Races Near Me: Upcoming Running Races

The Traverse City Track Club Zombie Run is a Halloween tradition! Over the years we’ve seen zombies from all walks of life, or should we say death. Who or what will show up this year? Right Brain Brewery will be hosting the run as always. Zombies and beer have always been a winning combination! Make sure to stick around after the race for the medal ceremony, costume prizes, music, post-race refreshments, and most of all zombie socializing! You’ll collect your survival kit (a.k.a. race packet) at Right Brain Brewery. Early Packet Pickup: Friday, October 30 from 5–7 PM. Pick up your bib, dodge a few zombies, and if you’d like, stick around to enjoy a Right Brain brew while you’re there.Race Day Pickup: Saturday, October 31 from 7–8:45 AM. Quick in, quick out. More FAQs can be found here!

The Iceman Cometh Challenge, presented by Trek, takes place on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The Ice Cycle Expo and packet pickup, presented by Michigan Bicycle Law, will be held Friday, November 6 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, MI. More than 5,400 men and women, along with 600 children across 77 age divisions, participate in Iceman weekend each year. The signature event is a roughly 30-mile point-to-point cross-country mountain bike race from Kalkaska to Traverse City, Michigan. Additional events include the Meijer Slush Cup, Sno-Cone, and Pop-Cycle races, featuring a 9-mile beginner-friendly course and youth races for children 10 and under. Nearly 12,000 spectators line the course annually to experience the excitement of Iceman weekend.

Join us this year for the 19th Annual Traverse City Turkey Trot presented by 4Front Credit Union! This race has been a place of joy, family, friends (furry ones too), and a place where memories and traditions are made. The Traverse City Turkey Trot team does its best to treat the course before race day. However, due to the unpredictable November Northern Michigan weather; all runners participate at their own risk.

Oh What Fun It Is to Run! Jolly Jog Fun Run/Walk - Saturday, December 12th at 9am - Fleet Feet Traverse City Downtown Store Jolly Jog is Fleet Feet’s holiday celebration in motion. Pick up your Santa suit and join a whole crowd of fellow Santa's for cheerful miles, seasonal fun and a chance to support a local cause. Run, walk or jingle at your own happy pace. You’ll leave the season a little merrier than you found it. Join Fleet Feet Traverse City for festive miles, community cheer and support for Cherryland Humane Society. Register for Jolly Jog today! The first 25 participants to sign up will get their very own Santa suit to wear! Your registration will include: Entry into our Jolly Jog Fun Run/WalkOne Complete Santa Suit (for the first 25 registered)

Traverse City Track Club’s Jingle Bell Run:  5:30pm - Sunday, December 20, 2026 The Jingle Bell Run is a nighttime holiday run that tours favorite neighborhood streets bordering downtown Traverse City that are adorned in holiday lights and decorations. The event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities donned in festive holiday costumes. It is a fun and festive, family-friendly event. The Jingle Bell Run is a non-timed 5k run/walk, followed by complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, holiday cheer, and social time. The event, free to current TCTC members, is a reunion to welcome family and friends over the holiday season and enjoy the downtown Traverse City running scene in the winter season. The Jingle Bell Run typically averages over 600 participants! Schedule for Sunday, December 21st: Packet pickup begins at 4:30 p.m. (Park Place Hotel)Run begins at 5:30 p.m. (Park Place Hotel) Distance:  5K Course:  Neighborhood streets adjacent to downtown Traverse City.  Not timed.  Fe

Join us February 13–14, 2027, as we celebrate 51 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 of the Pere Marquette State Forest in Grand Traverse County. The 2027 schedule features freestyle and classic ski races, and youth competitions designed for athletes of every age and ability. The North American Vasa balances world-class competition with an inclusive, community spirit. What's New for 2027 Referral Discounts: Refer a friend who has not raced in the Vasa before and get $10 refunded off of your registration fee for each friend that uses your unique referral code! Pass the word (make sure you give them your referral code) to at most four (4) of your friends. This offer is excludes high schoolers and Jr Vasa skiers. Wave Selection at Registration: 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 refer to the Wave Selection Guide to assist you in selecting the proper wave/corral. The Vasa organization reserves the right to place a skier in a different wave/corral. Event Changes: 2027 will NOT include fat bike, 50k, or Bigfoot Relay races. What's continued in 2027 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. Cash Awards are as follows: First Place $550 Second Place $300 Third Place $150 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 2028 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 NEWBIE2027 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 King Vasa cloth permanent bib. Wear your King Vasa cloth bib over your chipped race bib to be recognized out on the course, and at the Vasa Community Celebration. Make sure you register year after year with the same exact name to keep your count accurate. Vasa Community Celebration: To capture the spirit and excitement of the North American Vasa, we are again holding the Vasa Community Celebration. It will take place at the Great Wolf Lodge after the races on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 5:00-7:30pm and will feature complimentary food along with a cash bar and 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 up your award 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 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Registration Opens 6:00 pm Tuesday, October 20thCloses 6:00 pm Wednesday, February 10th On-site registration is not available with the exception of the Jr Vasa. Friday February 12th 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Packet Pick Up Saturday February 13th 8:00 am - Packet Pick UpMark Esper 27k Classic (9:00 am tentative start)6k Freestyle High Schoolers and Citizen Racers (9:10 am tentative start)Okerstrom 15k Freestyle (9:35 am tentative start)George Kuhn Half Marathon 27k Freestyle (9:55 am tentative start)JR Vasa & Adaptive Skiers (12:30 pm tentative start)Vasa Celebration (5:00-7:30 pm at Great Wolf Lodge) Sunday February 14th 8:00 am - Packet Pick-up6k Classic High School and Citizen Racers (9:30 am tentative start)Lombard Loppet 15k Classic (10:00 am tentative start)Vasa Tour 6k Freestyle/Classic (10:30 am tentative start)Awards Ceremony at Timber Ridge immediately following

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 tim

Join us on May 2, 2026, for the 16th Mud, Sweat & Beers – A Homegrown Spring Cycling Event with Purpose Mud, Sweat & Beers is one of Michigan’s most anticipated spring mountain bike races, drawing nearly 1,000 riders and hundreds of spectators each year to the trails and lodge at Mt. Holiday. Known for its high-energy atmosphere, challenging courses, and unforgettable finish through a muddy chute, MSB blends competition with celebration, all while supporting local nonprofits. Since 2010, the event has raised over $800,000 for Mt. Holiday and community partners. Riders will launch and finish at Mt. Holiday Ski and Recreational Area overlooking beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. Adult racers will travel through the scenic VASA Trail system before returning to Mt. Holiday’s stadium finish. This year’s 16th annual race is going full 1980s! We’re introducing a new Retro–Klunkers category, so dust off those pre-’95 rides, crank up the hair metal, and ride like the wind! Participants can c

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.