On the final Saturday of July every year, the Metropolis of Manistee, Michigan hosts a whole bunch of runners within the Run the Pier Pageant. This pageant affords a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon choice for runners and is among the finest methods to have a good time the center of summer time.
I ran the complete marathon for the primary time this yr and have already marked my calendar for race registration opening for the 2026 occasion. Manistee, Michigan is situated on the western aspect of Michigan and is a few 4-5 hour drive from Chicago, relying on the Indiana/Illinois border site visitors that’s utterly unpredictable.
Aside from the border site visitors, the drive was fast, straightforward, and enjoyable because it took us by a number of small cities and delightful surroundings alongside Lake Michigan. We arrived Friday afternoon, simply in time to seize my race packet and have a fast dinner.
Staying on the Hampton Inn & Suites – Manistee Waterfront proved to be the perfect method to chill out earlier than the marathon. Conveniently, packet decide up was held proper on the lodge, making it good for runners arriving in a while Friday.
The lodge itself was distinctive, located simply off the freeway and steps away from First Road Seaside alongside the Manistee lakeshore. The seaside provided gentle sand and clear water, creating a soothing atmosphere. Extra facilities included a bar, dwell music, and a firepit overlooking the seaside, permitting friends to completely benefit from the summer time environment. Downtown Manistee was only a mile away; after checking in, we headed there for dinner.
We loved an excellent meal at North Channel Brewing Firm. Since we waited about an hour for a desk, I’d suggest making reservations should you plan to dine downtown. Thankfully, the wait supplied a possibility to discover the native retailers and soak up the allure of downtown Manistee.
After a restful night time, I set out early for the marathon’s 7am begin. The stroll from the lodge to the beginning line was a few mile and a half—a easy, straightforward route to start the day. Staggered race begins ensured runners had loads of house on the course. The marathon started promptly at 7am, with cloudy skies and excessive humidity as we navigated by town, out onto Manistee’s north pier, and across the iconic lighthouse—a memorable method to start.
The race then adopted the lakeshore for the rest of the 26.2 miles, utilizing an out-and-back format with just a few aspect path extensions. The course included some difficult hills in the course of the center miles, however essentially the most important impediment was the humidity. About an hour into the race, clouds parted and a lightweight sprinkle supplied some reduction, adopted by heavier rain within the second hour. When the rain stopped and the solar emerged, the humidity intensified, making the ultimate ten miles notably robust. Regardless of the climate, the course was effectively marked and delightful, showcasing the luxurious surroundings of Western Michigan and the lakefront.
Ending again on the identical park, I used to be in a position to seize snacks and rehydrate earlier than ending my day. Each runner acquired a short-sleeve t-shirt and a finishers medal.
This summer time racing pageant is one I extremely suggest. Registration opens January 19, 2026, with reasonably priced charges for all race distances. Mark your calendars and take into account becoming a member of me in Manistee subsequent July!
