HalfRuns
Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon/10K/5K

Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon/10K/5K

Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon: a hidden gem of forest and hills.

Race Date

Oct 10, 2026

Location

Vandalia, MI

Standout62

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Location
Vandalia, Michigan
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K, 1K
Course
Out & Back
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
811

Highlights

Good For

Hidden GemBeginner FriendlyGood Value

Atmosphere

Local CommunityLow KeyGreat Post RaceGreat Swag

Course

Scenic RouteShaded

The Experience

Deep in southwest Michigan’s Dr. T. K. Lawless County Park, the Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon winds through 820 acres of forest and field, crossing six charming bridges and skirting streams and small lakes. This non-repeat, all-trail course offers a natural, scenic odyssey with enough hills to keep it interesting but not overwhelming—perfect for trail newcomers and seasoned runners alike. With a field of about 50 runners from six states and a loyal 16% returning each year, the race feels like a small community gathering.

The atmosphere is low-key and welcoming. A DJ pumps music at the start and finish, with two more music stations along the course for inspiration. Aid stations offer water and sport drink, and the finish line turns into a rehydration station with fruit, popsicles, homemade cookies, and potato chips. Every finisher receives a custom tech long-sleeve shirt, while top finishers earn laser-cut wood awards. The race benefits Cass County Parks and the Dowagiac Rotary Club, and with no parking fee and a generous 6-hour time limit, it's a beginner-friendly bargain at $25 early entry.

Race-provided description

18th ANNUAL!!  A GREAT PURE MICHIGAN ALL TRAIL COURSE! RUN OR SPORT WALK A FANTASTIC ALL TRAIL COURSE! This non-repeat, all trail course located in the 820 acre Dr. T. K. Lawless County Park is a hidden gem in the beautiful southwest Michigan. This natural scenic odyssey of forest and field includes six charming bridge crossings, lots of streams and small lakes, and, of course, some hills. Sandhill Cranes do frequent this bucolic area, adding charm to the course – take it as a good omen if you see one during your race. ~ Dynamite custom design long sleeve performance T-shirts to all finishers. (Register by Sept 29th to guarantee shirt on race day) ~ Laser cut custom wood award for top finishers and medals for second and third in each age group. ~ Water and sport drink on the course and a great re-hydration station at the finish featuring fruit, sport drink, popsicles, potato chips, homemade cookies and water. ~ Chip timing for 5k, 10k and ½ Marathon (Chip timing will close at Noon - course open to 2:00PM) ~ Music DJ at start and finish, and two music stations on the course to inspire participants. ~ Finishers in all races from Cass County, Niles and the Granger area will be listed  in an HONOR ROLL in the appropriate newspapers. ~ Race benefits the Cass County Parks and the Dowagiac Rotary Club ~ No parking fee!.[Lawless Park, 15122 Monkey Run Street, Vandalia, MI 49095]   3 WAYS TO REGISTER: ONLINE ~ MAIL ~ RACE DAY   $25 Early/$30 after SEPTEMBER 29  REGISTER ONLINE OR Race Day 8:00-8:45AM (No Shirt guaranteed) Mail In Registration $25.00 Until Sept. 29th (Postmarked by SEP 24)Check payable to The Friends Of Cass County ParksMail To: The Friends Of Cass County Parks, P.O. Box 131, Cassopolis, MI 49031   T-Shirts To guarantee a T-Shirt on race day - Registration must be received by Sept 29th.  Late entrees will get a shirt later. Timing and Scoring Timing and scoring will be done by Mac's Sports Timing. Results will be uploaded LIVE to RunSignup during the event.  And also posted during the event for participants to view.  Go to  www.macssportstiming.com  for complete results after the event.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Start Time

9:00 AM

Giveaway

Custom Tech Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Start Location

15122 Monkey Run Street, Vandalia, MI, 49095

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Out & Back

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Forest, Park

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Hilly

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

10K5K1K

Quality Score

Standout62
Methodology
Heritage18/20

9 years running

Size9/15

~66 finishers a year

Momentum0/5

shrinking

Loyalty16/20

16% returning runners

Course & details5/15

5 timing sources

National draw5/10

runners from 6 states

Front-pack speed1/5

winner 1:33:22

Weather8/10

typical high 64°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

48°

Afternoon (High)

64°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

73%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 811 finishers actually crossed the line across 11 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

811

Median time

2:05:29

Latest turnout

70

States

12

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:25p50 median ≈ 2:103:45

Turnout by year

20182025

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

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Frequently asked

When is the Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon/10K/5K?

The Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon/10K/5K is held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.

Where does the Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon/10K/5K take place?

It takes place in Vandalia, Michigan.

What distances does the Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon/10K/5K offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K, 1K.

Is the Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon/10K/5K course flat and good for a PR?

The Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon/10K/5K is a hilly, out & back course.

How many people run the Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon/10K/5K?

HalfRuns has finish records for 811 runners who have completed the Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon/10K/5K.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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