Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, & Kids’ Run

Memorial Day Weekend: May 29, 2027

Traverse City, Michigan

Founded in 1983 by local running enthusiasts who wanted to share the beauty of the Grand Traverse Region and the Old Mission Peninsula, the Bayshore Marathon has become a “must run” for runners throughout the Midwest and beyond. Many runners return year-after-year to enjoy the scenic courses, which run along the shores of beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. Bayshore events feature a kids’ run, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon. To ensure a more enjoyable experience, the number of runners in all three races is limited. Bayshore races are held on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.

Traverse City Track Club Bayshore registration opens December 1st, 2026 at 9AM EST.

(Traverse City MI) – The Traverse City Track Club is preparing to open registration for its 45th Anniversary Bayshore running events on the traditional date of Memorial Weekend, Saturday, May 29, 2027.

Registration for the 45th Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and Munson Healthcare Bayshore Kids Fun Run will open on December 1st, 2026 at 9AM EST.

Each year, profits from successful Bayshore events is used to support membership, and donated back to the Traverse City area community in the form of grants, scholarships and planned giving. To date, charitable giving to non-profit organizations that align with the club’s walking/running mission has exceeded $2.5 million.

Kids Marathon

1:30 PM

This 1.2 mile event just for kids starts at the official Bayshore Marathon Start, winds through the campus of NMC and then, just like all Bayshore races, finishes at the exciting official finish line of one of the Midwest’s most beloved Marathons. The course for kids in grades K - 5th is flat, paved, and marshaled the entire way by friendly volunteers.

10K Run

7:30 AM

The 10K is a USATF-certified, out-and-back course that begins by winding through residential neighborhoods before joining the Marathon route along the west shore of East Grand Traverse Bay. Runners turn around near the 3-mile mark and follow the same scenic route back to the finish. Flat, fully paved, and shaded along much of the course, this fast and beautiful race is perfect for runners chasing a personal best or enjoying the stunning waterfront views!

Half Marathon

7:30 AM

The Half Marathon is our most popular event! This USATF-certified, point-to-point course begins at Devil’s Dive Road, with runners transported to the start by bus. The course follows Bluff Road, Center Road, and East Shore Drive before joining the Marathon route to the finish. Fast and scenic, it offers breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay, making it a favorite for runners chasing a personal best or completing their first half marathon!

Full Marathon

7:15 AM

The Full Marathon starts on the grounds of Northwestern Michigan College, then winds along the waterfront of the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay. This out-and-back course is flat, scenic, and fast, making it a favorite for runners attempting to qualify for Boston or complete their first marathon!

The Full Marathon is a USATF-certified course, and we anticipate once again receiving USATF sanctioning for the 2027 event, allowing eligible athletes to pursue Olympic Trials qualifying times (OTQ).