Mt. Baldhead Challenge

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).
• Starting Point: 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.
• Staggered Start: 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 Stations: Gatorade and water will be provided at hydration stops throughout the course.
• Station Distance: Each station is no more than 1.5 miles apart.
• Restrooms: 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.
• Special 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.
• Transfers: There will be a new bib number issued for transfers.

Gender Options:

• Categories: 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.
• Registration Requirement: You must register for this year's event to participate.

Deferred 2025 Registrants:

• Email Updates: Your registration details will be sent via email.
• Credit Available: You will have a credit in your RunSignup account that can be applied to your 2026 registration.
• Claiming Deferral: 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:

• Location: Community Church of Douglas.
• Shuttle Service: Buses from the Community Church of Douglas to Oval Beach, departing 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

• Post-Race Party: Celebrate with your fellow runners at the Mt. Baldhead Challenge post-race party at Coghlin Park!
• Entertainment: Complimentary music, lawn games, photo opportunities, 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.
• Shuttle Return: 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.

More Information

For more details about the event, visit the official race page at Mt. Baldhead Challenge.