both before and after the marathon. The temperature was a bit on the cool side, and it was overcast the whole day. I had a cotton sweat-shirt on for warm-up, and ended up just leaving it on, because it was too cold otherwise. The course started at a park on Lake Michigan, downtown in Empire. The first mile and a half was on the road, then we transitioned to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail  an asphalt bike and foot path. We stayed on the trail until reaching the entrance to the parking lot at Sleeping Bear Dune, and then transitioned back to the road (about mile post 6.5). Just past MP 8 we were entering the town of Glen Haven, and there transitioned back to the trail. The next two miles of the path - both sides - was littered with large, shallow rooted trees that all blew over in an August storm. The destruction to the landscape was phenomenal. After that, the course was a combination of trails, gravel road, and paved road  all littered with fallen trees! At the turn-around point, a guy recorded our passage, and took pictures of the runners too. There were course marshals all along the way, so we never missed a turn. Well done! There were water/aid stations along the course too - all staffed with friendly volunteers, and fluids and GU gel. Law enforcement was present where the runners had to cross an active road. They all did a great job, and kept the runners safe. This was an out and back course, but the return was slightly different, because at Glen Haven we crossed the road, but stayed on the Heritage Trail all the way back to town. About MP 25 we returned to the road for the last 1+ miles, ending at the park. Much of this course was flat. However, there were hills up to 11% grade! They were not long stretches, but it was still tough to run up those hills. Another thing is that the runners were directed to stay on the left side  facing traffic  when running on the road, but when running on the trails, to stay on the right side  sharing the path with other foot and bike traffic. This was wise counsel, and promoted the safety of the runners. He post-race food was typical: Bananas, oranges, bagels, pretzels, water and Gatorade. Well done!

This was my first marathon, the location and time of the year were a big draw. The amount of runners is small but the organization makes you feel welcome. There are many areas where your friends and family can see you run. The views are stunning along the out and back course. Where there were spectators, they were fabulous, but they were sparse, as we ran in the rain in 2013 for the first hour or so. The race does not run on the dunes, but there are some elevation changes that can kick butt. Consider adding this race to your list.

Loved this marathon! Very scenic. Perfect time of year with Autumn in full bloom. Ran the half last year and wanted more!