Race Day
This situation has required collaborative planning between the MBC Race Team, various safety and public works agencies of both Douglas and Saugatuck, and you, our fearless athletes. Everyone involved in this effort is committed to working around this situation to ensure your safety and experience.
Collectively, we know that we can count on the goodwill and cooperation of our athletes to make this a non-issue for both the start of the race at Oval Beach and your safety and enjoyment along the course. Please read and share the following information with your fellow runners and spectators and logistically plan your race day in advance.
The starting line
Start time: 9 am
Location: Oval Beach
SHUTTLE BUSes to Oval Beach
DEPARTURE TIME: 8 AM
Due to the road closures on Ferry Street, it is highly recommended that runners take advantage of our satellite parking lot at the Community Church of Douglas and hop on our fleet of shuttle buses that will drive runners to the starting line via police escort.
Shuttle buses will leave in unison at 8 am sharp – all riders need to be on board with their running bibs and all other personal items at that point.
Buses can handle up to 240 runners. Any overflow will need to drive separately and park at Oval Beach. Prepare for potential traffic.
PARKING AT OVAL BEACH
TIME: 7 – 8:30 AM (Lot will close at 8:45 AM)
If you choose to park at Oval Beach, know that traffic will be routed via a long and narrow detour, likely causing a bottleneck of traffic as you enter the parking lot. Be patient, carpool with other runners, and follow all directions from local police and volunteers.
We recommend you get to the beach early so you can park, warm up, and ensure you’re ready to go at the starting line! Police will shut access to the parking lot at 8:45 AM sharp with no exceptions. Runners are encouraged to arrive well before 8:30 to ensure they do not miss the race start.
Please note that spectators are discouraged from coming to the race start this year due to expected traffic issues. If spectators choose to come, they will be required to remain parked until 10 AM at the earliest to allow for the 3 waves of runners to go off and for our volunteers to travel to their other positions on the course.
THE FINISH LINE
Race time limit: 3 hours, all runners must be clear from the course at 12 pm
Location: Coghlin Park
Post Race Transportation
The Interurban will provide transportation to drive runners from the finish line and post-race party at Coghlin Park back first to the Community Church of Douglas and then onto Oval Beach. Pickup location is on Griffith Street, just west of Coghlin Park. The shuttle will run roughly every 15 minutes from 11 AM – 1:30 PM for free.
After 1:30 pm, runners will need to call the Interurban themselves at 269-857-1418. Cost is $1. Ubers & Lyfts are limited; local cab companies are also recommended.
Parking in Town
Your friends & family can park at Saugatuck High School (a 10-15 minute walk to Coghlin Park) or via street parking in downtown Saugatuck.
SPECTATOR SPOTS With Parking
There are various places along the 10K+ and Half Marathon courses where your spectators can cheer you on as you complete the Challenge! Here are two spots with the most parking available. See The Courses page for full course maps to plan out additional viewpoints.
Kalamazoo Lake at the Red Dock
Your friends & family can park at the lot near the Red Dock and catch you as you race by Kalamazoo Lake as you head into town!
10K+: Between mile 5 – 6
Half Marathon: Mile 12
Wiley road at the Community church of douglas
Spectators of the half marathon can snag a spot at the Community Church of Douglas to see their runner as they head into the final stretch on Wiley Road.
Half Marathon: Between Mile 10 – 11
POST RACE PARTY
Celebrate your huge achievement with other runners after you cross the finish line! We will be celebrating with music, lawn games, and plenty of photo opps. Refreshments will be provided by Saugatuck Brewing Company, Modales Wines, and Cranes. Food will be provided by Pizza Quest and Nature’s Market. Come high-five other runners and stay for a beer, a “beermosa,” a “bloody beer,” a glass of wine, or a non-alcoholic beverage.
All runners will receive a free drink ticket (21+; please bring valid photo ID) and a ticket for a free slice of pizza with their bib. Runners will also receive complimentary bagels with toppings.
