FAQs
Q: Is Bayshore a Boston Qualifier?
A: Yes! Our course was re-certified in May of 2006. It is a flat fast course and many people use it to try to qualify. The certification number for the Marathon is MI02020SH. More details are available 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 1:00 PM. Anyone finishing after this time (6 hours for the Marathon) will not receive an official finish time. The finish area food and services will dismantled and not be available to any runner who finishes after 1:00 PM. Center Road reopens at 11:00 AM (4 hours after start of Marathon). Center Road is at mile 20 1/2 to 22 on the Marathon return.
Q: What method of electronic timing is used for the Bayshore?
A: This year's Bayshore events will be timed with state of the art RFID timing using UHF tags that are attached to your race numbers. You don't need to know anything about the technology of how this system will capture your time from start line to finish line (If you do you can read about it at rftiming.com) but you will need to be sure you pin your race number on the FRONT of your shirt or singlet so that the system can read your tag, starting your time as you cross the actual starting line and stopping it as you cross the finish line.
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: Once I register for a race (Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10K) can I switch to another race?
A: No. Our races fill quickly and we do not have room in the other distances.
Q: Do you have pace groups at the Bayshore?
A: No. However, we do place pace signs near the Marathon start where runners with similar paces can meet before the start with the option of running together.
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 7:00 a.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: Can I wear headphones?
While not prohibited, the use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, The Traverse City State Bank Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of the Bayshore. If you do decide to use headphones during the Bayshore, you do so at your own risk.
Consider this: The abuse of portable headphone devices can result in disqualification. Abuse refers to being so distracted that you become a hazard to your fellow participants, spectators, course marshals, finish line officials, medical personnel, other race officials, police personnel or vehicle traffic.
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: How many runners participate?
A: Bayshore has enjoyed great growth in recent years, primarily due to word of mouth. Last year, we had 2,500 runners register for the 10K. For 2012, we will once again cap 10K entries at 2,500. The Marathon has grown to a point that last year, we capped entries at 2,000 runners the 2012 Marathon will be capped at 2500 registered runners. Likewise, the Half Marathon was capped at 2,000. The 2012 Half Marathon will be capped at 2300 registered runners. Last year, both the Full and Half Marathons filled in early December. A word of advice: Enter early!
Q: Do you allow walkers in the Bayshore?
A: Some people do walk in the Bayshore however we do not have a separate category for walkers in any of the Bayshore races. All times are listed by age group and gender only in the results. The finish line closes at 1:00 pm, anyone finishing after then will not receive an official time or finisher medal. If you are walking the Bayshore please keep in mind that you must stay to the right and walk no more than two abreast. Be mindful of runners from other races who are overtaking you.
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 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.
Q: Are there hotels close to the start/finish?
A: Traverse City is a major Midwest tourist destination with many hotels and motels in all price ranges. Many are within a short distance to the start/finish. For assistance in finding suitable accommodations, we suggest that you contact the Traverse City Visitors and Convention Bureau. Here is a link to their website.
Q: Where does the money raised at Bayshore go?
A: Bayshore is the largest event put on by Traverse City Track Club. Money raised is used to sponsor running and health-related activities throughout the greater Grand Traverse Area. Click here for more information.
Q: What’s the buzz about Bayshore?
A: Bayshore has become a tradition for many runners throughout the Midwest and beyond. And for good reason. Go to marathonguide.com and read for yourself what past participants have said about Bayshore.
Q: I registered online but need to make a change. What do I do?
A: Just e-mail us at bayshore@tctrackclub.com and we’ll make the appropriate changes.
Q: How do I know I am registered?
A: Your canceled check or credit card statement is your initial source of confirmation. We will also send confirmation notices to your email if you register online or include a valid (and legible) email address on your mailed entry. We will also post a list of current registrants on the results page of this website. The list will be updated regularly.
Q: I have more questions.
A: Great! Just email us at bayshore@tctrackclub.com. We are an all-volunteer organization but we do our best to answer your question within a week of receiving it. If you have questions during the seven-day period prior to Bayshore, we can take care of things at registration. Running Fit of Traverse City is also a good source of additional information at 231-933-9242 or 231-932-5401.
