Take the Challenge!

Take the 13th annual Mt. Baldhead Challenge and experience “one of Michigan’s 25 most interesting races” according to Michigan Runner Magazine.

Experience a unique and exciting race through one of West Michigan's most beautiful lakeside communities.

• Run the 5k through historic streets and downtown or take the Mt. Baldhead Challenge 15k trek through wooded trails, up steps and along the famous Kalamazoo Ox-Bow.
  
  

• Climb 302 steps of Mt. Baldhead, a giant sand dune over looking Saugatuck-Douglas and trek west through Mt. Baldhead Park and Saugauck's Oval Beach. If the Mt. Baldhead Challenge doesn't take your breath away, the view will.
  

Mt. Baldhead Steps

• The 302 steps to the summit of Mt. Baldhead are featured mid-way through the 15k course. The spectatular vista overlooks Saugatuck-Douglas and the Kalamazoo Lake.

Race Events

Want a fast, flat course? Look elsewhere. Want an unforgettable run in a tourist mecca on a typically-comfortable pre-fall morning, when lines are shorter for shops, dining and attractions? TAKE THE CHALLENGE.

• 15k (9.3 miles) 
  Starts and ends at Beery Field in downtown Douglas and heads west to Park Street in downtown Saugatuck.  The course will lead through winding trails, 302 ascending stairs of Mt. Baldhead Park and Saugatuck's Oval Beach and then to scenic Lakeshore Drive and downtown Douglas. It is not a closed course.

• 5K (3.1 miles):
  Not up to a 15K? Run or walk the 5K. The course starts and ends at Beery Field in Douglas.  Water/aid stations will be available throughout both courses. It is not a closed course.