When
Saturday, September 26th, 2026
Where
Webber Sports Complex, Thompsonville MI
Distances
Half · 10K · 5K · 1 Mile
About this race
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!
Course map
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