Runners will face a temperature rise from 39°F at the start to 62°F by the end, with humidity averaging 74%. Wind will be light, peaking at 11 mph from the SE, not significantly affecting performance. As temperatures climb, runners should consider adjusting their pace in the later laps and stay hydrated throughout the race.

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Distance: 26.2mi

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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

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Race weekend

Saturday, October 3

7:30 AMMarathon (26.2 mi)

8:00 AMHalf Marathon (13.1 mi)8:20 AM5K (3.1 mi)

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 64°F and a low of 38°F with a 0% chance of rain.

Historical Weather

Based on 11 years of data

Avg Temp

54°F

L:51° H:60°

RunScore

Conditions

Rain Freq

36%

4 of 11 yrs

Wind6mph

Dew48°F

Temperature History

Range of temperatures during race hours for each year.

Detailed History

Year	Low / High	Rain	Dew Point
2026 Sleeping Bear Marathon Becoming cloudy in the afternoon. 2026	39°/56°	-	41°
2025 Sleeping Bear Marathon Clear conditions throughout the day. 2025	64°/78°	-	60°
2024 Sleeping Bear Marathon Clear conditions throughout the day. 2024	37°/62°	-	37°
2023 Sleeping Bear Marathon Cloudy skies throughout the day with afternoon rain. 2023	47°/49°	Light	43°
2022 Sleeping Bear Marathon Clear conditions throughout the day. 2022	38°/58°	-	41°
2021 Sleeping Bear Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with rain. 2021	65°/71°	-	59°
2019 Sleeping Bear Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with late afternoon rain. 2019	39°/50°	-	38°
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 rain. 2017	66°/67°	Light	62°
2016 Sleeping Bear Marathon Cloudy skies throughout the day with rain. 2016	60°/60°	Light	55°
2015 Sleeping Bear Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2015	48°/50°	-	37°