The Best Road Races in Michigan: 5k, 10k, Marathons and More

Looking for Michigan races? Michigan is home to some of the best races in the nation. We have Michigan races ranging from Michigan 5k races, Michigan 10k races, Michigan half marathon races, and Michigan marathons. If you are looking for a Michigan race near you or want to find out more about one of these incredible Michigan races then read on!

Here is a list of some of the best races in Michigan:

The Hot Chocolate 15k and 5k in Detroit

Before the spring weather turns the corner you can get out and warm up with a 5k or 15k through Detroit and top it off with some hot chocolate if the running doesn’t warm you up enough.

The Amway River Bank Run

This race occurs in downtown Grand Rapids each May. You can choose to participate in the 5k, 10k, or 25k. The 25k is a qualifying run for the Boston Marathon as well and attracts high-level runners from across the country.

Top of Michigan Festival of Races

Occurring at the end of May, these races take place in Charlevoix and offer a 5k, 10k, and a half marathon with beautiful lakeside scenery the likes of you’ll only find in Northern Michigan.

Kalamazoo Marathon

This marathon is unique in the level of community involvement and the “excitement zones” that neighborhoods put together to keep the runners entertained and engaged with the Kalamazoo community as they work their way through the winding course.

Two Hearted Trail Run

Of course, we need to mention a race in the Upper Peninsula, and one named after the Hemingway Novel “The Big Two-Hearted River.” For runners who enjoy trails, you’ll get a nice amount of dirt forest and two-track running in this race and you’ll also get to finish up at the Camp 33 Brew Pub where racers can enjoy some ice-cold refreshments. Oh, and did we mention you can run a 50k? For extreme long-distance runners, this is a great choice.

Fenn Valley Vine Wine’d

Each October you can enjoy a run through one of the largest, and most popular vineyards in Michigan – Fenn Valley. This 5k offers scenic views of one of the most unique ecosystems in the Southwest corner of Michigan.

The Detroit Free Press Marathon

This race has been “running” since 1978 and draws elite runners from all over the globe. It’s also unique in that the race extends from the United States to Canada. But, there are events for everyone, including a 5k, even a kids’ fun run sponsored by Meijer so the entire family can get involved.

Mackinac Bridge Run

While there are a lot of excellent, and truly unique races in Michigan, it’s tough to beat running across the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere, with over two miles of bridge to cross. We highly recommend making your way up to St. Ignace on Labor Day weekend to give this 4.3-mile race a shot.

Bayshore Marathon

The Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City is another favorite for runners in Michigan, with everything from a 5k all the way up to a full marathon, there’s something for runners of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Along the way, you can take in the views of beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. The weather tends to be perfect as well, as the race is held at the end of May each year.

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