Mt. Baldhead Challenge
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Event overview
The Mt. Baldhead Challenge takes place in Saugatuck, Michigan on September 12, 2026. The event offers these distances:
- 10K+ (about 7 miles)
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
Entry is open to ages 12 to 100. Timing is based on chip times with staggered start waves and an entry field for expected finishing time. The finish line and post-race area are at Coghlin Park. Participants must return to Coghlin Park by the race cut-off time of 12:30 PM.
Course and logistics
Courses pass through wooded sand dunes, trails, streets in Saugatuck-Douglas, waterfront areas, and include the climb up Mt. Baldhead with 302 steps. The race starts near Oval Beach; parking is available at Oval Beach and at the Community Church of Douglas. Shuttle buses run between the Community Church of Douglas and Oval Beach before the race, and shuttles return participants to parked vehicles after the race.
Packet pickup is at the Community Church of Douglas on the day before the race and on race day. Hydration stations with water and Gatorade are placed along the course. Portable restrooms are at Oval Beach, Coghlin Park, and designated course locations.
Registration and purpose
Priority registration for prior participants and 2025 wait-listed runners opens October 18, 2025; public registration opens November 1, 2025. Prices listed for registration include a reduced rate that increases after January 1, 2026. Gender options include non-binary, male, and female. The event has a no-refund policy; deferrals and transfers are allowed and race insurance is offered during registration. Net proceeds support free after-school and summer programs at Saugatuck Public Schools through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Holland. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
