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Mt. Baldhead Challenge

10K · 7 mi · Half Marathon · 1.5 mi

Sep 12, 2026 · Saugatuck, Michigan, US

Listed Mar 27, 2015

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Get ready to conquer the Midwest’s Ultimate Multi-Terrain Race™!

The Mt. Baldhead Challenge is a multi-terrain race unlike any other. You'll run through scenic woodland trails, scale coastal dunes, pound the pavement, and climb the 300+ steps to the top of the iconic Mt. Baldhead in beautiful Saugatuck, Michigan.

Lace-up those running shoes and get ready for an unforgettable challenge! 🏃‍♂️🏅

 

Course Information

Course Distances:

  • There are two course options to choose from: the 10K+ (7 miles) or the Half Marathon (13.1 miles).
  • Both courses start at Oval Beach and finish at Coghlin Park in downtown Saugatuck.
  • Both courses trek through gorgeous fresh water wooded sand dunes, trails, and up the Mt. Baldhead steps.
  • The Mt. Baldhead Steps occur at about mile 3.5 for the 10K+ course, and mile 4.25 for the Half Marathon course.

Race Timing:

  • Based on chip-times.
  • There will be a staggered start by wave to avoid course congestion. Enter your expected finishing time during registration to be slotted into your respective wave. 
  • There is a time limit for the race. All participants must return to Coghlin Park by 12:30 PM based on our contracts with the city and our ability to staff volunteers.

Hydration & Restrooms:

  • Gatorade and water will be provided at hydration stops throughout the course. 
  • Each station is no more than 1.5 miles apart.
  • Portable restrooms are located at Oval Beach, Coghlin Park and at designated locations through the course.
 

Signup Information

Registration:

  • Priority registration for 2025 and prior participants and 2025 wait-listed runners opens October 18, 2025. Public registration opens November 1, 2025.
  • Early registrants enjoy special pricing. Price increases go into effect on May 1, 2026.
  • Register early to avoid the wait list.

Refund Policy:

  • Refunds are not available. Instead, you may defer to the next year or transfer events/registration.
  • There is race insurance available during registration.
  • There will be a new bib number issued for transfers.

Gender Options:

  •  Non-binary, male, and female options are available.

Ultimate Lifetime Challenge Participants:

  • Ultimate Lifetime Challenge members have guaranteed entry and are not subject to the waitlist.
  • Your registration details will be sent via email, with a unique link to register for this year's event. Click through this link to claim your guaranteed entry.
  • You must register for this year's event to participate.

Deferred 2025 Registrants:

  • Your registration details will be sent via email. 
  • You will have a credit in your RunSignup account that can be applied to your 2026 registration.
  • You must register for one of the 2026 events to claim your deferral.

 

Pre-Race Information
Packet Pickup:

  • Location: Community Church of Douglas
  • Date & Time:
    • Friday, September 11: 12 pm - 8 pm
    • Saturday, September 12: 7 am - 8 am
  • You can also have your packet mailed to you by selecting the mail away packet option during registration.

Parking:

  • Locations: Oval Beach and Community Church of Douglas
  • Shuttles: Buses from the Community Church of Douglas to Oval Beach, departing beginning as soon as the first bus is filled with runners.  

  

Post Race Information

  • Celebrate with your fellow runners at the Mt. Baldhead Challenge post-race party at Coghlin Park!
  • Complimentary music, lawn games, photo opps, food, and refreshments will be provided. All runners will receive a free drink ticket (21+, please bring valid photo ID) with their bib. 
  • Pick up some MBC merch at the Swag Store.
  • Shuttles will return you to your parked vehicles at the Community Church of Douglas and Oval Beach.
 

Why We Race

Every dollar of net proceeds supports FREE after-school and summer life-enrichment programs at Saugatuck Public Schools provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Holland.

 

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