Cadillac Festival of Races
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Cadillac Festival of Races
The Cadillac Festival of Races, organized by the Cadillac Area YMCA, takes place Saturday, September 5, 2026. The event includes a range of running and swim events, and the full and half marathons serve as Boston Marathon qualifiers.
Distances and events:
- Full marathon
- Half marathon
- 5K out-and-back
- 10K out-and-back
- 7 mile team relay around Lake Cadillac
- 1 mile kids fun run (ages 8 and under)
- 1/4 mile lake swim race
The 5K and 10K use an out-and-back course that begins at the Cadillac Rotary Pavilion and follows the shore of Lake Cadillac. The 7 mile team relay circles Lake Cadillac; transportation to and from relay exchange points is provided by WexExpress. Transportation from the event check-in to full and half marathon start locations is provided. The full/half marathon course has a 6.5 hour limit.
On-site features noted for the day include live music and food trucks. Most registrations include one house beer or a non-alcoholic beverage from Clam Lake Beer Co.; the kids fun run is excluded. Awards include top-three age-bracket prizes and finisher medals. Proceeds support the Cadillac Area YMCA free 7th grade membership program.
Registration and logistics: listed registration deadlines and fees vary by event, with several prices changing after August 15, 2026. Packet pickup and race-site locations are at the Cadillac Area YMCA (9845 Campus Dr, Cadillac, MI 49601) and the Cadillac Rotary Pavilion (100 S Lake St, Cadillac, MI 49601). Spectator parking locations include Cadillac Commons, Cadillac High School and the Viking Learning Center. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
