Course Information
The Bayshore course is certified by the USATF and is a Boston Qualifier. For more details on the certification here is a link to the USATF website.
The latest Bayshore Newsletter is available here.
For a map of the course click here.
For a map of the Finish Area click here.
Q: Where and when is Packet Pick up?
A: Packet pick-up for the Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K will be held at the Traverse City Central High School Gym. Hours will be on Friday night, May 25th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on race day from 5:00 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. If you are pre registered for the Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10K you can still pick up your packet on Saturday beginning at 5:00 a.m. For driving directions and map to packet pick up here.
Q: What is the course like?
A: Bayshore is a flat, out and back course that runs along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. Throughout the race, you have the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan on one side and Traverse City’s famous cherry trees and orchards on the other. The course begins on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College. On your return trip you return to the Start Line, and then step onto a track for the final quarter mile inside the stadium. The only ‘rise’ on the course falls between the 18 and 19 mile markers. The Half Marathon course starts near the turn around point of the Marathon course and follows the same route as the marathon back to the finish line. The 10K course is just like the marathon course except that it turns around at 3 miles instead of 13 miles.
Q: What time does the finish line close?
A. The finish line will close at 1:00PM. Anyone finishing after this time (6 hours for the Marathon) may not receive an official finish time. Center Road reopens at 11:00AM (4 hours after start of Marathon). Center Road is at mile 20 1/2 to 22 on the Marathon return.
Q: What do you have for aid stations?
A: Aid stations are located every 1.5 miles (with the exception of Center Road.) Water is provided by Traverse City’s own Clear Advantage and GU Brew (Orange and Lemon-Lime flavors). GU Gel is available at the 14 and 20 Mile Aid Stations.
Q: So the course isn't closed to traffic?
A: No, but due to the early start time traffic is very light for most of the race. The first 4 miles are in a residential setting with hardly any traffic. Miles 4 to 6 ½ are along a State Highway which will be closed to traffic from 7:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. You return to a residential setting during miles 6 ½ to the turnaround at 13 miles. Your biggest traffic concern here will be your fellow runners as those ahead of you head back to the start after the turnaround. Our Traverse City and Grand Traverse County Police are very helpful, supportive and help you to enjoy a safe and enjoyable race.
Q: What kind of spectator support can I expect?
A: Traverse City is a small town so we don’t make any claims to being a Chicago or Boston in terms of crowds. You can expect great support at key points along the course, and from citizens offering their own water, music, etc.
Q: Can my friends and family meet me out on the course or ride along on a bike?
A: Friends and family CANNOT ride along with you. We need to limit all possible traffic on the course and ask you to provide your friends and family with the spectator maps available at registration. With Center Road being closed, spectators should refer to the map (LINK TO MAP) to determine where they will have access to the course. Course marshals are given the authority to disqualify you if they determine if you are associated with a bike or car on the course.
