HalfRuns
Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler - MI

Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler - MI

Black Toenail Friday offers a post-Thanksgiving trail run in Michigan's late fall beauty.

Race Date

Nov 27, 2026

Location

Commerce Township, MI

Standout69

Quick facts

Date
Friday, November 27, 2026
Location
Commerce Township, Michigan
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 7.5 Miles, 13.1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
1,724

Highlights

Good For

Beginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishEasy ParkingGreat Swag

Course

Well MarkedShaded

The Experience

Kick off the holiday season with the Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler, a cherished post-Thanksgiving trail running tradition in Southeast Michigan. Held at the scenic Proud Lake Recreation Area, this event invites runners to experience the crisp beauty of late fall on well-marked wooded trails.

With a relaxed 11:00 AM start, participants can enjoy a leisurely Thanksgiving and still make it to the race. The course, featuring a mix of forest and smooth terrain, is designed to be beginner-friendly, making it accessible for all levels. Hundreds of runners typically gather, drawn by the promise of a challenging yet fun trail experience and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.

This race is more than just a run; it's a community gathering. Finishers can look forward to a post-race celebration with campfires, ramen, and hot cocoa, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. As the final event in the Michigan Mega Medal Series, it offers a chance to complete a puzzle of medals, adding an extra layer of accomplishment to the day. Runners from approximately 7 states have recently participated, with about 25% returning year after year, highlighting its loyal following.

Race-provided description

Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon & 7.5 Mile – November 27, 2026

Kick off your holiday season at Black Toenail Friday, Southeast Michigan’s favorite post-Thanksgiving trail running tradition. On Friday, November 27, 2026, runners will gather at Proud Lake Recreation Area for a Half Marathon or 7.5 Mile trail race. With a late 11:00 AM start, well-marked wooded trails, and the crisp beauty of Michigan’s late fall, this event offers the perfect balance of challenge, community, and fun. Whether you're chasing a PR, enjoying the trails with friends, or completing your Trivium Michigan Mega Medal Series, Black Toenail Friday is the race to close out your season.   Why Run Black Toenail Friday? Late 11:00 AM start – enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, sleep in, and still make the raceBeautiful Proud Lake Recreation Area – scenic trails with a mix of forest, lakes, and smooth terrainChoose your distance – Half Marathon or 7.5 Mile trail raceRun or Ruck!Post-race community vibe – campfires, ramen, hot cocoa, and cheering for finishersGreat swag – long sleeve tech shirt included, with the option to upgrade to or add a hoodieFinal race of the Michigan Mega Medal Series – earn your last medal piece and complete the 6-part puzzleConvenient Southeast Michigan location – close to metro Detroit with easy parking at the Modern Campground   Race Details Leave the shopping crowds to the mall and join hundreds of runners on the trails. Black Toenail Friday features well-groomed, beginner-friendly courses with a few rolling hills and late-fall conditions that can bring cool temps, crisp air, or even a dusting of snow. Proud Lake’s trails are well-marked, making it hard to get lost, and parking is conveniently located near the start/finish area at the Modern Campground (2928 Glengary Rd, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48382).   A Michigan Running Tradition Since 2016, Black Toenail Friday has been more than a race—it has been a community gathering to celebrate the close of the racing season. With its friendly atmosphere, fall colors, and post-run camaraderie, it is the perfect way to balance Thanksgiving with movement, nature, and friends. This is your chance to be part of Michigan’s best Black Friday race tradition. Register now, claim your spot, and join the fun.   Part of the Trivium Michigan Mega Medal Series

Black Toenail Friday is the 6th and final race in the Trivium Michigan Mega Medal Series. Complete the series in-person or virtually, and your six individual medals combine into one giant Mega Medal. Participants save over $150 by registering for the full series. 2026 Series Races include: Prove It 5K & 10K – April 18, 2026 - Milford, MITrenton Summerfest Half Marathon, 8K, & 5K – June 27 2026 - Trenton, MIDearborn Decades 5K – August 2, 2026 - Dearborn, MIRun the 313 5K – August 22, 2026 - Detroit, MIGrowler Gallop Atwater 10 Mile & 5K – September 27, 2026 - Detroit, MIBlack Toenail Friday Half Marathon & 7.5 Miler – November 27, 2026 - Commerce Township, MI

Logistics

Race Day

Friday, November 27, 2026

Start Time

11:00 AM

Giveaway

Race Shirts

Start Location

2928 Glengary Rd, Commerce Township, MI, 48382

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Forest, Lake River

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

7.5 Miles13.1 Miles

Quality Score

Standout69
Methodology
Heritage20/20

10 years running

Size13/15

~394 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

25% returning runners

Course & details3/15

5 timing sources

National draw5/10

runners from 7 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:20:06

Weather0/10

typical high 0°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

Afternoon (High)

Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times

0.0"

Precipitation

0 mph

Wind

0%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 1,724 finishers actually crossed the line across 10 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

1,724

Median time

2:13:52

Latest turnout

229

States

27

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:15p50 median ≈ 2:153:45

Turnout by year

20182025

'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler - MI?

The Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler - MI is held on Friday, November 27, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM.

Where does the Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler - MI take place?

It takes place in Commerce Township, Michigan.

What distances does the Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler - MI offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 7.5 Miles, 13.1 Miles.

Is the Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler - MI course flat and good for a PR?

The Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler - MI is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler - MI?

HalfRuns has finish records for 1,724 runners who have completed the Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler - MI.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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