Betsie Valley Trail Run

Betsie Valley Trail Run

Date: September 26, 2026

Location: Webber Sports Complex, Thompsonville, MI

Visit the event page for more information

Race Overview

• Celebrate: Welcome fall with the new Betsie Valley Trail Half Marathon, 10k, 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run.
• Course: The Half Marathon, 10k and 5k courses are out and back on the Betsie Valley Trail.
• Location: Starts in Thompsonville at the Webber Sports Complex.
• Fun Run: The 1 Mile Fun Run is held on the ballfield onto the trail and back.

Trail Features

• Surface: Excellent flat aggregate trail surface for runners.
• Scenery: Beautiful views as the trail crosses Dair Creek and the Betsie River.
• Environment: Passes through a wetland and forests of pine and hardwood.
• History: Built on the former Ann Arbor Railroad and part of the Rails to Trails system.

Registration Details

• Online Registration: Opens June 1st - September 24th at 8pm or until full.
• Onsite Registration: Available at packet pick up if space remains.
• Inclusions: Fees include Tee or Tree, timing, live results/tracking, custom bib, custom finisher medal and post-race food.
• Fun Run Fee: Includes custom bib and a Betsie Valley Trail sticker: not timed.

Event Schedule

• Friday, Sept 25: 4pm - 6pm Packet pick-up.
• Saturday, Sept 26:
• 7am - 8:30am Late packet pick up
• 8:00am Half Marathon start
• 8:30am 10k start
• 9:00am 5k start
• 9:30am Fun Run late registration and bib pick up
• 10:15am Live awards
• 11:00am 1 Mile Fun Run at the ballpark
• 12:00pm Course closes

Packet Pick Up

• Location: At the Webber Sports Complex.
• Dates: Friday, September 25, from 4pm-6pm and Saturday, September 26, from 7am-8:30am.
• Encouragement: Participants are highly encouraged to pick up packets on Friday.
• Fun Run Participants: Not required to attend packet pick up: bibs available on race day.

Race Parking

• Location: Starts and finishes at the Webber Sports Complex/ballfield.
• Parking Availability: Trail-side parking at the ballfield or downtown Thompsonville.

Lodging and Dining

• Lodging Options: Crystal Mountain Resort, Mountain Valley Lodge, Betsie River Campground.
• Dining Options: 231 Bar and Grill, Geno’s Sports Bar and Grill, Rosie's Country Café, Laughing Horse Saloon.
• Nearby towns: Explore Beulah, Benzonia, Frankfort, Interlochen, Manistee, or Traverse City for more options.
• Historic Significance: Visit the historic marker at the Diamond Crossing.

Awards and Recognition

• Medal: All Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k participants receive a finisher medal.
• Top Finishers: Overall male and female in each race receive a gift certificate and more.
• Age Categories: Awards for top 3 in each age category from 14 and under to 75 and older.
• Award Ceremony: Live awards at 10:30 am: awards available until 12pm.

Event Rules

• Respect: Be respectful of the trail, nature, private property, and others.
• No Littering: Keep the course and surrounding area clean.
• No Pets: Dogs or strollers are not allowed on course.
• Safety: Headsets are allowed but not encouraged: enjoy the natural beauty.

ECO-Conscious Efforts

• Clean Trails: Maintain a litter-free environment.
• Waste Management: Encourage use of personal hydration rather than aid station cups.
• Compostable Supplies: Use compostable products when necessary.
• Local Sourcing: Source food/supplies locally and plant a tree per participant.

Giving Back

• Community Support: Portions of proceeds from Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k go to Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail.
• More Information: Visit www.betsievalleytrail.org for details.

Volunteers

• Opportunities: Volunteers needed for aid stations, street crossings, and registration.
• Contact: Reach out to North Mitten at jdavidson@northernmittenevents.com for more information.

Thank You!

We appreciate your participation in the Betsie Valley Trail Run!