24 running, walking, and fun run events in Traverse City, Michigan

The Traverse City Track Club Bayshore was started in 1983 by a group of volunteers who wanted to share with fellow runners the beauty of the Grand Traverse region. Since then, Bayshore has evolved into a respected and beloved event that has played an integral role in helping build a healthy, active running community through charitable giving. Bayshore is the primary revenue generator that funds all events, activities and programs of the Traverse City Track Club, which has now donated over $2.5 million to date.

Each year, Traverse City Track Club selects several 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to utilize the event as a way to raise funds for their organization. In 2026, charity partners will be given a limited amount of reserved race entries. These entries guarantee entry into the Bayshore events once the fundraising goal of $400 is met.

To become a fundraiser, click HERE

Ready to really have FUN on cross country skis? Want to confidently glide through the woods

and fly across the meadows? This is your winter to SKI MORE, SKI BETTER and embrace the

season like the Northern Michigan athlete that you are!

The Vasa Ski Club's Technique & Fitness program is your ticket to an exhilarating cross-country ski season! Our weekly sessions, led by certified coaches, offer instruction in both Skate and Classic techniques, allowing you to choose the one that suits your goals.

In this program, you'll receive a comprehensive review of fundamental techniques, plenty of hands-on practice, and essential feedback to improve your skills. Our coaches will equip you with strategies to adapt to varied terrain and weather conditions—key skills for any Northern Michigan skier. And, of course, you'll enjoy connecting with fellow skiers, growing the Traverse City ski community while sharing in the joy of the sport.

In addition to technique and training, we'll cover other aspects of fitness, race preparation, and seasonal goals, ensuring you're ready for whatever skiing adventures lie ahead. Get excited to embrace the fun, improve your skills, and unlock your true skiing potential with the Vasa Ski Club's Technique & Fitness program!

Participants should be physically fit, without current injury, and able to sustain moderate aerobic activity for at least 15 minutes without stopping.

Beginners (new to the discipline for which you are enrolling) must enroll in the first 5-week session.

EACH SKIER WILL NEED A HICKORY HILLS NORDIC PASS WHICH IS A SEPARATE COST!

Join us February 14–15, 2026, as we celebrate 50 years of the North American Vasa at Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City.

Over 50 years, the North American Vasa has become one of the Midwest’s biggest Nordic ski races. Participants return year after year to enjoy high-quality grooming and the scenic Vasa Pathway and winter singletrack trails of the Pere Marquette State Forest in Grand Traverse County.

The 2026 schedule features freestyle and classic ski races, fat bike events, and youth competitions designed for athletes of every age and ability. From the legendary 50K marathon to the family-friendly 6K Tour, the North American Vasa balances world-class competition with an inclusive, community spirit.

What's New for 2026

Return of the 50k Marathon: The 50k Classic and Skate races are making a comeback for the 50th Anniversary of the North American Vasa. These races will be Saturday, Feb. 14 starting at 9:00 am. This is a two lap race. Skiers must start the second lap of the race by 11:30 am for the safety of the skiers and our volunteers.

Bigfoot Community Relay Races (Sponsored by Cross Country Ski HQ): Two relay races will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14 starting at 1:30 pm. One relay consists of one adult and two kids under 12 years old, the other relay consists of one adult and 2 kids 12-19 years old. Sign up for free on the registration page.

T-shirt giveaway: Every paying registrant in a 6 K race or longer will receive a specially designed 50th anniversary long sleeve t-shirt.

What's continued in 2026

Age Class winner perks: Each age class winner in the 27K Freestyle race will receive free entry into next year's race. 2nd place finishers will receive 1/2 off, 3rd place finishers will receive 1/3 off. This only applies to the 27 K Freestyle race for male and female racers and you must enter the 27K race in 2027 to receive this discount.

First Time Skiers: Any first time skier entering Sunday's 6K Tour receives a 50% discount, provided you use the discount code NEWBIE2026 at check out.

King Vasa Viking Club Members: Any skier that has skied in 30 or more Vasa races of 27K in length or more will receive a special permanent bib. Club members will be recognized by starting the George Kuhn 27K Freestyle race on Saturday in their own wave at 9:40 am and at the Vasa Community Celebration. Make sure you register for each race with the same exact name to keep your count accurate.

Vasa Community Celebration: To capture the spirit and excitement of the 50th anniversary and to honor the long-standing tradition of the North American Vasa, we are again holding the Vasa Community Celebration. It will take place at the Park Place Hotel after the races on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 5:00-8:00pm and will feature free appetizers along with a cash bar and live music. Awards* can be picked up for events completed on Saturday, and we will acknowledge the King Vasa Viking Club members who have completed at least 30 Vasas. Tickets are available for purchase online for $10, while tickets purchased in person at the door are $15. There is a limit of 400 people for this event. Tickets available here.

• Note: If you receive an award in Saturday’s races but are unable to attend the Celebration, please arrange for a friend to pick it up on your behalf.

Junior Vasa Information

The Junior Vasa is a fun ski race opportunity for our youngest skiers. The courses are fun and very kid-friendly. There will be plenty of spectators to cheer them on. Registration is only $5. Day of registration and bib pickup for pre-registered racers will be inside Timber Ridge from 10:30-11:30. Day-of registration is available. Fun and smiles are guaranteed for all.

Age | Start Time | Distance

10+ | 12:30 PM | 2.5k

8–10 | 12:40 PM | 2k

5–7 | 12:50 PM | 0.5k

For more information about the Jr Vasa, see the Junior Vasa maps and wave selection assistance.

Hotel Accommodations

The Park Place Hotel has set aside a block of 10 rooms for race participants at the rate of $168.00 per night, including taxes and fees. There are only 10 rooms available at this rate so make your reservations early. Use this link to make your reservation, or call 231-946-5000 Ext. 2022 for assistance.

Registration Update for 2026

Skiers will self select the wave/corral they would like to start in during the registration process. If you are a top level skier please place yourself in the Elite wave/corral. Please place yourself according to your ability while also respecting other skiers. For assistance in making a wave selection please click on the 'Wave /Corral Selection Assistance' link at the bottom of this page. The Vasa organization reserves the right to place a skier in a different wave/corral.

• The Michigan Cup Challenge includes the George Kuhn Half Marathon 27K Freestyle Ski Race on Saturday and the Lombard Loppet 15K Classic on Sunday. Register for both events at the same time to receive a $20 discount. Cash awards will be given to the top three finishers, male and female. Rank is determined by combined times of the two races. The overall men's and women's winners will be crowned, King and Queen Vasa on Sunday, Feb. 15 at Timber Ridge. First Place $550 Second Place $300 Third Place $150

• Fatbikers take note. This year's race is a one lap 25k for all bikers. All tires must be 3.8 inches or wider and properly inflated (no plus bikes). The recommended tire pressure is 4-6 psi, depending on conditions. Helmets are required, and absolutely no ear buds are allowed. There will be a warmup loop in the stadium. Fat bikers are not allowed on the course before the race.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Registration

• Opens Saturday, October 11th

• Closes 6:00 pm Wednesday, February 11th

On-site registration is not available with the exception of the Jr Vasa and the XC Ski HQ Bigfoot Community Relay.

Friday February 13th

• 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Packet Pick Up

Saturday February 14th

• 8:00 am - Packet Pick Up

• 50k Classic/Freestyle (9:00 am tentative start)

• Okerstrom 12k Freestyle (9:15 am tentative start)

• George Kuhn Half Marathon 27k Freestyle (9:40 am tentative start)

• JR Vasa & Adaptive Skiers (12:30 pm tentative start)

• Bigfoot Community Relay (1:30 pm tentative start)

• Vasa Celebration (5:00-8:00 pm at the Park Place)

Sunday February 15th

• 8:00 am - Packet Pick-up

• Mark Esper 6k Classic High School and Citizen Racer (9:30 am tentative start)

• Lombard Loppet 15k Classic (9:50 am tentative start)

• Vasa Tour 6k Freestyle/Classic (10:35 am tentative start)

• Fatbike 25k (11:00 am tentative start)

• Awards Ceremony at Timber Ridge

Celebrate the 16th year of the Fifth Third Bank Leapin' Leprechaun 5k with a course starting on Lake Ave in Old Town Traverse City on March 14, 2026.

The LL5K is hosted by The Festival Foundation and sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. Proceeds from this event support the littlest leprechauns through a donation to the Munson Medical Center’s NICU.

Each registrant will receive an LL5K T-shirt*, professionally timed results, carbs at the finish line, and age group medals will be awarded for first to third place.

So grab your green and throw on those lucky socks for the Fifth Third Bank Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K foot race!

*Must be registered by March 1st to claim a t-shirt

Like Running or Walking? Love Wine? These races are for you!

Join us on Sunday, April 12, 2026 with start times available at 8:30am and 10:30am (you will select your start time during registration). Make sure to secure a spot early because both waves will sell out! This event features the scenic views and amazing wines of Mari Vineyards! Located on lovely Old Mission Peninsula just north of Traverse City, Michigan. Mari Vineyards is dedicated to making exquisite red and white wine from experimental Italian grapes alongside traditionally grown appellation varieties. Whether you are looking to run, walk or just enjoy the wine these races are a sure thing for a great time and an incredible experience! This race will be timed and scored by J3 Timing. Results will be posted at www.J3Timing.com.

Registration Includes:

• T-shirt: Super Soft Ring Spun Cotton t-shirt included!

• Wine Glass: Shatterproof, Collapsible, and Portable!

• Finisher Medal: Doubles as a Wine Stopper!

• Race Bib: Chip timed 5k run/walk

• Results Posted Online

• ...and of course, a pour of wine!

This is a superhero-themed race, coordinated by NMC's Professional Communications class! Please come wearing your favorite superhero costume. The Fun Run is free, and every participating child will receive a free cape! After the event, join us for awards, prizes, food, and activities for kids of all ages. Proceeds of this event will sponsor College for Kids scholarships.

https://nmcherorace.com/about

Every child needs a hero, and you can help by racing in this super event. The one-mile Fun Run starts at 9:00 a.m. in the Cedar lot, and the 5K and 10K start at 10:00 a.m. The race route winds around Northwestern Michigan College's Main Campus and proceeds out on East Shore Rd.

https://nmcherorace.com/race-maps

Who We Are: Healthy Kids Running Series is a five (5) week running program in the spring and fall for kids Pre-K through 8th grade. Each HKRS Series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate running events including the 50 & 75 yard dashes, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the 1 mile run. Kids will earn points for each race they complete based on their finish.

Pricing: The registration fee covers the entire five (5) weeks of the Series which includes race bibs for each week, a runner shirt, a finisher medal and any sponsor giveaways. Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable. Online Early Bird registration increases three weeks prior to the first race event.

Challenger: This Series offers a Challenger Division which is an adaptive 75 yard race for children with disabilities and/or special needs. This allows for parents, siblings, and friends to be on the course with runners to provide support as well as bringing their own supportive devices such as crutches, braces, wheelchairs, etc. to be used by runners.

Makeup Date Information: 5/31/2026

Single Day Racing: Single day race registration opens one hour prior to the start of each race. The registration fee covers one single race to be run on the day of registration. ALL single day registrations should be completed onsite at the race location. Single day racers will have the option to upgrade to the full series (see tab on the left side of the page for instructions). There is a strict no-refund and no-transfer policy.

Awards: All participants receive a medal on Week 5! Trophies will be awarded to the overall top finishers in each of the divisions listed below (broken out by boys and girls respectively):

Pre-K 50 Yard Dash

Pre-K 75 Yard Dash

Kindergarten & 1st Grade

2nd & 3rd Grade

4th & 5th Grade

6th to 8th Grade

Challenger

Share your running photos with our community! Find us on Facebook @HealthyKidsRunning or Instagram @healthykidsrs!

#GetUpandGo

Find a Blue Jean Mile Near You!

This May, one mile can change everything. Put on your favorite pair of blue jeans and join us for the 6th annual ASICS Blue Jean Mile.

In 2020, Johnny Gregorek set the first-ever Blue Jean Mile world record in honor of his late brother, Patrick. Six years later, what started as a personal tribute has become a tradition to raise awareness and funds to support mental wellness.

For more information on how to donate, please visit National Alliance on Mental Illness

ASICS takes its name from the Latin phrase Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body." We are a brand founded on the principle that movement is important not just for the body, but also for the mind.

Welcome to the Traverse City Trail Running Festival!

Northern Michigan’s premier celebration of off-road running, this event takes you through the stunning Pere Marquette Forest along a variety of singletrack and wide doubletrack trails.

The festival kicks off on Friday evening with a two-person 10K relay and a 5K, followed by Saturday morning’s exciting lineup of individual races: 10K, 25K, 50K, 75K, and 100K, plus the 100K relay. All races start and finish at the Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort.

After your run, stay and unwind with post-race snacks, beverages, fire pits, yard games, and cheer on fellow participants. We can't wait to see you there!

Celebrating its 44th Anniversary, the Bayshore Marathon has become a “must run” for runners throughout the Midwest and beyond. Many runners return year after year to enjoy the scenic courses which run along the shores of beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. Hosted by Traverse City Track Club, Bayshore features a 10K, half marathon a full marathon, and a kids 1.2 mile fun run. The number of runners in all three races is limited to ensure a more enjoyable experience.

Traverse City Track Club uses proceeds from Bayshore to sponsor many running and health related activities in and around Northwest Michigan.

Get ready for a breathtaking running experience with the Traverse City Track Club Bayshore Marathon! 🏃‍♂️ If you love running, this race is for you. Traverse City, nestled in the beautiful Michigan region, offers you an exceptional setting with its sparkling lakes and stunning nature. Whether you are a fan of 10 km, the half-marathon or ready to embark on the full 42,195 km adventure, there is a distance for every runner! 🌟

Celebrate what makes running fun — high-fives, endorphins, good friends. Come hang with us to celebrate Global Running Day, run a fun 4 miles and make The Big Run an epic party!

Let’s do this. Sign up now.

Global Running Day is annually celebrated the first week of June and we can't wait to celebrate on June 3rd! We will meet at Hull Park and run one lap around the Boardman Lake Loop (this year there will be a 10k option as well!) Join us at 5:45 for a quick warm up powered by ATI Physical Therapy before starting the run at 6pm. Once your run has finished make sure to hang around after for a family friendly celebration with drinks and food provided by Brooks running!

Stay connected:

● Find community at your local Fleet Feet https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/traversecity

● Join our No Boundaries Training Program for even more big run fun! Sign up here!

● Follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.

NorthWest Tour is an affordable, five-day bicycle tent camping tour in and around the beautiful Traverse City and Leelanau areas of Michigan's northwest Lower Peninsula. The tour features great scenery on good roads and trails through many small towns and tourist areas, all from the convenience of a single camping location.

Experience sand dunes and sandy beaches, lighthouses, small lakes and Great Lakes, orchards and vineyards, and the Northwest Michigan charm of resort towns like Elk Rapids, Cedar, Williamsburg, Empire, Glen Arbor, Suttons Bay, and Traverse City. This is a wonderful way to experience the area without paying for a high priced hotel and we feed you!

Daily routes typically have shorter and longer options of 30, 60+ miles. The first and last days are shorter to allow for travel time. Be prepared for hilly terrain no matter the route you take. This is a great ride to begin DALMAC hill training!

• When: June 10 through June 14, 2026 with optional night of June 9 courtesy of Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

• Check-in June 9 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm

• Check-in June 10 from 12 :00 - 4:00 pm

• Where: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

• 4050 Hammond Rd. East, Traverse City, MI

• Cost: $400 for tent camping, RV's welcome at additional cost

Kids up to 6 years = $0

7 - 12 years = $40

13 - 17 = $160

• 8 Meals: Dinner - Wednesday through Saturday; Breakfast - Thursday through Sunday; all catered by Golden Crown Catering, Chuck Faulkner, Port Huron.

• Lunch is on your own in whatever area you are riding

On Sunday, ride & return to campground in time to pack and leave by 12:00 p.m. Or have breakfast, pack, and ride; return to camp to shower and leave for a safe journey home. Our campsites are in a wooded area, with clean restrooms and showers. The dining pavilion is centrally located to all campsites.

Anyone staying on a NorthWest Tour designated campsite, must be a registered participant of NorthWest Tour. Anyone not wanting to register with NorthWest tour but wanting to stay at Timber Ridge, must reserve a campsite at cost from the campground.

If you want a NorthWest Tour shirt, please order during registration. Shirts must be purchased by May 10. Shirts will not be available for sale on the tour.

Participant is responsible for all processing fees and taxes, where applicable.

Please watch for additional news and information on the Tri-County Bicycle Association website, BikeTCBA.org or the TCBA FaceBook page.

TART Trails and Up North Pride are hosting the annual Rainbow Run, a color fun run and fundraiser around the Boardman Lake Loop Trail. On June 20, 2026, the event will celebrate the trail systems and the Northern Michigan 2SLGBTQ+ Community during Pride Month. Participants and spectators will be invited to Hull Park to enjoy music and refreshments before and after the run.

The run/walk route will take participants counterclockwise around the 4-mile Boardman Lake Loop Trail. There will be five distinct and separated stations along the route for participants to receive their colors. All participants who register by May 30th will receive a branded white t-shirt. We will be using a powder made of colored cornstarch that will be human, fish, and environment-friendly and will wash out after a rain to have no long-lasting effects on the park or the City infrastructure. The trail will stay open for public use so please be kind to other trail users.

When

Friday, June 19, 2026 - packet pick up | Fleet Feet, downtown Traverse City

4:00-7:00 pm | packet pick up / check-in

Saturday, June 20, 2026 - race day | Hull Park, Boardman Lake Loop Trail

8:00 am | late packet pick up / check in

9:00 am | run / walk start

12:00 pm | event ends

Where

Hull Park | 660 Hannah Ave, Traverse City, Michigan 49686

Route

The run/walk route will take participants counterclockwise around the 4-mile Boardman Lake Loop Trail. Water and bathrooms will be available at Hull Park and Medalie Park. Five distinct color stations will also offer water along the route.

Waves

Participants will identify themselves as runners or walkers at check-in and will be assigned a wave. There will be 8 waves that start 2 minutes apart. Each wave will be limited to 50 participants. There will be designated waiting areas for each wave.

This is done so people will generally start and run/walk most of the event near people of their own abilities and speeds. This will also prevent participants from waiting in line to receive their color spray at each color station along the route.

Who benefits

Proceeds will be split between Up North Pride and TART Trails

What is the cost?

Pre-Registration | $25 Student (17 and under) / $30 Adult (18+) | must register by May 30th to guarantee a t-shirt & early bird pricing

May 31st price increase | $30 Student (17 and under) / $35 Adult (18+)

Parking & Bathrooms

Public Parking is available across the street from the Traverse Area District Library, at the Department of Public Services (DPS) at 625 Woodmere Ave. (The large back lot is accessible from Hannah Ave.) For safety, we ask that you use either the crosswalk directly in front of the library, or at the Woodmere/Hannah intersection. There is also limited pull-in parking along the railroad tracks on the east side of Hull Park.

The Public Restrooms in Hull Park open around 7 am. There are also restrooms just inside the library, which opens at 9am, and at Medalie Park on the far side of the course.

Packet Pick Up

Join us for packet pick up on Friday, June 19 between 4 to 7 pm at Fleet Feet in downtown Traverse City! Grab your t-shirt, wave assignment and stick around for lots of fun. Check-in and packet pick up will also be available Saturday morning at Hull Park beginning at 8 am.

Training Programs

Are you new to running? There are great training groups and fun run/walks offered by our local sponsors and community partners:

Fleet Feet run/walk groups, more info here

Traverse City Track Club weekly fun runs, more info here

Volunteer

Volunteers are the heart of Up North Pride and TART Trails, volunteer sign up is coming soon!

Inclement Weather Information

In the event of inclement weather (thunder, lightning, threatening rain), we may postpone or cancel the Rainbow Run. Please check your email on the morning of the event for updates. TART Trails and Up North Pride will also post updates to social media channels if needed. In the event of cancellation or postponement, your registration fee is non-refundable and will be considered a tax-deductible donation to TART Trails and Up North Pride.

The 2026 Rainbow Run is presented by JenTees Custom Logo Gear and Molina Healthcare.

Ride for Pie and Fun with Norte Youth Cycling—Don't miss out on the sweetest ride of the year! Join us for a scenic bike tour through Traverse City's charming neighborhoods on Monday, July 1, at 9 am. Start at F&M Park and get ready for a relaxed ride filled with laughter, good company, and the joyful sound of bike bells ringing. And the best part? You'll receive a voucher for a FREE slice of cherry pie from the Grand Traverse Pie Company, so come hungry! Celebrate the National Cherry Festival in style with Norte Youth Cycling, the premier youth bike organization in northern Michigan.