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Fun Runs, 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, & Marathon Events in Ludington
Ludington is an ideal location for runs and races. Right along the shores of Lake Michigan, Ludington features many beautiful roads beside the lake, through downtown Ludington, and on the way out to the State Park along the sand dunes. There are races in Ludington’s surrounding areas, as well, featuring more lakefront views and rural settings. Below, you will find dates and information for more annual fun runs and races in Ludington and the surrounding areas.
2022
Run for Your Lives 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run
October 29th, 2022
This annual 5k/10k/Marathon/fun-walk/run begins at 9am at James Street Plaza- Corner of Ludington Avenue and James St. in downtown Ludington. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume. Proceeds benefit the Love Ludington Fund and all pre-registrants receive a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt. The first 100 finishers receive a custom medal.
For more information or to register, visit downtownludington.com/runludington.
Turkey Trot 5k
November
Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital and Win with Wellness sponsor the annual race which takes place at 8am on Thanksgiving morning. The 5k fun run/walk starts at the Cartier Park parking lot at the corner of Rath and Bryant in Ludington. There is no charge to participate and all ages and fitness levels are welcome to attend. Festive attire is encouraged! Fit Club students will earn miles toward the 100 Mile Challenge for participating in the Turkey Trot.
Pumpkin Pie Promenade Fun Run
November
Due to the cancellation of the annual Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Turkey Trot, this informal race has been created. Meet in the parking lot at Rath Ave. & Bryant Rd. at 8am, and take off to make 3 laps around the Cartier Park Loop for a 5k. Feel free to dress up, bring pets and kids, and walk or run Thanksgiving morning. This is just a fun run, so no medals or ribbons will be awarded.
2023
New Year’s Resolution 5k Run
January 1, 2023
Presented by Downtown Ludington, this race runs from Loomis Street to James Street in downtown Ludington. Registration typically includes a custom medal, and a tri-blend race tee.
For updated information and to register, visit downtownludington.org/runludington.
Irish Jog 5k/10k
March
This RunLudington event includes a 5k and 10k beginning and ending at the corner of Loomis Street and Rath Avenue. Registration is $30 with a virtual option available for $35. Finishers will receive a custom medal.
Register at downtownludington.org/runludington. Registration closes at noon on March 18th.
Harbor Run
May
Part of the #RunLudington series, this new 5k/10k will celebrate National Maritime Day and the start of the S.S. Badger Carferry’s sailing season. The race starts near Waterfront Park at Filer St. & Robert St. and the course is a 1.55 mile loop, so 5k runners will run two laps and 10k runners will run 4 laps. The course can be viewed here: mapmyfitness.com. Packet pickup will be from 8-9am on race day, under the pavilion at Waterfront Park near William & Filer. This in-person race starts at 9am at Robert & Filer. Race registration is $30 and includes a 3.5″ custom die-cast finishers medal and a tri-blend race tee.
For updated information and to register, visit downtownludington.org/runludington.
Spectrum Health Lakestride Family Fun Run/Walk
June
Free 1 mile run/walk for all ages sponsored by Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. Begins at 6pm. Finisher photo & press announcement to the top 2 finishers boy & girl. Water & Frozen yogurts at the finish. No registration required.
Ludington Lakestride 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon
June 10th, 2023
Since 1980, Ludington has been the host for the well known Ludington Lakestride 5K, 10K & Half Marathon. The weekend begins with a one-mile fun run on Friday evening at 6pm. Saturday’s Lakestride 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.
Freedom Festival 1-Mile Dash
July
This is a 1-Mile Fun Run where runners are invited to run the Freedom Festival Grand Parade route prior to the parade step off to help raise money for the evenings fireworks. The annual fireworks display is funded 100% by donations.
Early entry fee is $25 and late entry online and on race day is $30. Entry includes a t-shirt and a finisher’s medal. Prizes will be awarded to top male and female runners. Shirts are only guaranteed to those who register early. Remaining shirts will be available first come/first serve at packet pickup/registration on race day. Packet pickup and race day registration will take place at Leveaux Park from 11:30-12:30pm on race day. Make checks out to Ludington Area Jaycees.
Ludington Lighthouse Triathlon
August
The annual Ludington Lighthouse Triathlon happens each August in downtown Ludington, where the Avenue ends right at the beach. The event includes biking, kayaking, and running and participants can choose from 6 different race combinations.
For more information, visit 3disciplines.com.