Mt. Baldhead Challenge

Get ready to conquer the Midwest’s Ultimate Multi-Terrain Race! 🚀

Celebrate 25 years of the  Mt. Baldhead Challenge in 2025

Run through scenic woodland trails, scale sand dunes, pound the pavement, and climb 302 steps up the iconic Mt. Baldhead.

Will you rise to the Challenge?

 

PRE-RACE INFORMATION

Packet Pickup:

  - Location: Community Church of Douglas

  - Times: Noon on September 5, 2025, and Race Day at 7:00 AM.

  - Option: Select mail away packet option to receive your packet via USPS.

Parking:

  - Locations: Oval Beach and Community Church of Douglas

  - Shuttles: Buses from the Community Church of Douglas to Oval Beach, departing at 8:00 AM.

 

COURSE INFORMATION

Repairs:

  - Ferry St. projected to be complete by Memorial Day 2025.

  - Course routing may change to reflect street reopening.

10K+:

  - Route: From Oval Beach to downtown Saugatuck through fresh water wooded sand dunes, trails, and up Mt. Baldhead steps.

  - Distance: Slightly over standard 10K, around 7 miles.

Half Marathon:

  - Route: Scenic, challenging 13.1 miles through trails, dunes, and streets, with Mt. Baldhead steps.

  - Challenge: This is a half marathon unlike any other. Bring it!

Race Timing:

  - Based on chip-times.

  - Staggered start for separate waves.

  - Finish Line: Located within the boundaries of Coghlin Park.

  - Cut-off Time: Participants must return to Coghlin Park by 12:30 PM.

Hydration:

   -  Hydration stops are distributed throughout the course; Gatorade & water provided.

   -  Portable restrooms are located at Oval Beach, Coghlin Park and at designated locations through the course.

 

SIGNUP INFORMATION

Registration:

  - Priority for past participants and 2024 wait listed runners opens January 5, 2025.

  - First 25 registrants enjoy special 25th anniversary pricing.

  - Public registration opens February 24, 2025.

  - Register early to avoid the wait list.

Refund Policy:

  - No refunds, but you may defer to the next year or transfer events/registration.

  - Race insurance available during registration.

  - New bib number issued for transfers.

Gender Options:

  - Non-binary, male, and female options available when registering.

Ultimate Lifetime Challenge Participants:

 - Must register for this year’s events to participate.

 - Guaranteed entry.

 - Registration details sent via email.

Deferred 2024 Registrants:

 - Credit applied to 2025 registration.

 - Must register for one of the 2025 events.

 - Email with registration details will be sent.

 

POST-RACE INFORMATION

 - Celebration at Coghlin Park: Music, awards, hydration, nutrition, and adult beverages.

 - Shop for MBC SWAG.

 - Recognition for fastest participants and age group winners.

 - Shuttles to 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.

Lace-up those running shoes and get ready for an unforgettable challenge! 🏃‍♂️🏅