Sleeping Bear Marathon

Empire, MI, USA · October 03, 2026

49°·64° high·Light·Dry

Weather

Race Day Weather

49°at start

65° high

Breezy

Dry

Cool start, warming finish

Runners will face a start temperature of 49°F, rising to 65°F, with an average humidity of 71%. A light headwind at 8 mph may impact pacing, especially in later miles. Given the humidity and potential for light rain, runners should consider starting conservatively and stay hydrated throughout the race.

Race day forecast available in 28 days

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Race Info

Join us for a scenic marathon, half marathon, and 5K run/walk in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. All races finish in Empire, MI. The Marathon and Half Marathon start at the Dune Climb with the 5K starting at Empire Beach.

The out-and-back marathon course will take runners by the “Dune Climb”, Little Glen Lake, and through the village of Glen Arbor with breathtaking views of the Manitou Islands and Sleeping Bear Dunes along the way. Source

Website

Course Map

FAQ

When is the 2026 Sleeping Bear Marathon?

The 2026 Sleeping Bear Marathon will be held on Saturday October 3, 2026.

Is the Sleeping Bear Marathon a Boston Marathon Qualifier?

Yes, the Sleeping Bear Marathon is an official Boston Marathon qualifier.

What is the time limit for the Sleeping Bear Marathon?

The time limit for the Sleeping Bear Marathon is 6 hours.

What will the weather be like for the 2026 Sleeping Bear Marathon?

The forecast calls for a high of 65°F and a low of 47°F with a 11% chance of rain.

Historical Weather

Based on 10 years of data

Avg Temp

63°F

L:52° H:63°

RunScore

Conditions

Rain Freq

40%

4 of 10 yrs

Wind10mph

Dew51°F

Temperature History

Range of temperatures during race hours for each year.

Detailed History

Year	Low / High	Rain	Dew Point
2025 Sleeping Bear Marathon Clear conditions throughout the day. 2025	65°/83°	-	60°
2024 Sleeping Bear Marathon Clear conditions throughout the day. 2024	39°/69°	-	37°
2023 Sleeping Bear Marathon Cloudy skies throughout the day with a chance of rain throughout the day. 2023	47°/50°	Light	44°
2022 Sleeping Bear Marathon Clear conditions throughout the day. 2022	38°/63°	-	45°
2021 Sleeping Bear Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with rain. 2021	65°/73°	-	60°
2019 Sleeping Bear Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with late afternoon rain. 2019	39°/56°	-	40°
2018 Sleeping Bear Marathon Cloudy skies throughout the day with a chance of rain throughout the day. 2018	55°/56°	Light	55°
2017 Sleeping Bear Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with a chance of rain throughout the day. 2017	66°/69°	Light	63°
2016 Sleeping Bear Marathon Cloudy skies throughout the day with rain. 2016	59°/61°	Light	55°
2015 Sleeping Bear Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2015	49°/51°	-	37°