
Lake Superior Shore Run
Lake Superior Shore Run: a rugged half along Lake Superior beaches and up Bareback Ridge.
Race Date
Sep 11, 2026
Location
Marquette, MI
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, September 11, 2026
- Location
- Marquette, Michigan
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Now in its 33rd year, the Lake Superior Shore Run gathers about 85 runners each fall at Little Presque Isle, just north of Marquette. The field draws from roughly seven states, and about 10 percent return year after year—a quiet testament to the race’s understated appeal.
The half marathon course begins with 1.5 miles along Lake Superior’s sandy beaches, then slips past pristine Harlow Lake before climbing 300 feet to the top of Bareback Ridge. From there, runners are rewarded with sweeping views of the Huron Mountain Range. The descent returns to the lake for a rugged, 1.5-mile finish stretch along the shoreline.
This is a small, community-driven event—race-day registration is available, and finishers receive a T-shirt and age-group awards. The course is challenging and scenic, with some extreme sections that demand respect. For those seeking an off-road half with genuine North Shore character, the Lake Superior Shore Run is a hidden gem worth the drive.
Race-provided description
ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSED! REGISTRATION STILL AVAILABLE THE DAY BEFORE AND DAY OF! REGISTER AT PACKET PICK UP ON FRIDAY, 9/11/26 FROM 4 - 7 PM AND SATURDAY, 9/12/26 FROM 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM. Join us for our 33rd Annual Lake Superior Shore Run. Half Marathon, 5K and 1K Youth Trail Runs plus a 5 Mile Hike at picturesque Little Presque Isle on Lake Superior: ~5 miles north of Marquette, Michigan. 3 hours from Green Bay & the Mackinac Bridge, 5 hours from Milwaukee, WI & Duluth, MN. 8 hours north of Detroit, Michigan. Packet pickup will take place at South Beach, near Downtown Marquette. Runners in the half-marathon, 5k, and 5 mile hike will each receive a shirt. Age group awards will be handed out at the end of each race. Beginning at Little Presque Isle, the half marathon course runs for 1.5 miles along Lake Superior beaches and then passes pristine Harlow Lake. From there it gently winds up 300’ of elevation to views of the Huron Mountain Range from the top of Bareback Ridge. The course then winds back down to Lake Superior for a 1.5 mile stretch of rugged running from Wetmore landing back to the finish at Little Presque Isle. Some sections of the half marathon course are extreme. Online registration runs through Thursday, September 11, 2025 at noon. Day before and day of registration are also available at the following times and locations: Day Before Registration: 4 - 7 pm, South Beach Packet Pickup, Marquette, MI Day of Registration: 8:15 am - 9:30 am, Little Presque Isle (Add a five dollars to the rates for the day before and day of registration.)
Parking, Packet Pickup, Race Times, Time Cutoff, Kids Race and more. Parking Parking is Limited. We ask you to carpool to the race start/finish. We are also asking you to consider parking at Wetmore Landing (until that lot is full) and walk the mile to the start. Parking at t Little Presque Recreation Area is limited. Please follow parking volunteers as they direct you to the next available spot. Do not park on County Road 550.
Packet Pickup Packet Pickup will take place at South Beach on Lake Street in Marquette. Friday, September 11, 2025. 4p - 7 p. Look for the white tent. Packet pickup is also available race morning at Little Presque, starting at 8:15 am. Race Times 6:30 pm (Friday) 1 mile kids race 9:00 am - Half-Marathon Start 9:05 am - 5 Mile Hike Start 9:30 - 5k Run Start
Race Cutoff The Half-Marathon has a four hour time limit. The cutoff is 1:00 pm. We will ask any runners that do not make it to the final aid station at Wetmore Landing/Gravel Pit by 12:15 pm to hand in their bibs. It is a 1 mile walk (shorter depending on where you parked, back to the finish). The time limit is meant to keep us all safe. Cell service is almost non-existent on the course, and if someone is lost, we need to physically go look for them. We appreciate you understanding. Kids Race The Upper Peninsula Health Plan Kids Race is Friday, September 11, 2025 at 6:30 pm. It starts and finishes at the South Beach Parking lot. The course will be an out and back on the bike path. This is untimed race, and is a great chance for kids to experience racing. This race is free in keeping with the Superiorland Ski Club's mission to promote youth sport.
Reminder: You need a recreation passport on your vehicle to park in the Little Presque Recreation Area Parking Lot. If you don't have one, here are the prices for the self-service pay pole, located in the parking lot. Please pay for the pass. Support the trails. Recreation Passport: Michigan Resident: $17 per vehicle Michigan Resident Motorcycle: $11 per vehicle Non-resident Annual: $34 per vehicle Non-resident daily: $9 per vehicle Please thank the following businesses for supporting this year's race. We are very fortunate to have over 30 years of community support for this amazing race. It's probably a good time to mention that the proceeds from the race go to fund youth cross country skiing through the Superiorland Ski Club. 2026 Race Sponsors: Coming Soon 2025 Race Sponsors: Superiorland Ski Club Eagle Mine Upper Peninsula Health Plan Alpine Defense Northern Michigan University Superior Timing Floline Media South Shore Family Medicine Closner Construction Queen City Running UP Holistic Health Crappie Coffee Lower Harbor Family Dental Keweenaw Kitchen Hope to see you all in 2026!
Jeni Kilpela, Race Director
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, September 11, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Little Preque Isle, Marquette, MI, 49855
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Coastal, Mountain
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Hilly
Quality Score
Solid Pick5710 years running
~85 finishers a year
growing or steady
10% returning runners
6 timing sources
runners from 7 states
winner 1:37:07
typical high 68°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
56°
Afternoon (High)
67°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
81%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Lake Superior Shore Run?
The Lake Superior Shore Run is held on Friday, September 11, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Lake Superior Shore Run take place?
It takes place in Marquette, Michigan.
What distances does the Lake Superior Shore Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Lake Superior Shore Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Lake Superior Shore Run is a hilly, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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