If you’ve ever found yourself in the heart of marathon season thinking, “What’s with all these big city marathons? When did the wholesome sport of marathon running become so commercialized? I need to get back to the basics, the real soul of the marathon without all the bells a whistles.” Well, first I would commend you on your philosophical ponderings. Then I would jump right into recommending the Sleeping Bear Marathon.
A marathon with a small-town, cozy feel that will leave you wanting cider and doughnuts and a sweatshirt that says, “Sleeping Bear Dunes – The Gem of the Midwest” that you will pretend to only wear ironically but it quickly becomes your favorite cozy sweatshirt because it reminds you so vividly of that glorious day you ran the Sleeping Bear Marathon.
We left Grand Rapids at 3:45 AM on Saturday morning to drive up this race because we are WAY too cheap to pay for a hotel. Jackson not only powered through the drive (while it was pouring rain, FYI) while I was the world’s worst passenger and promptly fell asleep, but he also went on to snag himself a PR and WIN THE RACE. I mean… What?? How?? Not that I didn’t think he could do it, but how does ANYONE do that?? Guys, it was so attractive. The most important point is, of course, I’m married to a champion now. My status as a human being has skyrocketed.
So just remember when you’re reading this race review, I’m married to a marathon winner so I clearly know what I’m talking about.
What: 2018 Sleeping Bear Marathon
When: October 6, 2018 (usually the first weekend in October)
Who: Endurance Evolution puts on this event (which you’ll figure out as soon as you check out the website)
Where: Empire, MI
Price: Can’t remember… But it’s important to note that if you don’t have a National Parks Pass, you’ll need to tack on $20 to your registration price.
Expo
Note the 3:45 AM departure time on race day… We didn’t make it to the expo, but I’ve heard it’s small and simple. Packet pick up day of was very straightforward. You go down the line to talk to the National Park people (you’ll need a pass to run through the park. You’re all set if you have an annual America the Beautiful pass), then you get your bib, then your shirt, then bag check. Very streamlined. Also it’s in a nice big tent, which is great because it’s literally always raining during this marathon.
Course
The course is an out-and-back with a little deviation on the way back. The turnaround point is around mile 12.6, but it all works out in the end. Plus on the way back, you miss a super long, painful hill that was not fun on the way out. Instead, you get to run past the Dune Climb. If you’re in a joking mood around mile 16, you can tell yourself, “well hey, at least I’m not running up that.” Your watch will probably be off after this race. Jackson and I both came up about a half mile short. But the course is BAA certified so don’t freak out. I think the messed up GPS signal has to do with running on trails, but who knows? All I know is that you’ll be running 26.2 miles whether your watch says so or not. Miles 2-3.5 are the definition of uphill, followed by a massive downhill that stretches from mile 3.5-5. Try really, really hard not to think of how much it’s going to hurt to go back up this in a few hours. That looong painful hill appears around miles seven and sticks around for an entire mile. After a smooth downhill, you’ve got a flat course to look forward to until mile 22, when you’ll reach a hill that will make you question every decision you’ve ever made and you’ll flirt with death in a very real way. That’ll be followed up with a few more hills just for the heck of it, then you’ve got some nice downhills and a fast, flat finish. The flat middle stretch is anything but boring. Sure, there are virtually no spectators, but we ran through a campground where several very groggy campers openly stared (they count as spectators, right?) It’s a beautiful trail and the leaves are juuuust starting to turn. Plus you run past the Most Photographed Barn in Michigan, so how could that not pump you up? There were also plenty of deer that nearly collided with runners, an excellent way to keep you on your toes! Also, the course was not closed to traffic, but since like five people live in Empire, it really wasn’t a problem.
Aid Stations
The aid stations were pretty standard. Gatorade, water, and a few gels along the way. The stations were plentiful and well-stocked. The volunteers, bless their hearts, were great for just showing up. However they weren’t the most reactive. I missed an aid or two because they weren’t ready in time and Jackson had the same problem. Although at one point an aid station volunteer ran after him (which is no easy feat since he was going the speed of a cheetah) to hand him a gel. So that was nice!
Goodies
Your registration comes with a long-sleeve race shirt. I actually really like the shirt. The design is charming and the material will make a great base layer for winter running. After the marathon, snacks were provided in the tent. They had bagels, cookies (soft and tasty cookies, according to Jackson), bananas, kettle chips, Gatorade, water, and Shorts beer. I was really hoping for some hot chocolate because I was freezing my butt off, but I guess they aren’t mind-readers. I always appreciate a unique spread after a marathon, so this was a little disappointing. But to be fair they had everything marathoners needed nutrition-wise. Also I felt more like puking than eating, so I suppose it’s okay that the snacks lacked creativity.
Awards
Besides eternal glory, Jackson also received a pint glass, a plaque, and a free race entry for next year for winning the race. I got the same thing as the second place female (I know, #powercouple) besides the free race entry. Age group awards were just the high-quality pint glasses. And everyone got a swanky medal, of course.
Pros
This race has charm for sure. It’s quaint, only a few hundred participants. I loved the trails and the scenery (it made up for the lack of spectators in my mind). The course was very well-marked and the event was put on by a group that clearly knew what they were doing. It feels like it was a race created by runners, for runners. I know that sounds kind of obvious, but not all races have that feel to them. Some feel like a group of aliens watched the movie St. Ralph and decided to give marathon planning a try based on that very specific film (great movie, although not so accurate when it comes to running…). But this race is legit from start to finish. And even though I despise hills, I appreciated that they were concentrated near the beginning and end of the race. It was nice to be able to focus on pace during the middle of the race without worrying if a hill was going to pop up at any moment. Just like every other part of the expereince, the course felt well thought out.
Cons
The aid station volunteers could have been a little more reactive, but honestly they were still so great. I wish there had been lights in the parking lot since I spent a good amount of time wandering though the dark trying to find my way to the start and attempting to guess whether or not a porta-potty was occupied. Photos were only taken at the start and finish so you may be a little disappointed if you’re a fan of race photos. Also, space blankets would be nice since it’s a long walk back to the parking lot (well, it felt really long at that point) and it’s cold because northern Michigan is literally always cold. Also if you need spectators to get you through a race, this marathon may not be for you.
Overall Thoughts
If you want a beautiful, charming, well-organized, low-key fall race, the Sleeping Bear Marathon is for you. It’s the antidote to a big-city marathon. There aren’t many spectators, but everyone I met our there was so nice and supportive. I don’t think I passed a single person that didn’t follow up with a, “Good job!” or a “Keep it up!” Runners are so wonderful, aren’t they? Thanks for an excellent adventure, Sleeping Bear. And for making my husband a champion.
