Mt. Baldhead Challenge
- Date Sat 12th September 2026
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Saugatuck, Michigan
- Price $81.00 - $96.90
- Races 2 races
- Distances 10km, Half Marathon
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at the Mt. Baldhead Challenge, happening on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the charming town of Douglas, Michigan! This ultimate multi-terrain race invites participants to immerse themselves in stunning natural beauty as they navigate through scenic woodland trails, tackle coastal dunes, and ascend over 300 steps to the breathtaking summit of Mt. Baldhead. Runners can choose between two exciting distances: a 10K+ (7 miles) or a Half Marathon (13.1 miles), both starting at Oval Beach and finishing at Coghlin Park in downtown Saugatuck.
As you conquer this unforgettable course, you’ll enjoy well-placed hydration stations and portable restrooms to keep you energized and comfortable. After crossing the finish line, join the lively post-race celebration at Coghlin Park, featuring music, lawn games, delicious refreshments, and a chance to pick up some exclusive Mt. Baldhead Challenge merchandise. Plus, you’ll be supporting a great cause, as all proceeds benefit free after-school and summer programs at Saugatuck Public Schools. Don’t miss out on this thrilling challenge—lace up your running shoes and prepare for an unforgettable experience!
As you conquer this unforgettable course, you’ll enjoy well-placed hydration stations and portable restrooms to keep you energized and comfortable. After crossing the finish line, join the lively post-race celebration at Coghlin Park, featuring music, lawn games, delicious refreshments, and a chance to pick up some exclusive Mt. Baldhead Challenge merchandise. Plus, you’ll be supporting a great cause, as all proceeds benefit free after-school and summer programs at Saugatuck Public Schools. Don’t miss out on this thrilling challenge—lace up your running shoes and prepare for an unforgettable experience!
Organiser's Description
GET READY TO CONQUER THE MIDWESTS ULTIMATE MULTI-TERRAIN RACETRADE MARK!
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! male sign
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:
* Location: 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.
* ADVISORY: If you choose to park at Oval Beach, or at another location, you will need to arrange transportation to return to your car following the race.
GEAR CHECK:
* Location: Gear bag drop-off is at Oval Beach prior to the start of the race. Bags will be transported for post-race pickup at Coghlin Park.
* Tear-off Tag: Your bib has a gear check tear-off tag and a pin. Attach that to your gear bag before drop-off at Oval Beach.
* Gear Bags: Available at the MBC swag store during packet pickup or at Oval Beach prior to the race start.
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.
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.
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! male sign
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:
* Location: 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.
* ADVISORY: If you choose to park at Oval Beach, or at another location, you will need to arrange transportation to return to your car following the race.
GEAR CHECK:
* Location: Gear bag drop-off is at Oval Beach prior to the start of the race. Bags will be transported for post-race pickup at Coghlin Park.
* Tear-off Tag: Your bib has a gear check tear-off tag and a pin. Attach that to your gear bag before drop-off at Oval Beach.
* Gear Bags: Available at the MBC swag store during packet pickup or at Oval Beach prior to the race start.
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.
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.
Races
-
10K+ (7 Miles)
Incl. $6.00 Fee & 2026 Mt. Baldhead Challenge Jersey
Sat 12th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$81.00
Run nearly 7 miles from Oval Beach to downtown Saugatuck through Western Michigans extensive array of fresh water wooded sand dunes, trails, and up the mighty steps of Mt. Baldhead. Note: In order to provide the best runner experience, to focus on the quality of the course, and to include the most amount of trails possible, this course mileage is slightly over a standard 10K and clocks in around 7 miles. -
Half Marathon
Incl. $6.90 Fee & 2026 Mt. Baldhead Challenge Jersey
Sat 12th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$96.90
Run 13.1 miles from Oval Beach to downtown Saugatuck through Western Michigan's trails, dunes, and streets alongside gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. Get ready to ascend the steps of the formidable Mt. Baldhead mid-race!
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Saugatuck-Douglas, Saugatuck, 49453, MI, United States
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