2026 North Country Run
North Country Run offers a legendary medal on Michigan's Lake Michigan trails.
Race Date
Aug 29, 2026
Location
Manistee, MI
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Location
- Manistee, Michigan
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The North Country Trail Run, now in its 27th year, draws over 700 runners to Manistee, Michigan, for a race that feels both epic and intimate. The course winds through the dense forests and along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, with the trail's natural rollers providing a gentle reminder that this is a true trail half. The air smells of pine and lake breeze, and the rust-colored trail underfoot is shaded by a canopy of hardwoods.
The race is known for its huge finisher medals—the largest for an ultra and half marathon, they claim—and the post-race spread that keeps runners lingering well after they've crossed the line. About 45% of runners return year after year, a testament to the community the race builds. The event is well-organized, with clear markings and plenty of aid stations along the way, though the real draw is the unspoiled Michigan wilderness and the sense of discovery that comes with every bend.
Race-provided description
2026 Registration is CLOSED (https://northcountrytrailrun.com/2026-north-country-registration/)
The 27th of the North Country Trail Run will be August 29th and 30th, 2026. Registration is CLOSED for this year's race. A Wait List option will be available soon for one of the top trail races in the United States. Receive the largest finisher medals for an ultra-marathon and half marathon and the 3rd largest for a marathon finisher medal with new this year.
20265 Registration Closed (https://northcountrytrailrun.com/2026-north-country-registration/)
Want to know more about the race? (http://northcountrytrailrun.com/faq/)
We've made a few changes for this year's race and we'll continue to add more to make each and every year better than the previous. Stop back regularly and find out what improvements we have made to the race. Reach out to us via the contact page if you have suggestions too. The North Country Trail Run has become an annual event for runners from across the United States
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest, Coastal
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Quality Score
Standout6013 years running
~715 finishers a year
shrinking
45% returning runners
limited extras
runners from 1 state
winner 1:25:19
typical high 72°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
59°
Afternoon (High)
72°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
78%
Humidity
Frequently asked
When is the 2026 North Country Run?
The 2026 North Country Run is held on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Where does the 2026 North Country Run take place?
It takes place in Manistee, Michigan.
What distances does the 2026 North Country Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the 2026 North Country Run course flat and good for a PR?
The 2026 North Country Run is a rolling hills, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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