Saugatuck-Douglas, Saugatuck MI
Saturday, September 12th, 2026
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:
- Options: There are two course options to choose from: the 10K+ (7 miles) or the Half Marathon (13.1 miles).
- Start & Finish: Both courses start at Oval Beach and finish at Coghlin Park in downtown Saugatuck.
- Terrain: Both courses trek through gorgeous fresh water wooded sand dunes, trails, and up the Mt. Baldhead steps.
- Steps Location: 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:
- Timing Method: Based on chip-times.
- Start Waves: 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.
- Time Limit: 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:
- Hydration: Gatorade and water will be provided at hydration stops throughout the course.
- Distance Between Stops: Each station is no more than 1.5 miles apart.
- Restroom Locations: Portable restrooms are located at Oval Beach, Coghlin Park and at designated locations through the course.
Signup Information
Registration:
- Priority Registration: Priority registration for 2025 and prior participants and 2025 wait-listed runners opens October 18, 2025. Public registration opens November 1, 2025.
- Early Pricing: Early registrants enjoy special pricing. Price increases go into effect on May 1, 2026.
- Register Early: Register early to avoid the wait list.
Refund Policy:
- Refunds: Refunds are not available. Instead, you may defer to the next year or transfer events/registration.
- Race Insurance: There is race insurance available during registration.
- New Bibs: There will be a new bib number issued for transfers.
Gender Options:
- Options: Non-binary, male, and female options are available.
Ultimate Lifetime Challenge Participants:
- Guaranteed Entry: Ultimate Lifetime Challenge members have guaranteed entry and are not subject to the waitlist.
- Registration Details: 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.
- Participation Requirement: You must register for this year's event to participate.
Deferred 2025 Registrants:
- Registration Details: Your registration details will be sent via email.
- RunSignup Credit: You will have a credit in your RunSignup account that can be applied to your 2026 registration.
- Registration Requirement: 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
- Mail Option: 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
- Post-Race Party: Celebrate with your fellow runners at the Mt. Baldhead Challenge post-race party at Coghlin Park!
- Event Amenities: 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.
- Merch: Pick up some MBC merch at the Swag Store.
- Return Shuttles: 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.
