The Charlevoix Marathon is excited to host you on one of the most beautiful running courses in the world. Whether you’re running the full marathon, half marathon, 10km or 5km course, you’re in for an amazing start line on the famous Bridge Street, along Lake Michigan and finishing in old …
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The Charlevoix Marathon is excited to host you on one of the most beautiful running courses in the world. Whether you’re running the full marathon, half marathon, 10km or 5km course, you’re in for an amazing start line on the famous Bridge Street, along Lake Michigan and finishing in old town Charlevoix and Round Lake!
There are so many reasons that Runner’s World Magazine named the Charlevoix Marathon as one of the best “Small Town Marathons” in the United States. Maybe it’s the great lodging, where you can roll out of bed and walk to the start line, or it’s the beautiful packet pick up/expo location overseeing the Beaver Island Ferry and gorgeous Round Lake. Maybe it’s the great dining before and after the race in historic downtown. The course ventures through beautiful Charlevoix neighborhoods, around our ski mountain “Mount McSauba”, down the tree lined roads, along the lakeshore and then turn around at the vast Little Traverse Bay. The course has just enough running traffic to feel the excitement of a big marathon, without any of the pains of major crowds. Whatever your reason, come be our guest at one of the best marathons in the United States!
All Charlevoix Marathon events start and end in beautiful downtown Charlevoix, Michigan. Charlevoix is perched on an isthmus between Lake Michigan and Round Lake and is a northern Michigan community known as “Charlevoix the Beautiful” spreading out onto the shores of Lake Charlevoix. Nothing beats Charlevoix in terms of natural beauty; it has the look and feel of an 18th Century resort community.
With this said, the staging area for Charlevoix is the beautiful downtown area of Charlevoix on Michigan Ave. and W. Dixon, one—half block north of the drawbridge. All courses will take you through fantastic residential tree lined neighborhoods. The course is primarily flat, fast shaded most of the way, with a few inclines. The Marathon course has a few inclines and a hill at about the 7 mile marker. You can expect a very scenic race with some of the most breathtaking views available on any course. The Marathon and Half Marathon participants will run onto the bike trail.
In addition to its scenery, the Marathon is a Boston qualifying race. The Marathon and Half Marathon courses are certified and insured by USATF!
To insure the safety of our athletes, the Charlevoix City Police, Charlevoix Sheriff’s Department, Charlevoix Chamber and Emmett County Sheriff’s Departments are very helpful, supportive and want you to enjoy a safe and enjoyable race.
LESS
Beautiful town; average race
First-timer in Charlevoix. Smaller race in a beautiful lakefront town. Pre-race communication was good, no questions were unanswered. Packet pickup was a breeze, parked right next door. Organized by last … MORE
First-timer in Charlevoix. Smaller race in a beautiful lakefront town.
Pre-race communication was good, no questions were unanswered.
Packet pickup was a breeze, parked right next door. Organized by last name, in and out in just a few minutes.
Race day parking: Half marathon started at 6:30am. Arrived in town at 5:45 and was able to find free street parking one block from the start line, perks of a smaller race!
Course: The field was smaller, around 800 half marathon participants. The course that was used this year was different than the one used the last 19 years. The boardwalk that was previously used was under repair, and the city was forced to reroute. This was evident on the course. At one point, about a 2 mile stretch was on a gravel service road. Only a real “lake view” for about a mile. Really disappointed in the lack of scenery, but I won’t hold it against the race as it was a forced reroute.
Swag: Huge 20th anniversary medal and dri-fit T shirt.
Post-race: There were a few snacks, but not much of a party.
The real draw to this race was the town of Charlevoix itself. I didn’t stay directly in town, but was only a short 10 minute drive outside of town. There is plenty of free and easy parking right off of Bridge St. Plenty of shops, restaurants, and a beach. If I had more time, I would have explored nearby Traverse City or played some golf.
In all, probably won’t run this race a second time. But I was definitely glad to have done it!
Views of Lake Michigan along the course.
I believe the course changed in 2026. 2025 was the year I ran it and it was a basic 13.1 miles out back. Majority of the course was run on … MORE
I believe the course changed in 2026. 2025 was the year I ran it and it was a basic 13.1 miles out back. Majority of the course was run on the Little Traverse Wheelway with just a few of the beginning miles and final miles on the streets of Charlevoix. Some views of Lake Michigan along the course. Very well run small town marathon.
Running in the Rain
From the beginning to the end of this half marathon it rained. The temperature was perfect for running. The course scenery and crossing several bridges was the highlight. The lightning … MORE
From the beginning to the end of this half marathon it rained. The temperature was perfect for running. The course scenery and crossing several bridges was the highlight. The lightning and thunder in the distance also encouraged me to go faster. The water stops had encouraging volunteers. Nice beautiful place, hopefully not so much rain next time.
Just ok
The race began super early in the morning in a very congested area by the drawbridge. The weather was very stormy and HUMID. None of the races got delayed or … MORE
The race began super early in the morning in a very congested area by the drawbridge. The weather was very stormy and HUMID. None of the races got delayed or cancelled, though. The course went through a couple neighborhoods, along a boardwalk, and on a bikepath along the highway. The boardwalk was super slippery because of the rain. We didn’t really get to see the lake too much except near the very narrow turn around point. The other runners were super supportive which made up for the lack of course support. The medal was one of my favorites that I have gotten. Overall, the race was solid. If I didn’t have other races to compare it too, my rating would have been higher.
Beautiful views of Lake Michigan
Great course for a first timer or seasoned professional! Very scenic out and back course, pretty flat. One complaint would be the lack of portajohns on the course. MORE
Great course for a first timer or seasoned professional! Very scenic out and back course, pretty flat. One complaint would be the lack of portajohns on the course.
A must-do race in Michigan
Charlevoix is such a nice town in northern Michigan. To have a race here in early summer is a great idea. After leaving the downtown area, the majority of the … MORE
Charlevoix is such a nice town in northern Michigan. To have a race here in early summer is a great idea. After leaving the downtown area, the majority of the course is on a bikepath that parallels Lake Michigan (only a few spots provide great water views, but the scenery is nice the whole way). I participated as a pacer and can attest that I will be back to this race in the future.
Beautiful small town race
Beautiful area for a race course, in the small town of Charleviox. Most of the course was homes, tree lined streets/trail and a LONG wooden bridge (1/2+ mile). Didn't see … MORE
Beautiful area for a race course, in the small town of Charleviox. Most of the course was homes, tree lined streets/trail and a LONG wooden bridge (1/2+ mile). Didn’t see much of the Lake Superior though (which I was hoping to see more of). Only two small lake viewing areas. Weather was perfect on this day for me. Race course is open to public traffic except for major crossing areas. Approximately half the course runs near a busy highway, so there is traffic noise. The first and last 3+/- miles was absolutely beautiful and peaceful. Race support and production are good. I would do this race again.
Lakeshore Wonder
This is a small, well done race along the shores of Lake Michigan. The same crew has been putting on the race since inception (17 years), and it shows. Everything … MORE
This is a small, well done race along the shores of Lake Michigan. The same crew has been putting on the race since inception (17 years), and it shows. Everything is well executed, and it’s just a fun time. Swag is a great value, and there is even bacon on the course. Excellent weekend event for everyone.
Great course and route to run
Great race with lots of scenic views. Nice course. Only problem was with parking on day of race. According to the homepage, the city of Charlevoix was not going to … MORE
Great race with lots of scenic views. Nice course.
Only problem was with parking on day of race. According to the homepage, the city of Charlevoix was not going to enforce metered spots until 12:01 pm. Upon returning to my car, guess what was on the windshield, yep a parking ticket. Several other runners cars also had tickets. Had to make 2 appeals before the city finally voided it. City and race people need to be on same page
good small race with flat course
staggered start for the half and full with roughly 1000 total runners combined led to an open running field and no crowds. The start/finish location at the edge of a … MORE
staggered start for the half and full with roughly 1000 total runners combined led to an open running field and no crowds.
The start/finish location at the edge of a charming lakeside town was pretty marvelous.
Pace groups go up to 5 hrs so if you are a back of the pack runner, be aware it can get lonely if you are outside that range.
Things to watch out for:
1. med tent at start/finish only. Would be nice to have one at the marathon turnaround.
2. Not much in terms of finish line nutrition. stay close, shower, enjoy lunch at one of the several restaurants instead.