The Western Michigan Fair Continues Through Saturday
Smaller towns set themselves apart from big cities by local events. That’s very evident when Ludington hosts the Western Michigan Fair.
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
Ludington Lakestride 5k, 10k, & Half Marathon
June 2027
The Ludington Lakestride is held on one of the most beautiful and scenic courses in Michigan, attracting 800-1,000 runners from around the state and beyond.
The Lakestride main event on Saturday is actually three races: the 5K run which winds its way through Cartier Park, the 10K which runs out to Decker Road and back, and the Half-Marathon. Here runners start on pavement, then enter the Ludington State Park and make their way over a sand dune. The Lake Michigan setting just adds to the beauty of this race.
In conjunction with the main event, a 1-mile Family Fun Run is held the Friday night before the Lakestride at 6pm.
Ludington is one of the most popular tourist cities in Michigan, thanks to our beaches, lighthouses, State Park, and events like the Lakestride Half Marathon. Below you can find specific information about the three races.
About the Ludington Lakestride
It began in 1980 and the Ludington Lakestride Half Marathon is stronger than ever. Typically held the second Saturday of June before the summer heat, the one-mile fun run kicks off the events on Friday at 6pm.
Starting line is on the west end of Ludington Avenue in a half mile “out-and-back” run to the Marina Park Playground. This portion of the event is free and there is no pre-registration necessary.
Start Times
- One-Mile Fun Run- Friday at 6pm
- Half Marathon- Saturday at 8am
- 5K- Saturday at 8:10am
- 10K- Saturday at 8:20am
*All races start on Lakeshore Drive, near Stearns Park Beach
Packet Pick-up/Late Registration
- Friday, 4-7pm – Lakestride Race Central at the center of Stearns Park Beach
- Saturday, 6-8am – Lakestride Race Central at the center of Stearns Park Beach
Awards
Each registration will include a Sport-tek long sleeve shirt and finisher medal.
Award ceremonies will begin after each race, starting at approximately 9:45 a.m. with the 5K. Age-group medals will be presented to the 1st–3rd place finishers in each division, and finisher plaques will be awarded to the overall male and female 1st–3rd place finishers in each race distance.
Participants must be present to receive their awards; awards will not be mailed.
Stay tuned for information on the 2027 Ludington Lakestride!
For more information on the Ludington Lakestride, please contact the event organizer:
Ludington Lakestride Committee
Looking for more race events in Ludington? Click here!
Current Events in the Ludington Area
Get Tickets Now for the Suds on the Shore Beer & Wine Tasting Festival
The Suds on the Shore Craft Beer & Wine Festival is held each August at Ludington’s Rotary Park to benefit the United Way of Michigan.
S.S. Badger Carferry Shoreline Cruises
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
The Heaven on Hamlin Todd & Brad Reed Photography Workshop is Coming Up
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
Catch Another Downtown Ludington Movie in the Park This Thursday
August in Ludington means free movies, on three Thursday nights at dusk in Ludington’s Rotary Park (formerly City Park).
The Ludington Auto Club Hosts Another Cars & Coffee Car Show on the 19th
Ludington is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
Arts & Crafts Classes in Ludington
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Family Friendly Events
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!
Michigan’s Free ORV Weekend is Coming Soon
The State of Michigan offers its residents and outstate visitors “free” weekends to fish, ORV, or snowmobile each year.
Horse Shows
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
Summer Music in West Michigan
After a busy day at the beach or at work, it’s time to kick back and relax a while. What better way than to listen to some music.
Performances in West Michigan
Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year ’round.
Ludington Area Events Happening Soon
Sunset Beach Bonfires at Stearns Park
Enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! The Ludington Fire Department mans the fire while you enjoy the sunset.
Festivals & Events
There are activities going on in the Ludington area to keep everyone happy all year long. Longstanding events make Ludington special.
Beaches & Parks
Ludington has many beautiful beaches and parks to explore. Enjoy a day on the shores of Lake Michigan or take in the scenery at a local park.
Visit the Ludington State Park
One of the most popular state parks in the Midwest offers a vacation within itself. Enjoy beautiful natural resources and endless activities.
Hamlin Lake
Hamlin Lake is where you want to be. It offers terrific summer recreation, including swimming, boating, tubing, and more!
Fishing
There are many places for anglers to try their luck, and Ludington has such a great variety of fish. The area also has great charter captains.
Sunset Times
It rises and sets every single day, and nothing is more breathtaking than our spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan.
Music Heritage Trail
The Music Heritage Trail will take you from Idlewild to Baldwin and from Scottville to Ludington as it explores the historic music scene!