Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Michigan's Thumb Coast offers a fast, flat, USATF-certified course ideal for PRs and Boston Qualifiers.
Race Date
Nov 8, 2026
Location
Port Austin, MI
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Location
- Port Austin, Michigan
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 5K
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 377
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon and Half Marathon, held in Michigan's scenic Thumb region, presents a compelling opportunity for runners seeking speed and a picturesque setting. This USATF-certified course is designed for performance, boasting a flat profile and fully paved surfaces that make it an excellent venue for chasing personal bests and even qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
The race, now in its second year, starts in Caseville and Sleeper State Park for the Marathon and Half Marathon respectively, converging towards a finish in downtown Port Austin. This point-to-point journey offers a blend of speed, natural beauty, and the inviting charm of a small Michigan town.
Runners can expect cool November temperatures conducive to strong performances, with pace teams available to help achieve specific time goals. Beyond the race itself, participants contribute to the Rock CF Foundation's mission, adding a layer of purpose to the event.
Race-provided description
The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is back on Sunday, November 8, 2026. This second year event offers a flat, fast, fully paved, USATF-certified course stretching across Michigan’s beautiful Lake Huron coastline. The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier, and both the Marathon and Half will include pace teams to help you hit your goals. Starting in Caseville and finishing in downtown Port Austin, this point-to-point race delivers the perfect combination of speed, scenery, and small-town charm. Whether you’re chasing a PR, running your first race, or planning a fall race-cation, the Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon has it all.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Start Time
8:30 AM
Giveaway
Crewneck
Start Location
8774 Lake St. Port Austin, Port Austin, MI, 48467
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.03 m
Separation
87.3%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MI25020MN · Rock CF Thumb Coast Half Marathon 2025
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Point-to-point course layout.
Quality Score
Solid Pick481 year running
~754 finishers a year
growing or steady
0% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 10 states
winner 1:19:15
typical high 52°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
43°
Afternoon (High)
52°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
19 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 377 finishers actually crossed the line across 1 year.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
377
Median time
2:08:36
Latest turnout
377
States
9
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K?
The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, starting at 8:30 AM.
Where does the Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K take place?
It takes place in Port Austin, Michigan.
What distances does the Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 5K.
Is the Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 377 runners who have completed the Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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