HalfRuns
Meijer Festival of Races presented by Cherry Bay Orchards

Meijer Festival of Races presented by Cherry Bay Orchards

Scenic half marathon through cherry orchards with a parade-route finish at the 100th National Cherry Festival.

Race Date

Jul 11, 2026

Location

Traverse City, MI

Standout75

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Location
Traverse City, Michigan
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K, 15K
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
4,540

Highlights

Good For

PR Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunitySpectator Support

Course

Scenic RouteFast Flat

The Experience

Now in its 53rd year, the Meijer Festival of Races half marathon is the centerpiece of Traverse City's 100th National Cherry Festival. The race draws runners from 27 states, with a median field of 426 finishers—intimate enough to feel personal but buoyed by the energy of a major festival. About 22% of participants return year after year, a testament to the event's welcoming spirit and standout experience.

The flat, fast course winds through picturesque cherry orchards, offering runners a unique agricultural backdrop before finishing on a festive parade route. Typical race-day weather runs 61–77°F with low precipitation, ideal for chasing a personal best. The route is entirely on paved roads, making it a straightforward, PR-friendly journey through the heart of Michigan's cherry country.

Beyond the race, the National Cherry Festival provides a full week of celebrations: parades, air shows, fireworks, and free family fun. The half marathon tee is a solid keepsake, and the post-race atmosphere blends small-town charm with festival-scale excitement. It's a well-organized event where running and community celebration merge seamlessly.

Race-provided description

Celebrate 53 years of the Meijer Festival of Race presented by Cherry Bay Orchards by signing up for the Priority Health 5k, the Michigan Planners 10k, the Michigan Planners McKinley Challenge 15k or the Michigan Planners Half Marathon today!  This race series celebrates the beauty and agriculture in the Traverse City Area provides unique race experience such as finishing on a parade route or running through an orchard (Half Marathon only).

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Start Time

7:00 AM

Giveaway

Half Marathon Tee

Start Location

521 S Union Street, Traverse City, MI, 49684

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Rural, Small Town

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

5K10K15K

Course Map

Quality Score

Standout75
Methodology
Heritage20/20

11 years running

Size13/15

~426 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

22% returning runners

Course & details3/15

4 timing sources

National draw8/10

runners from 27 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:11:13

Weather0/10

typical high 77°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

61°

Afternoon (High)

77°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.1"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

73%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 4,540 finishers actually crossed the line across 10 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

4,540

Median time

2:08:37

Latest turnout

439

States

46

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:003:40

Turnout by year

20172025

'17'18'19'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Meijer Festival of Races presented by Cherry Bay Orchards?

The Meijer Festival of Races presented by Cherry Bay Orchards is held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.

Where does the Meijer Festival of Races presented by Cherry Bay Orchards take place?

It takes place in Traverse City, Michigan.

What distances does the Meijer Festival of Races presented by Cherry Bay Orchards offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K, 15K.

Is the Meijer Festival of Races presented by Cherry Bay Orchards course flat and good for a PR?

The Meijer Festival of Races presented by Cherry Bay Orchards is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the Meijer Festival of Races presented by Cherry Bay Orchards?

HalfRuns has finish records for 4,540 runners who have completed the Meijer Festival of Races presented by Cherry Bay Orchards.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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