Still want to run the race even if it's not "official". We applaud you, oh epic runner of treacherous miles. We know you were training and you were more than ready to beat your time from last year. Don't let us stop you from reaching those goals! You can always run the course on your free time. But when you do, make sure you snap a selfie after you're done. Because everyone knows, it's not real unless there's a selfie to prove it.

Be sure to tag us in your sweaty post-run selfies (or as we like to call them, your swelfies).
​IG @mtbaldheadchallenge

  12 Miles

COURSE: Starts in Wicks Park and follows the Kalamazoo River’s northeast shoreline. After crossing the Blue Star Bridge into Douglas, runners will head directly westward down Center Street to Lakeshore Drive.  The course then takes a northward turn past old and new lakeshore homes and through a  tunnel of trees to Lakeshore Chapel.  Runners then head east on Campbell Road and north along the river on Park Street.  They pass by the steps at Mt. Baldhead and then enter the wooded trail at Ox-Bow School of Art.  Here the trail gradually ascends to the legendary Crow’s Nest where there are spectacular views of the Ox-Bow Lagoon and Lake Michigan beyond.  From there the trail winds down to the base of Mt. Baldhead, where 302 steps separate the runner from the top of this historic landmark.  Once at the top, the runners will be greeted by live band music and another incredible view that rivals the Crow’s Nest.  The trail then descends down the western slope of the Mt. Baldhead dune and veers north for one final view of the lagoon before heading south along the beachfront.  The route then follows the Woollam Nature Trail back to the river, hugging it going south and then traversing east through Tower Marina, crossing the Blue Star Bridge, and finishing at  Wicks Park for a party!

This is not a closed course, and participants must finish by 1:30 p.m. Maps are available below. Aid stations will be located throughout the course.

  7.5 Miles

COURSE: Starts on Bliss Street directly across the river from Wicks Park (shuttles from Wicks Park will be provided).  This race begins simultaneously with the longer run, starting with a mid-river cannon blast.  The run heads north along the river on Park Street, passes by the steps at Mt. Baldhead and then enters the wooded trail at Ox-Bow School of Art.  Here the trail gradually ascends to the legendary Crow’s Nest where there are spectacular views of the Ox-Bow Lagoon and Lake Michigan beyond.  From there the trail winds down to the base of Mt. Baldhead, where 302 steps separate the runner from the top of this historic landmark.  Once at the top, the runners will be greeted by live band music and another incredible view that rivals the Crow’s Nest.  The trail then descends down the western slope of the Mt. Baldhead dune and veers north for one final view of the lagoon before heading south along the beachfront. The route then follows the Woollam Nature Trail back to the river, hugging it going south and then traversing east through Tower Marina, crossing the Blue Star Bridge, and finishing at Wicks Park for a party!



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This is not a closed course, and participants must finish by 1:30 p.m. Maps are available below. Aid stations will be located throughout the course.​