The 43rd annual Bayshore Marathon will bring approximately 8,000 runners to Traverse City on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The event is expected to boost the regional economy by an estimated $2.5 million, with all races completely sold out.
Race Details and Community Impact
The Traverse City Track Club organizes the event along the East Arm of East Grand Traverse Bay. It features a full marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and a kids marathon.
All race profits return to the local community as scholarships, grants, and planned giving. UpNorthLive will stream the event digitally starting at 7:45 a.
m.
Organizers note the scenic, flat course has remained largely unchanged since its inception. This makes it highly popular for participants seeking fast times.
"Not only do we get tons of great shoreline views for a majority of the race, but it's also a pretty fast, flat course," said Lindsay McLaughlin, Traverse City Track Club Executive Director.
"A little over 20 percent of the field typically qualifies for the Boston Marathon."
McLaughlin added, "We do attract a fast crowd, but also people who just love the Great Lakes, love northern Michigan."
Tourism officials emphasize that the massive influx of international and domestic participants generates widespread business activity over the holiday weekend.
"This is a huge help. It really is," said Trevor Tkach, President and CEO of Traverse City Tourism.
Tkach noted that runners usually stay for the entire weekend to explore local regional attractions. "I'm sure the wineries see a bump.
They would like to explore," Tkach said.
He also highlighted the unique atmosphere surrounding the historic lakeside race. "It becomes a real fun community event, like something I haven't seen anywhere else in the state.
So that's kind of special, too," Tkach said.
Local hospitality businesses experience direct impacts from the race, reporting early reservations coinciding with the busy Memorial Day holiday traffic.
"One of the things about the marathon is not only is it Memorial Weekend, which is busy, but the race is such a big race that people book reservations as soon as they get accepted into the race," said Ron Robinson, General Manager of Reflect Bistro.
Robinson anticipated serving 40 reservations on Friday night and 60 on Saturday, alongside walk-in customers. "The biggest thing about restaurant is service.
If you have great service and great food, people will come," said Robinson.
The scheduling for the race series begins early in the morning. The full marathon starts at 7:15 a.
m. , followed by both the 10K run and half-marathon at 7:30 a.
m. , and concluding with the kids marathon at 1:30 p.
m.
