4 running and walking events in Petoskey, Michigan

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026

5K Trail Run or Walk

• Start Time: 9:00 am

• Professionally timed

• Swag bag with race T-shirt*, vinyl sticker, and native seed packet

• Custom wooden medals for top finishers and age group winners

• EARLY BIRD RATES END MARCH 16

1 Mile Trail Run or Walk

• Start Time: 10:00 am

• Running clock (not professionally timed)

• Swag bag with race T-shirt*, vinyl sticker, and native seed packet

• EARLY BIRD RATES END MARCH 16

Family Fun Run

• Start Time: 10:20 am

• Less than 1/4 mile

• Geared towards families with young children

• Finisher ribbon for the kids

• Swag bag with sticker, temporary tattoo, and native seed packet

• All participants (including parents) must register. Participants 2 and under are free through May 13.

• Complimentary registration for those participating in the 5K or 1 Mile

5K Virtual Run

• Not located near Petoskey? Participate from afar!

• Swag bag with race T-shirt*, vinyl sticker, and native seed packet. Shipping charges apply.

*Must be registered by May 6 for Race T-shirts

Check-in: You must check in prior to the event. Packet pickup is Friday, May 15 from 3:30-5:00pm at Petoskey Children's Nature Preschool (1804 E Mitchell, Petoskey, MI 49770), or at the event beginning at 8:00am.

Parking: Petoskey Middle School parking lot

The Fine Print: Children under age 12 must be supervised. Trail-appropriate strollers are allowed for the Family Fun Run only. While we love pets, please leave your dog at home.

Top of Michigan Festival of Races includes a series of races that benefit the Top of Michigan Trails Council and the Petoskey High School Track and Cross Country teams.

The course is run along the Little Traverse Wheelway, a non-motorized trail that runs from Charlevoix, through Petoskey/Bay Harbor and onto Harbor Springs. This year, our course will be out and backs from Petoskey's waterfront. The trail is an excellent venue for runners. The trail is relatively flat and has spectacular views of the Little Traverse Bay. Please note that there are a few off road sections of this route, on grass and dirt.

The Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k start and end in Petoskey. The course is mostly paved, with some sections on grass and a short section on trail, connecting into the Petoskey State Park for the 10k and Half Marathon.

2026 Courses are as follows:

• 5k Course

• 10k Course

• Half Marathon Course

We expect 2025's to be the same!

Event Information:

Event Date:

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Event Location:

Lime Kiln Kid’s Fishing Pier, Bayfront Park, Petoskey, MI 49770

Event Times:

• Friday Packet Pickup - 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm - TBD

• Saturday Packet Pickup - 6:30 am to 7:15 am @ Lim Kiln Kid's Fishing Pier, Bayfront Park

• Half Marathon Race Begins - 7:30 am

• 10K Race Begins - 8:00 am

• 5K Race Begins - 8:15 am

• Awards - TBD

Registration Fees:

• Half - $70 Early Registration

• 10K - $45 Early Registration

• 5K - $30 Early Registration

• All races will have price increases on February 15, 2026, and again April 15, 2026

Registration Includes:

• Refreshments

• Finisher Medals

• Top Male/Female Awards

• T-Shirt (cut off May 12th)

Parking Options:

• There are three parking lots along Bayfront Drive open to the public. Please do not use the marina parking lot.

• The park above the bluff (Sunset Park) has a few parking spots available.

• Our friends at Kilwins have offered parking in a portion of their parking lots. This map shows two sections (1&2) available for runners.

Allow for enough time to park and walk to the start line.

Petoskey to Wilderness: A Fully Supported 3-Day Bikepacking Adventure

Ride the Lake Michigan shoreline, camp under the stars, and experience bikepacking—

without the stress of figuring it all out yourself.

[P-W Collage.png]

Over three days, we’ll follow the Lake Michigan shoreline, roll through small towns, share good meals, and end at the edge of the state in Wilderness State Park. It’s not about speed or mileage—it’s about slowing down, getting outside, and enjoying the ride.

This is bikepacking, the J.P. Wanderwheels way: simple, supported, and built for connection.

This is a fully supported, guided bikepacking trip designed to take the guesswork out of your first (or next) adventure.

We handle the logistics so you can focus on riding, relaxing, and taking it all in.

This ride is a great fit if you:

• Are comfortable riding ~20–40 miles per day

• Are curious about bikepacking (even if you’ve never done it before)

• Want an adventure—but not a sufferfest

• Appreciate good people, good food, and a good route

From Bayshore Park in Petoskey, we’ll roll onto the rail trail, cruising a mostly flat route of pavement and crushed limestone, with plenty of tree cover along the way.

Your registration includes:

? Curated 3-day route through northern MIchigan

? Ride support + experienced guides (Jim & Pete)

? Meals + snacks during the trip

? Camps + overnight logistics handled

? A small group experience (limited to ~10–12 riders)

All for just $130 per rider

Day 1

We roll out of Petoskey and settle into the rhythm of the ride—lake views, conversation, and the kind of miles that feel good. Desitnation: Wilderness State Park. This place is something special – sandy beaches stretching along Lake Michigan, big skies, and a group campsite we can confidently say is the nicest we’ve ever experienced.

Day 2

Enjoy the park. See the sites. Maybe visit Mackinaw City if we're feeling it.

Day 3

We make our way back to Petoskey, reminiscing about our wonderful Wilderness wander.

FAQ

Do I need bikepacking experience?

• Nope. This trip is designed to be beginner-friendly. If you’re comfortable riding the daily mileage, we’ll help you with the rest.

What kind of bike do I need?

• Most bikes will work—gravel, touring, or even a road bike with the right setup. If you’re unsure, reach out and we’ll help you figure it out.

What’s included with food?

• Meals and snacks are included during the trip—we keep it simple, satisfying, and part of the experience.

What gear do I need?

• You’ll need basic camping and riding gear. We’ll provide a suggested packing list and are happy to help you prepare.

What if I’m on the fence?

• Totally fair. Send us a message—we’re happy to talk it through and help you decide if it’s a good fit.

June 11–14

Route

[P-W included list.png]