Ludington Lakestride Half Marathon 10K and 5k

Once you have seen it in person you will agree that the Ludington Lakestride is truly a Destination Race. The image shown is the iconic Ludington Lighthouse, right next to the finish line of our races which overlooks our beautiful Sandy beach. The overall finisher award plaques showcase photos of Ludington’s beach, lake, lighthouse and carferry.

• 8:00AM - HALF MARATHON
• 8:10 - 5K
• 8:20 - 10K

The half marathon course is beautiful, yet challenging. Runners start on Lake Shore Drive, near the city beach, and head north towards the Ludington State Park, then turn off to the right at Piney Ridge Road, about the 2 mile mark. Runners will then continue along for 2 miles of paved, rolling hills, that run between the Lake Michigan dunes and Hamlin Lake. They will leave Piney Ridge Road at about the 4 mile mark and enjoy a 1.8 mile trail run through a very beautiful mature forest. This section of the course is fun, with a few technical areas. It’s full of short ups and downs that allow you to maintain pace with little effort, it’s fast but passing must be done carefully. Once clear of the woods, you run down the infamous sand dune, cross over Hamlin dam, run through the State Park and turn south running along the Lake Michigan Shore line on Lakeshore Drive for about 6 miles. Runners will want to take in the view of the lake on this return trip. Aid stations offering Gatorade & water will dot every mile up to the trail entrance and will continue again once runners exit the State Park, about the 7 mile mark. There will not be port-a-johns on the course. The majority of the run is flat. The trail is the exception, along with one hill at the 12 mile mark. After that it’s flat and fast to the finish located at the city beach. Enjoy post-race refreshments in the finish area tent while cheering on fellow finishers. Most of the runners bring family and spend the day on the beach swimming, tanning or playing volleyball. Downtown Ludington is walking distance from the beach.

Each registration will include a Sport-tek long sleeve shirt and finisher medal. 

The 1 mile Fun Run/Walk is held in conjunction with Corewell Health of Ludington and the Lakestride. This is a free event for the family, pre-registration through RunSignup is encouraged. Our goal for the Fun Run is...Fun!  Kids, moms and dads, anyone who wants to participate are welcome.  The race is timed and participants will be able to see their time on a large display at the finish line. No official results will be posted. The starting line is just south of Stearns park at the west end of Ludington Avenue beginning at 6pm Friday before Lakestride.

All in person participants will receive a finisher medal upon crossing the finish line and long-sleeve tech tee on race day or packet pickup. 

In addition, all overall and Masters winners will receive a custom photo plaque and Age group medals will be awarded to 1st-3rd in each race distance. Must be present at the awards ceremony to receive medal. They will not be mailed.