From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find 10k events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
TOWN CRIER RACES - JUNE 20, 2026
Come celebrate our 25th RUN of supporting the Saugatuck Public Schools running programs!
All participants will receive a cool finisher medal, custom bib, specially designed T-shirt, and Certificate of Race Completion. Those who participate are eligible for age group awards.
Please join us as we strive to continue our award-winning programs that provide valuable continuing education and important life skills for our local students.
Be safe, stay healthy!
The Town Crier Race Committee
Susan & Kevin Poolman, Trudi Englebrecht, Shelly Silva, Michelle Gorman, Missy Powell and Rick & Angelina Bauer
The Town Crier Races 5k, 10k & Half Marathon deliver a fun and scenic view of the Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan area. The beauty of the lakeshore course makes it a favorite of runners year after year.
No one is a stranger on the courses. Every runner’s accomplishments are celebrated, and you’ll have a cheering section whether you brought your own or not. The small-town vibe just can’t be duplicated, and you’ll feel welcome right away.
The event proceeds provide a majority of the funding for the Saugatuck High School Cross Country and Track Teams, donating over $129k since 2002. Help make a difference in the lives of student athletes and have a great time doing it.
~ Due to liability issues we cannot condone the use of baby joggers/strollers or dogs ~
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:
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
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.