18th Annual Mt. Baldhead Challenge
Saturday September 9, 2017
15K Run - Start Time: 8:00 am
5K Run/Walk - Start Time: 8:15am

Take the 18th annual Mt. Baldhead Challenge and experience what Michigan Runner magazine calls one of Michigan's "25 most interesting races." Experience a unique and exciting race through Saugatuck and Douglas, two of West Michigan's historic and beautiful lakeside communities. 

Not up to the 15k Challenge? Choose the 5K that winds through Douglas and along the Kalamazoo River.

Courses

  • 15K: 
The course starts in downtown Douglas, heads west to the Lake Michigan shore, north past lakefront mansions, east to the Kalamazoo River, north through Ox-bow Art School woods, then south to ascend the 302 steps up Mt. Baldhead. If the stairs don't take your breath away, the view will.
  • Runners descend a wooded trail down the back of Mt. Baldhead, turn west for a loop at Oval Beach Park on Lake Michigan before returning to Douglas along the river and finishing at Beery Field.
  • 5K:
 Run or walk and save the big steps and miles for next year! The course starts and ends at Beery Field and, like the 15K, ends with a stretch alongside the river, over a boardwalk, up the baby steps (all 14 of them) and through a wildlife section, née sculpture garden.
  • Water/aid stations will be available on both courses.
  • 1K (0.62 miles): 
A free “Little Feet, Big Feat” children’s run will take place during early packet pickup Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Beery Field.
See Race Videos Here
The 302 steps to the summit of Mt. Baldhead are featured mid-way through the 15K course. The spectacular vista overlooks Saugatuck-Douglas and Kalamazoo Lake.