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West Michigan is an ideal location for runs and races. Right along the shores of Lake Michigan, Ludington features many beautiful roads beside the lake, through downtown Ludington, and on the way out to the State Park along the sand dunes. There are races in Ludington’s surrounding areas, as well, featuring more lakefront views and rural settings. Below, you will find dates and information for more annual fun runs and races in Ludington and the surrounding areas.
Part of the #RunLudington series, this 5k/10k will celebrate National Maritime Day and the start of the S.S. Badger Carferry’s sailing season. The race starts near Waterfront Park at 9am on the corner of Filer St. & Robert St. The course is a 1.55 mile loop, so 5k runners will run two laps and 10k runners will run 4 laps. The course can be viewed here: mapmyfitness.com. Packet pickup will be from 7:30-8:30am on race day, under the pavilion at Waterfront Park near William & Filer. Race registration is $30 and includes a 3.5″ custom die-cast finishers medal and a tri-blend race tee. There is also a virtual option available.
For more information, visit runludington.com.
Since 1980, Ludington has been the host for the well known Ludington Lakestride 5K, 10K & Half Marathon. The weekend begins with a one-mile fun run on Friday evening at 6pm. Saturday’s Lakestride is actually three races: the 5K run which winds its way through Cartier Park, the 10K which runs out to Decker Road and back, and the Half-Marathon.
Annually in mid-June, the M-22 Challenge is quite the experience. Surrounded by such beautiful land, the Challenge is one of the most gorgeous and intense races around. The M-22 Challenge is a three part race; it starts as a 2.5 mile run at the west side of little Glen Lake. The second part is a 17 mile bike ride around little and big Glen Lakes and through downtown Glen Arbor. The third part is a 2.5 mile paddle on Glen Lake.
For more information or to register, visit m22challenge.com.
The Irons Flea Roast & Ox Market 5k starts and finishes at Skinner Park- 5074 W. 10 1/2 Mile Rd. in Irons. Check in time is 8am and the race begins at 9am. Early registration is $20 per person or $15 per person for a group of 4 or more. For late registration, cost is $25 per person, no group rate. T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registrants and race metals will be awarded to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age bracket.
To register, visit flearoast.com.
This is a 1-Mile Fun Run where runners are invited to run the Freedom Festival Grand Parade route prior to the parade step off to help raise money for the evenings fireworks. The annual fireworks display is funded 100% by donations.
Early entry fee is $30 and late entry online and on race day is $35. Entry includes a t-shirt and a finisher’s medal. Shirts only guaranteed with registration by June 24th, 2023. Remaining shirts will be available first come/first serve at packet pickup/registration on race day. Packet pickup and race day registration will take place at Leveaux Park from 12:30-1:30pm on race day.
The Stony Lake Sparkler 5k benefits the Crystal Valley Care Fund. The 5k race begins at 8am at Stony Lake Inn- 4722 Scenic Dr. in Stony Lake, and also includes a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk which begins at 8am. All 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk participants will receive an award and there will also be special awards given to Largest Family and Best Spirit Costume. The 1 Mile Fun Run begins at 8am with the timed 5k kicking off at 8:30am.
Registration are generally $25 for the 5k, $15 for the 1 Mile Fun Run, and $70 for a family of up to 2 adults and 4 kids living in the same household. T-shirts are guaranteed for those who register early. Late registration cost is usually $35 for the 5k, $25 for the 1 Mile Fun Run, and $90 for a family. There is a post-race party at Stony Lake Inn which includes fun, food, and music.
For more information, visit stonylakesparkler.com.
West Shore Community College hosts a Muddy Fox Trot, a family-friendly 5k mud run with a boot camp style obstacle course. The race begins at 9:30am and benefits the WSCC Foundation student scholarship fund. Registration for adults is $20 and includes lunch. Register early and receive a free t-shirt. Current WSCC students with a valid student ID will be able to enter the race for free, as well as anyone 16 years or younger. The course challenges runners of all levels. All participants will receive a free t-shirt and complimentary lunch. A food concession will also be available to spectators.
Register by clicking here.
Run the Pier in Manistee at 7:30pm to help support local organizations. Proceeds will benefit local charities. The race begins and ends at Duffy Park- 250 Duffy Park Dr., Manistee. Packet pick up and late registration is at 6pm on race day at North Channel Brewing Co.- 86 Washington St., Manistee.
Register by visiting runsignup.com.
Pentwater’s Charles Mears State Park hosts a 5K and 10K beach walk/run beginning at 8:30am to benefit COVE each summer. The course covers paved, sand, and beach surfaces. The mission of COVE (Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters) is to provide shelter, advocacy and protection to victims of domestic and sexual violence and other homeless women and children, and to educate our communities about the root causes of violence.
Registration is $25 for early registration and $30 for late registration. This race is also offered virtually where participants choose a favorite place to complete the 5K Run/Walk or 10K Run/Walk. Registration for the virtual run is $25, which includes a custom T-shirt and a finishing certificate. Check-In and Registration begins at 7am with the race starting at 8:30 am. There are awards and prizes in many divisions and all participants will receive a finishers medal.
To register, visit runsignup.com. For more information, contact Lynn Cavazos at (231) 869-5939 or lcavazos5939@charter.net.
The annual Ludington Lighthouse Triathlon happens each August in downtown Ludington, where the Avenue ends right at the beach. The event begins at 7:30am and includes biking, kayaking, and running and participants can choose from 6 different race combinations.
For more information, visit 3disciplines.com.
This event is held annually to benefit the Food Pantry at St. Ann’s Senior Center in Baldwin. The race features a 5k and 10k through spectacular Michigan forests. The 5k is mostly along flat, paved surfaces with one large hill. The 10k is for serious distance runners and will go along unpaved trails in hilly wooded forest.
Early registration is $25 and $30 for late registrants. All registrants receive a t-shirt, while supplies last.
Register at racewire.com.
As part of Pentwater’s annual Oktoberfest celebration, weave through the village of Pentwater at your own pace. Check-in is at 9am and the race begins at 10am. There will be a beer and a celebration at the finish line. All skills and ages welcome.
For more information or to register, visit runsignup.org.
This annual 5k/10k Run begins at 9am at Legacy Plaza– Corner of Court St. and James St. in downtown Ludington. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume. Packet pickup and late registration is from 7:30-8:45am on race day.
For more information or to register, visit runludington.com.
This informal race was created in 2001. Meet in the parking lot at Rath Ave. & Bryant Rd. at 8am, and take off to make 3 laps around the Cartier Park Loop for a 5k. Feel free to dress up, bring pets and kids, and walk or run Thanksgiving morning. This is just a fun run, so no medals or ribbons will be awarded.
Presented by Downtown Ludington, this race begins at 11am and runs from Loomis Street to James Street in downtown Ludington. Registration typically includes a custom medal, and a tri-blend race tee. Packet pickup and late registration is from 10-10:45am on race day.
For more info, visit runludington.com.
Teams race together to find as many checkpoints as possible via trail and off-trail running (3-6 miles), Amazing Race-style challenges, beginner to intermediate orienteering with a topographic map and compass (free clinic and online instruction provided), and snowshoeing (snow permitting, snowshoes provided). Race can be up to three hours in length.
For more information or to register, visit miadventurerace.com.
This cross country race event begins at Mancelona High School- 9300 W. Limits Rd., Mancelona, winds through Northwest Michigan, and ends at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, Michigan. A portion of proceeds benefit the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation and the Jack McKaig Social Justice Scholarship.
For more information or to register, visit whitepinestampede.org.
The race begins and ends in front of Pentwater School- 600 Park St. with the 1 Mile Fun Run kicking off at noon and the 5k to follow. Pre-registration (by January 31st) is $20 for the fun run and $30 for the 5k with proceeds benefiting the Pentwater Cross Country and Track Teams.
Register by visiting runsignup.com.
This RunLudington event begins at 9am and includes a 5k and 10k beginning and ending at Legacy Plaza in downtown Ludington. Registration is $30 in advance or $35 on race day and finishers will receive a custom medal.
For more information or to register, visit runludington.com.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
Each April, area residents and businesses take pledges and try to raise as much money as possible for the Ludington Lake Jump.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
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Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
Created in 1980, this trail has 1,000 miles running through Michigan, which also runs through the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
Find artifacts, photographs, and lots of information and stories about the rich history of Pentwater at this historic museum!
The Pere Marquette River area is rich with wildlife, offering great outdoors hunting and fishing opportunities.
Standing tall and proud along the shores of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
The Annual Show of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club is held the first weekend of August at Scottville’s Riverside Park.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.