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.

Q: What is the course like?

A: Bayshore is a flat, out and back course run along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. Throughout the race you have the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan on one side and beautiful homes and Traverse City’s famous cherry trees on the other side. (Traverse City produces over half of the world’s cherries). It 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 at your aid stations?

A: Aid Stations are located every 1.5 miles ( with the exception of Center Road.) with Water provided by Traverse City’s own Clear Advantage and Gatorade. GU is available at the 14 and 20 Mile Aid Stations.

Q: Do you use the chip?

A: Yes, both a starting and finishers mat. There will be a mat at the turn around point of the Marathon to provide 13 mile split times.

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 runner 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: How many runners are in the race?

A: Bayshore has enjoyed great growth in recent years, primarily due to word of mouth. The 10K usually has about 800 runners. The Marathon grew from 525 to 1000 runners between the 2001 and 2003 races. Last year we put a cap of 1,500 runners and turned away runners at the beginning of May. This year we have capped our marathon at 1700 runners. We would rather put on a quality race than significantly grow our numbers. The Half Marathon will be capped at 1000 runners. The 10K run draws between 700-900 runners.

Q: Do you allow walkers in the Bayshore?

A: We do not have a separate category for walkers in any of the Bayshore races. All times are listed by age group only in the results. The finish line closes at 1:00 pm, anyone finishing after then may not receive an official time or finisher medal.

Q: Are there spectators out on the course?

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 want 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. Our course marshals are given the authority to disqualify you if they determine if you are associated with a bike or car on the course. They have full and final authority in these matters. We take your safety very seriously.

Q: Are there hotels close to the start/finish? Do any provide discounts?

A: Traverse City is one of the major tourist destinations of the Midwest and offers many hotels and motels in all price ranges, many within a short distance to the start/finish. The application, home page and sponsor page lists our Bayshore Hotel sponsors and their phone numbers. Since Bayshore occurs on the first Saturday of the summer tourist season we encourage you to call early and mention you are in town for Bayshore.

Q: I am from out of the area how do I get to Traverse City?

A: Traverse City has a regional Airport with several daily flights connecting to Detroit or Chicago.

Q: Where does the money raised at Bayshore go?

A: Bayshore is the largest of events put on by the 42 year old Traverse City Track Club. We do not support a specific charity but enthusiastically encourage groups like Team In Training to use Bayshore to raise money. In addition, money raised is used to help sponsor our other annual events and to provide funds for various health and fitness related causes in the Traverse City area. Over the past decade we have given over $20,000 to our local trail systems, over $10,000 to the Women’s Cancer Fund, purchased a defibrillator for the Traverse City Police Department, helped build or resurface two local tracks, and many other smaller projects. Our race equipment (clocks, finish line materials, etc.) are also rented to other Northern Michigan races for very nominal fees to provide them with access to modern race equipment and safely raise money for their own causes.

Q: OK, Bayshore sounds good, but is it just hype?

A: Don’t take our word. Go to marathonguide.com and see for yourself what past participants have said about Bayshore. We also listen to your comments and act when possible. For example we didn't used to have a starting chip mat due to the cost of an additional mat and the relatively small size of our field. We listened and this year we will have a Start and Finish Chip Mat. We are also proud that the popular Team in Training Program is returning to Bayshore in 2006 due to their good experiences the last couple years.

Q: I registered on-line but need to make a change. What do I do.

A: Just e-mail us at bayshoremarathon@charter.net and we’ll make the appropriate changes.

Q: How do I know I am registered?

A: Your cancelled check or credit card statement is your initial source of confirmation. We will also send confirmation notices over to your e-mail if you register on-line or include a valid 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’ve got additional questions?

A: Great! Just e-mail us at bayshoremarathon@charter.net . We are an all volunteer organization but we do our best to answer your question within a week of you sending an e-mail. If you have questions during the 7 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.