Mt. Baldhead Challenge

Get ready to conquer the Midwest’s Ultimate Multi-Terrain Race™!

The Mt. Baldhead Challenge is a multi-terrain race unlike any other. You'll run through scenic woodland trails, scale coastal dunes, pound the pavement, and climb the 300+ steps to the top of the iconic Mt. Baldhead in beautiful Saugatuck, Michigan.

Lace-up those running shoes and get ready for an unforgettable challenge! 🏃‍♂️🏅

 

Course Information

Course Distances:

• There are two course options to choose from: the 10K+ (7 miles) or the Half Marathon (13.1 miles).
• Both courses start at Oval Beach and finish at Coghlin Park in downtown Saugatuck.
• Both courses trek through gorgeous fresh water wooded sand dunes, trails, and up the Mt. Baldhead steps.
• The Mt. Baldhead Steps occur at about mile 3.5 for the 10K+ course, and mile 4.25 for the Half Marathon course.

Race Timing:

• Based on chip-times.
• There will be a staggered start by wave to avoid course congestion. Enter your expected finishing time during registration to be slotted into your respective wave. 
• There is a time limit for the race. All participants must return to Coghlin Park by 12:30 PM based on our contracts with the city and our ability to staff volunteers.

Hydration & Restrooms:

• Gatorade and water will be provided at hydration stops throughout the course. 
• Each station is no more than 1.5 miles apart.
• Portable restrooms are located at Oval Beach, Coghlin Park and at designated locations through the course.

 

Signup Information

Registration:

• Priority registration for 2025 and prior participants and 2025 wait-listed runners opens October 18, 2025. Public registration opens November 1, 2025.
• Early registrants enjoy special pricing. Price increases go into effect on May 1, 2026.
• Register early to avoid the wait list.

Refund Policy:

• Refunds are not available. Instead, you may defer to the next year or transfer events/registration.
• There is race insurance available during registration.
• There will be a new bib number issued for transfers.

Gender Options:

•  Non-binary, male, and female options are available.

Ultimate Lifetime Challenge Participants:

• Ultimate Lifetime Challenge members have guaranteed entry and are not subject to the waitlist.
• Your registration details will be sent via email, with a unique link to register for this year's event. Click through this link to claim your guaranteed entry.
• You must register for this year's event to participate.

Deferred 2025 Registrants:

• Your registration details will be sent via email. 
• You will have a credit in your RunSignup account that can be applied to your 2026 registration.
• You must register for one of the 2026 events to claim your deferral.

 

Pre-Race Information
Packet Pickup:

• Location: Community Church of Douglas
• Date & Time:
  • Friday, September 11: 12 pm - 8 pm
  • Saturday, September 12: 7 am - 8 am
• You can also have your packet mailed to you by selecting the mail away packet option during registration.

Parking:

• Locations: Oval Beach and Community Church of Douglas
• Shuttles: Buses from the Community Church of Douglas to Oval Beach, departing beginning as soon as the first bus is filled with runners.  

  

Post Race Information

• Celebrate with your fellow runners at the Mt. Baldhead Challenge post-race party at Coghlin Park!
• Complimentary music, lawn games, photo opps, food, and refreshments will be provided. All runners will receive a free drink ticket (21+, please bring valid photo ID) with their bib. 
• Pick up some MBC merch at the Swag Store.
• Shuttles will return you to your parked vehicles at the Community Church of Douglas and Oval Beach.

 

Why We Race

Every dollar of net proceeds supports FREE after-school and summer life-enrichment programs at Saugatuck Public Schools provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Holland.

 

REGISTRATION FAQs

Can I sign-up my friends and colleagues, too? 

Yes, you may register multiple participants within the same registration session. Select the event (10K+ or half marathon) for each participant you register. Depending on how many persons you register, you may be eligible for a discounted registration fee.  

How do I select the race jerseys for multiple participants?

When you register multiple participants in a single registration session, you can select the giveaway and the desired size & style for each of the participants. 

If you'd like to order additional items in addition to your 2026 race jersey, you can order these as an add-on to your registration. You can also do this in the Mt. Baldhead Challenge Race Store at any time without registering for an event. 

Why do you need to know my expected completion time?

To promote an orderly start and address potential congestion on the trails, we are gathering the anticipated pace of our runners so we can organize the race start by pace.

Do I have to commit to checking items with gear check now? 

There is no obligation, but we'd like to understand the volume of runners who may wish to use a gear check service so that planning for volunteers to offer that service can be well informed. 

I'm not sure how I'll get to the Oval Beach start; do I need to commit now? 

No need to commit now, but if you have a general idea, we'd appreciate it! This will help us capacity plan for parking and shuttle services. 

PACKET PICKUP/ DELIVERY FAQs

When will I receive the packet & clothing for the event that I signed up for?  What about MBC store purchases?

If you elect to pick up your packet in person, your bib, race jersey, and add-ons will be ready for pickup on Friday, September 11, 2026. See packet pickup information for more details.

If you choose to have your packet shipped to you, all shipments to registrants will be mailed no later than 10 days before race day. The US Postal Service will be delivering your shipment. Please ensure that the shipping address provided during registration is accurate. If you need to make any changes after registering, please contact us at mtbaldheadchallenge@gmail.com. Generally, you will receive one package that combines your packet + any add-ons or store purchases. If the shipment is too large, it may be split into multiple packages for ease of shipment.

Please note: runners who register after August 12, 2026 cannot select the mail away option and will be required to pick up their packets in person.

LIFETIME CHALLENGE FAQs

I lost my coupon code for the Ultimate Lifetime Package package that I signed-up for. How do I register?

You should have received a reservation email in October 2025 with a unique link to claim your Lifetime Challenge guaranteed entry. Please use that link to register for this year's event. Only those persons who signed up in 2020 for the Lifetime Challenge will receive this reservation email. Contact us if you misplaced the reserved registration email or need assistance. 

When may I signup using my Lifetime Challenge package?  

You can sign up at any time before race day with your unique Lifetime Challenge link, which will was delivered to your email address in October 2025. You will incur no additional fee when registering for the 2026 race and you will be provided guaranteed entry.

Why do I need to register again for the race in September 2026 if I alreadys signed up for the Lifetime Challenge? 

We need to get an accurate count of participants per year to ensure we create the best experience possible for all runners. This is important for setting safety protocols, course control, water stations and making sure we have sufficient volunteers to assist the runners.

This will also ensure your registration is active so that your information is registered with our race timer.

DEFERRALS FAQs

How do I claim my deferred 2025 registration? 

1. Log into your RunSignUp profile.
2. Click the "Deferral" tab.
3. Click on the "Complete Deferral" link. After clicking on that you will be taken to the Race page with information about your prior year deferral. 
4. Click on the "Start Transfer" button to complete the process and transfer into this year's race event. You will need to verify your information and make sure clothing selections are as desired. The amount paid during 2025 will be applied, but there may remain a balance owed depending on the event pricing at the time during which you register. 

RACE DAY FAQs

What time does the race start?

The race will begin at 9 am at Oval Beach. Police will shut access to the Oval Beach parking lot at 8:45 AM sharp with no exceptions. Runners are encouraged to arrive before 8:30 to ensure they do not miss the race start. See race day information on our website for more details.

What shoes should I wear?

Normal running shoes are generally best so that you can run through the trails, dunes, and pavement.

Run for a Cause—Mt. Baldhead Challenge Makes a Lasting Impact!

When you register for the Mt. Baldhead Challenge, you’re doing more than conquering a unique and exciting race—you’re helping to strengthen our schools, empower students, and support the local community. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Saugatuck-Douglas, this annual event is a cornerstone of positive change in our area.

Why Your Participation Matters

• Support After-School Programs: Race proceeds fund the Boys & Girls Club at Douglas Elementary, providing safe, structured after-school care focused on academics and leadership for over 260 students. Many working families rely on this vital program.

• Bolster Our School District and Economy: Your entry helps sustain programs that generate essential state funding, supporting teachers, staff, and nearly 18% of our district’s total funding—directly benefiting our local economy.

• Invest in Youth Leadership: Proceeds also provide grants for high school groups and leadership opportunities, including service initiatives and global trips, shaping the next generation of community leaders.

By running the Mt. Baldhead Challenge, you’re joining hundreds of participants who make a real difference—last year, nearly 800 runners helped expand our reach and impact. Every registration helps us continue to grow and provide crucial opportunities for students and families.

Thank you for being a part of this community-driven event!

10K+ (7 miles): 2026 Mt. Baldhead Challenge Jersey

Half Marathon: 2026 Mt. Baldhead Challenge Jersey