Top of Michigan Festival of Races

Top of Michigan Festival of Races

The Top of Michigan Festival of Races includes a series of races that benefit the Top of Michigan Trails Council and the Petoskey High School Track and Cross Country teams.

Course Details

• Location: The course is run along the Little Traverse Wheelway, a non-motorized trail that runs from Charlevoix, through Petoskey/Bay Harbor and onto Harbor Springs.
• Type: This year, our course will be out and backs from Petoskey's waterfront.
• Terrain: The trail is relatively flat and has spectacular views of the Little Traverse Bay. Please note that there are a few off road sections of this route, on grass and dirt.
• Race Types: The Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k start and end in Petoskey.

Special Event

• Shake Out Run: NEW THIS YEAR - Shake Out Run with Asics and Charlevoix Running Company.
• Date: Friday, May 22nd at 9:30 am.
• Location: 327 Bridge St, Charlevoix, MI 49720.
• Links: 5k Course, 10k Course, Half Marathon Course.

Event Information

• Event Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026.
• Event Location: Lime Kiln Kid’s Fishing Pier, Bayfront Park, Petoskey, MI 49770.
• Event Times:
  • Friday Packet Pickup - 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm - TBD
  • Saturday Packet Pickup - 6:30 am to 7:15 am @ Lime Kiln Kid's Fishing Pier, Bayfront Park
  • Half Marathon Race Begins - 7:30 am
  • 10K Race Begins - 8:00 am
  • 5K Race Begins - 8:15 am
  • Awards - TBD

Registration Fees

• Half: $70 Early Registration
• 10K: $45 Early Registration
• 5K: $30 Early Registration
• Note: All races will have price increases on February 15, 2026, and again April 15, 2026.

Registration Includes

• Refreshments
• Finisher Medals
• Top Male/Female Awards
• T-Shirt: (cut off May 12th)

Parking Options

• Public Parking: There are three parking lots along Bayfront Drive open to the public. Please do not use the marina parking lot.
• Additional Spots: The park above the bluff (Sunset Park) has a few parking spots available.
• Kilwins Parking: Our friends at Kilwins have offered parking in a portion of their parking lots. This map shows two sections (1&2) available for runners.
• Plan Ahead: Allow for enough time to park and walk to the start line.

More Information

For more details, please visit the official race page: Top of Michigan Festival of Races.