The course is out-and-back beginning on Bridge Street in downtown Charlevoix. The course travels through residential neighborhoods for over 3.5 miles then onto the bike trail at Waller and US 31. The course is primarily flat, fast, shaded for the most part with some hills.
All courses start and end at the Draw Bridge in downtown Charlevoix. The course is primarily fast and flat, unless you're from Florida, then you will feel like you're climbing Everest around the 11 mile mark. We have an incredibly high rate of Boston Marathon qualifying times (18% of the entire field) on this course because it is very fast.
The courses venture through the historic neighborhoods of Charlevoix which provides great shade especially early in the morning, and then out onto our paved trail system which follows the shoreline of Lake Michigan. There is approximately four miles of running on our wooden bridge which is a great relief for the knees! All courses are an out-and-back style course which keeps the course feeling energetic but not over crowded.
The Charlevoix Marathon was the 142nd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 131st largest in 2022.
This year 18% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 20% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Charlevoix Marathon the 55th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 60th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.77 ranks it as the 246th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 9th fastest course in Michigan.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Charlevoix Marathon a PR Score of 96.68. This PR Score ranks it as the 356th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 11th fastest in Michigan.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Charlevoix Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 693 feet (211m) Min Elevation: 583 feet (177m)
Best race ever!!! Scenic and serene - good for first time runners or experienced runners - this is a must do!!
Race Tips
It is northern Michigan in June - it could be hot! It's an out and back run which you will love!!!good boy events puts on huge events all over the country - they are professional and fun to run with! One if the best event companies around the world of running!!!
