Betsie Valley Trail Run 2026

Description

Celebrate summer and welcome fall with the new Betsie Valley Trail Half Marathon, 10k , 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run . The Half Marathon, 10k and 5k courses are out and back on the Betsie Valley Trail starting in Thompsonville at the Webber Sports Complex. The 1 Mile Fun Run is held on the ballfield onto the trail and back.

The Betsie Valley Trail offers an excellent flat aggregate trail surface that is excellent for runners. The trail offers beautiful views as it crosses both Dair Creek and the Betsie River. The trail passes through a wetland and mile after mile of pine and hardwood upland forests. The Betsie Valley Trail is built on the bed of the former Ann Arbor Railroad and now part of the Rails to Trails system. Learn more at www.betsievalleytrail.org

North Mitten events supports and promotes the Betsie Valley Trail as a valued community resource. A portion of the proceeds from Half Marathon, 10k & 5k AND all the proceeds from the 1 Mile Fun Run is donated to the Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail. Add a fun run to any race distance for just $10.

Registration

Online Registration opens June 1st -September 24th at 8pm or until space is filled. Onsite registration is available at packet pick up if space remains.

Half Marathon, 10k and 5k registration fee includes Tee or Tree, timing (chip timing will be added if participation is over 100 per race), live results/tracking, custom bib, custom finisher medal and post-race food.

1 Mile Fun Run registration fee includes custom bib and a Betsie Valley Trail sticker! The Fun Run is not timed.

All registrants receive a beautiful in person running course and an experience we hope you will cherish forever!

Event Schedule

Friday Sept 25

4pm -6pm Packet pick-up

Saturday Sept 26

7am -830am Late packet pick up 8:00am Half Marathon start 8:30am 10k start 9:am 5k start 9:30am Fun Run late registration and bib pick up. 10:15am Live awards 11:00am 1 Mile Fun Run at the ballpark 12:00pm Course closes

Packet Pick Up

Packet pick-up will be held at the Webber Sports Complex Friday September 25, from 4pm-6pm and Saturday September 26, from 7am-830am only. It is highly encouraged that you pick packets up Friday. Fun Run participants are NOT required to attend packet pick up. Fun run bibs will be available for pick up on race day at the event.

Race Parking

The race starts and finishes in Thompsonville at the Webber Sports Complex/ ballfield. Trail-side parking is available in the ballfield or one block over in downtown Thompsonville.

Lodging, dining and more

While in Thompsonville visit the historic marker at the Diamond Crossing. This marker serves to underscore the significance of the crossing of the Pere Marquette and Ann Arbor railroads during the 19th century.

The diamond-shaped crossing of steel rails and the subsequent rail traffic that it facilitated was instrumental in the growth and economic development of Thompsonville, Benzie County and in northern lower Michigan, in the late 19th and early 20th century. The crossing was situated approximately 124 feet south of Thompson Road.

Now a remote area, Thompsonville is best known for the abundance of recreation opportunities.

Thompsonville Lodging

· Crystal Mountain Resort · Mountain Valley Lodge · Betsie River Campground

Thompsonville Dining

231 Bar and Grill · Geno’s Sports Bar and Grill · Rosie's Country Café · Laughing Horse Saloon

Or visit Beulah, Benzonia, Frankfort, Interlochen, Manistee or Traverse City for more lodging and dining options!

Awards

All Half Marathon, 10k and 5k athletes receive a finisher medal. The top overall male and female in each race receive a gift certificate and more! Awards given to the top 3 in each age category.

14 and under, 15-19, 20-24,