Mt. Baldhead Challenge

🚀 Get Ready to Conquer the Midwest’s Ultimate Multi-Terrain Race!

In 2026, help us embark on the next 25 years of the Mt. Baldhead Challenge and be part of our story!

Run through scenic woodland trails, scale sand dunes, pound the pavement, and climb 302 steps up the iconic Mt. Baldhead.

Will you rise to the Challenge?

📋 Pre-Race Information

Packet Pickup:

• Location: Community Church of Douglas
• Times: Noon on September 11, 2026, and Race Day at 7:00 AM.
• Option: Select mail away packet option during registration to receive your packet via USPS. Recommended!

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.

🏃‍♂️ Course Information

10K+:

• Route: From Oval Beach to downtown Saugatuck through fresh water wooded sand dunes, trails, and up Mt. Baldhead steps.
• Distance: Slightly over standard 10K, around 7 miles.

Half Marathon:

• Route: Scenic, challenging 13.1 miles through trails, dunes, and streets, with Mt. Baldhead steps.
• Challenge: This is a half marathon unlike any other. Bring it!

Race Timing:

• Method: Based on chip-times.
• Start: Staggered start for separate waves, enter your expected finishing time during registration.
• Finish Line: Located within the boundaries of Coghlin Park.
• Cut-off Time: Participants must return to Coghlin Park by 12:30 PM.

Hydration:

• Availability: Hydration stops are distributed throughout the course: Gatorade & water provided.
• Restrooms: Portable restrooms are located at Oval Beach, Coghlin Park and at designated locations through the course.

📝 Signup Information

Registration:

• Priority: Priority registration for 2025 and prior participants and 2025 wait-listed runners opens October 18, 2025.
• Early Registration: Early registrants enjoy special pricing. Price increases go into effect on January 1, 2026.
• Public: Public registration opens November 1, 2025.
• Tip: Register early to avoid the wait list.

Refund Policy:

• Refunds: No refunds, but you may defer to the next year or transfer events/registration.
• Insurance: Race insurance available during registration.
• Transfers: New bib number issued for transfers.

Gender Options:

• Options: Non-binary, male, and female options available when registering.

Ultimate Lifetime Challenge Participants:

• Registration: Must register for this year’s events to participate.
• Entry: Guaranteed entry.
• Details: Registration details sent via email.

Deferred 2025 Registrants:

• Credit: Credit applied to 2026 registration.
• Action: Must register for one of the 2026 events.
• Details: Email with registration details will be sent.

🎉 Post-Race Information

• Celebration: Celebration at Coghlin Park: Music, awards, hydration, nutrition, and adult beverages.
• Swag: Shop for MBC SWAG.
• Recognition: Recognition for fastest participants and age group winners.
• Shuttles: Shuttles to 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.

Lace-up those running shoes and get ready for an unforgettable challenge!

For more details, visit the Mt. Baldhead Challenge registration page.