Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon & 7.5 Mile – November 27, 2026
Kick off your holiday season at Black Toenail Friday, Southeast Michigan’s favorite post-Thanksgiving trail running tradition. On Friday, November 27, 2026, runners will gather at Proud Lake Recreation Area for a Half Marathon or 7.5 Mile trail race. With a late 11:00 AM start, well-marked wooded trails, and the crisp beauty of Michigan’s late fall, this event offers the perfect balance of challenge, community, and fun. Whether you're chasing a PR, enjoying the trails with friends, or completing your Trivium Michigan Mega Medal Series, Black Toenail Friday is the race to close out your season.
Why Run Black Toenail Friday?
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Late 11:00 AM start – enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, sleep in, and still make the race
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Beautiful Proud Lake Recreation Area – scenic trails with a mix of forest, lakes, and smooth terrain
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Choose your distance – Half Marathon or 7.5 Mile trail race
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Run or Ruck!
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Post-race community vibe – campfires, ramen, hot cocoa, and cheering for finishers
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Great swag – long sleeve tech shirt included, with the option to upgrade to or add a hoodie
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Final race of the Michigan Mega Medal Series – earn your last medal piece and complete the 6-part puzzle
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Convenient Southeast Michigan location – close to metro Detroit with easy parking at the Modern Campground
Race Details
Leave the shopping crowds to the mall and join hundreds of runners on the trails. Black Toenail Friday features well-groomed, beginner-friendly courses with a few rolling hills and late-fall conditions that can bring cool temps, crisp air, or even a dusting of snow. Proud Lake’s trails are well-marked, making it hard to get lost, and parking is conveniently located near the start/finish area at the Modern Campground (2928 Glengary Rd, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48382).
A Michigan Running Tradition
Since 2016, Black Toenail Friday has been more than a race—it has been a community gathering to celebrate the close of the racing season. With its friendly atmosphere, fall colors, and post-run camaraderie, it is the perfect way to balance Thanksgiving with movement, nature, and friends.
This is your chance to be part of Michigan’s best Black Friday race tradition. Register now, claim your spot, and join the fun.
Part of the Trivium Michigan Mega Medal Series
Black Toenail Friday is the 6th and final race in the Trivium Michigan Mega Medal Series. Complete the series in-person or virtually, and your six individual medals combine into one giant Mega Medal. Participants save over $150 by registering for the full series.
2026 Series Races include:
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Prove It 5K & 10K – April 18, 2026 - Milford, MI
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Trenton Summerfest Half Marathon, 8K, & 5K – June 27 2026 - Trenton, MI
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Dearborn Decades 5K – August 2, 2026 - Dearborn, MI
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Run the 313 5K – August 22, 2026 - Detroit, MI
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Growler Gallop Atwater 10 Mile & 5K – September 27, 2026 - Detroit, MI
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Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon & 7.5 Miler – November 27, 2026 - Commerce Township, MI