The Bayshore Marathon course is an out-and-back, mostly flat route. Each year it is considered one of the fastest Spring marathons in the U.S.
The Full Marathon starts on the grounds of Northwestern Michigan College then winds through the waterfront along the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay. The course is flat, 100% paved and shaded along much of the route.
The Bayshore Marathon was the 53rd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 39th largest in 2022.
Last year 21.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 18.4% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Bayshore Marathon the 47th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 57th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 99.35 ranks it as the 129th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest course in Michigan.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Bayshore Marathon a PR Score of 99.35. This PR Score ranks it as the 90th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Michigan.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Bayshore Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 614 feet (187m) Min Elevation: 581 feet (177m)
I liked that the event had a lot of convenience. I was coming from out of state, so it was great that they kept packet pickup open until 8p. Another convenience was having separate starting lines for 1/2 and full marathoners. I also liked how the event announcer called out again and again for only those with yellow marathon BIBS to be on the start area. These things helped keep the start like from being more congested than it was. The pacers were all pointed out and colored well enough to stand out from the rest of the crowd. The tables along the course were very well manned. The crowd support was great as well. There was plenty to see along the course as the beach and Bay was on your right with many beautiful homes on your left. On the way back to the finish, the course was mostly shaded as the sun began to climb higher in the sky. My one criticism is the lack of toilet paper in the initial finish line porta potties. There were like 40 of them, and it was just under 4 hours into the race and they no or very low on tp. In regard to food, at the 4 hour mark, there was still plenty free chocolate milk, fruit, ice cream, and other drinks and also foods like Chic-fil-a that one could purchase. Another fun aspect was the personal record bell one could ring. I had a great time at my very first marathon.
Race Tips
This was the first marathon that I ran. If it's your first as well, I suggest that one use the pacers to one's advantage. They have experience and stories to share. The conversation helps the time go by more pleasantly as you pace. My goal was to finish in under 4 hours but in 3:30 best case scenario. I finished in 3:57. I started with the 3:30 hour pacers. Then used a porta potty and fell back to the 3:45 pace group. Sadly, I had to use a porta potty again and didn't have the legs to try and catch back up to the 3:45 pacers. So instead, I tried to keep ahead of the 4 hour pacers. I knew they were coming. So that kept me motivated to maintain my pace and finish just a few minutes ahead of them. The hills were just lazy rollers. I would increase my cadence going down them. On the gentle inclines, I would just run upright and lean a bit into them and push a little. If you pace yourself well, it's an easy course to manage. It's so pretty as well. On the way back, the sun was fully up and the water beautiful. It was so clear and tempting that I just wanted to slip off the course and into it for a quick swim. Even though I was as close to a last minute sign up as one could get, I still checked out many of details regarding race day. The area around the event was jam packed with traffic that morning. However, this was to be expected. The event's times, locations, and logistics seemed to be plainly laid out to me. I compensated by finding a place to stay nearby within 15 minutes walking distance to the start line. If one makes the effort, there should be little confusion on race day. I had no issues with how this aspect of the event was run. The finish event area was pretty well organized and spread out. I suppose more shaded areas would have been helpful. But, I truly enjoyed this first marathon experience.
This race was convenient. I signed up only three days before the race and had to do a lot of on the fly planning. All the important things were centrally located. Packet pickup was right near the course and close by to many of the hotels and state parks. Thankfully, packet pickup was open until 8p and just barely made it. Once I had my packet, we focused on finding a place to spend the night. We found numerous places still available within an easy 1-mile walking distance of the start line. The place we found was nearly $170 for a night even with my wife's medical personnel discount. After the race, there was a beach very close by to go stand and chill my sore muscles in the cold mid spring bay water for a bit. Then we looked up the state parks to see which one had showers. There was one nearby for $5 a person to shower. It was clean and had very nice hot water for a long time. After that, there were plenty of restaurants to dine in like Smoke and Porter which just added to the good overall first experience and thus provided a great meal before making the 13 hour journey back to Springfield, Missouri.
RW's review of 2023 Bayshore Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Marathon starts at 7:15 and is heading out, Half Marathon starts at the turn around and heads in about 7:30 - fun to see them come by. Lots of water/gu/gatorade on the course - maybe 8 stations with 4 having GU. There is a good mix of shade and shade - be prepared!
Race Tips
Bring clothing options - can be cold - 40-45F start and then warms to 70-75F. There is a mild slope to the road. Definitely start slow ... you will be happier at the end. :) Moomer's Ice Cream at the end brings me back every year.
The best thing about this marathon was the view and the volunteers. Sometimes marathons advertise views of the water and you see it a few times but this one was mostly beautiful views of the water. Also beautiful shoreline homes and trees. Plenty of shade.
Race Tips
There is a 10k, half marathon and marathon. By the time I got to the finish line all that was left was cookies and water. They should portion out the food better. All the 10kers had plenty of chocolate milk and ice cream!!!! Shuttle bus schedule could have been more clear for full marathoners since there were so many half marathoners they had to get there earlier to catch the bus to their separate startline. I loved that marathoners had their own start line. It was not hilly, some rollers, the course was just beautiful all the way and volunteers everywhere. The town really gets into it!!!
I stayed at the Hampton Inn and it was fine but I wish I would have stayed closer--it just seemed nicer further west. There was a close shuttle pickup but I was lucky enough to get a ride with a nice couple to the race and a ride back to the hotel from one of the volunteers. Everyone was so nice!!!
Brandon's review of 2019 Bayshore Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This was my very first marathon (2018) and I have to say I loved the entire experience. Well mostly. All the things that I didn't enjoy were my own mistakes that lead to my demise as I had to retire at mile 20. But I could tell this was a great race. It was INSANELY hot, race temps were in the mid 70's with over 80% humidity at race start, and that got worse as the day went on. But the course is flat, beautiful and fast. Fan support is fantastic, aid stations great and the medical tent after was great, and needed. I've been admittedly obsessed with it and I am running it again. Can't wait.
Race Tips
Bring clothing for every type of situation. Weather in Michigan changes so you need to be prepared. It was hot and muggy but may be cool and dry. So bring anything and everything you may need. Leave nothing to chance especially if your a ways away.
Bayshore has a full, 1/2 and 10k. Registration opens up in early December, the 1/2 fills up in less than 4-5 hours so if you want to run that race be by a computer. As well this is on Memorial Day weekend the start of the tourist season. Book your hotel EARLY! I had to drive 3 hours the morning of my race because plans fell thru. You don't want to run a marathon without rest, TRUST ME!
RAB's review of 2017 Bayshore Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
Everything about the race was good. Not too hot, not too cold, and this is coming from someone who struggles with overheating issues. One thing that would be nice would be actual pacers, its gotten big enough that the event coordinators should consider getting some.
Race Tips
They have orange and Gu stations along the trail, but only towards the middle/end.
