Mt. Baldhead Challenge 2026

Description

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:

Non-binary, male, and female options are available.

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

You can also have your packet mailed to you by selecting the mail away packet option during registration.

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.