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Pictured Rocks Road Race 2026

Pictured Rocks Road Race 2026

51st Annual Pictured Rocks Road Race: Lake Superior views, two 300-foot climbs.

Race Date

Jun 28, 2026

Location

Munising, MI

Standout62

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Location
Munising, Michigan
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Destination WorthyHidden Gem

Atmosphere

Local CommunityLow KeyGreat MedalGreat Swag

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

The 51st Annual Pictured Rocks Road Race returns to Munising, Michigan, on June 28, 2026, drawing about 136 runners from 14 states to the gateway of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Starting at Bayshore Park on the southern shore of Lake Superior, this half marathon offers a mix of paved roads and rustic two-track trails, with roughly three miles of dirt. The course packs two 300-foot climbs that test your legs, but the payoff is constant: gorgeous views of Lake Superior and the surrounding forest.

The atmosphere is low-key and community-driven, organized by the Munising Bay Trail Network. The field is small but growing, and the course's scenic beauty makes it a hidden gem for destination runners. Weather typically ranges from 55–69°F, with a hint of humidity and a breeze off the lake.

All finishers earn a cool medal, and participants receive a long-sleeve shirt. The post-race celebration at Bayshore Park lets you soak in the lakeside vibe. For those seeking a challenging, scenic half marathon with genuine small-town character, this is a worthy find.

Race-provided description

The 51st Annual Pictured Rocks Road Race is set for Sunday, June 28, 2026 in the scenic town of Munising, Michigan — the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This year’s event features a Half Marathon RUN and 10K RUN/WALK, both offering a mix of paved roads and rustic two-track trails. The half marathon includes roughly 3 miles of dirt, along with two 300-foot climbs that will put your legs to the test. The 10K shares the first of these climbs along the dirt road section. While the terrain will challenge you, the gorgeous views along the course — plus a very cool finisher medal — make every step worth it. The race starts and finishes at Bayshore Park in the heart of Munising, right on the southern shores of Lake Superior. All participants receive a long-sleeve shirt, and all finishers earn a medal! New This Year: We’re introducing an Early Early Bird pricing window from December 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. Registering early helps us plan ahead and ensure the best race experience possible. Normal early bird pricing will continue through April 30th. Group discounts are also available - $5 off/participant for groups of 3 - 10 and $10 off/participant for groups of 11 or more. Group discounts available through May 31. Please note: NEW this year the 10k Run/Walk is one event (not separate) . Registration fees will increase each month after March 31.  Important: Registrations received after June 1 will not include a t-shirt size selection, as the shirt order will have already been placed. Instead, you’ll be able to choose a pair of race socks (SM/MED or LG/XL) to receive in place of the shirt.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

Long Sleeve Shirt (deadline to receive is June 1, 2026)

Start Location

355 Elm Ave, Munising, MI, 49862

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Coastal, Forest

Surface

Dirt Trail, Paved

Difficulty

Hilly

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

10K

Quality Score

Standout62
Methodology
Heritage20/20

16 years running

Size10/15

~93 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty10/20

10% returning runners

Course & details3/15

4 timing sources

National draw7/10

runners from 14 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:23:38

Weather5/10

typical high 69°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

55°

Afternoon (High)

69°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.2"

Precipitation

12 mph

Wind

84%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Pictured Rocks Road Race 2026?

The Pictured Rocks Road Race 2026 is held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Pictured Rocks Road Race 2026 take place?

It takes place in Munising, Michigan.

What distances does the Pictured Rocks Road Race 2026 offer?

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

Is the Pictured Rocks Road Race 2026 course flat and good for a PR?

The Pictured Rocks Road Race 2026 is a hilly, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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