Event Description
Celebrate summer and welcome fall with the new Betsie Valley Trail Half Marathon, 10k , 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run. The Half Marathon, 10k and 5k courses are out and back on the Betsie Valley Trail starting in Thompsonville at the Webber Sports Complex. The 1 Mile Fun Run is held on the ballfield.
The Betsie Valley Trail offers an excellent flat aggregate trail surface, hard enough for road bikes and excellent for runners. The trail offers beautiful views as it crosses both Dair Creek and the Betsie River. The trail passes through a wetland and mile after mile of pine and hardwood upland forests. The Betsie Valley Trail is built on the bed of the former Ann Arbor Railroad and now part of the Rails to Trails system. Learn more at www.betsievalleytrail.org
North Mitten events supports and promotes the Betsie Valley Trail as a valued community resource. A portion of the proceeds from Half Marathon, 10k & 5k AND all the proceeds from the 1 Mile Fun Run is donated to the Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail.
Registration
Online Registration opens July 10th -September 17th or until space is filled. Onsite registration is available at packet pick up if space remains.
Half Marathon, 10k and 5k registration fee includes Tee or Tree, chip timing, live results/tracking, custom bib, custom finisher medal and post-race food.
1 Mile Fun Run registration fee includes custom bib and a Betsie Valley Trail sticker! The Fun Run is not timed.
All registrants receive a beautiful in person running course and an experience we hope you will cherish forever!
Event Schedule
Saturday, Sept 18th
- 5pm -7pm Packet pick up
Sunday, Sept 19th
- 7am -830am Late packet pick up
8:am Half Marathon start
8:30am 10k start
9:am 5k start
9:30am Fun Run late registration and bib pick up at the ballpark.
10:15am Live awards
11:am 1 Mile Fun Run at the ballpark
11:15am Drawing for $100 gift certificate
12:pm Course closes
Packet Pick Up
Packet pick up will be held at Webber Sports Complex Saturday September 18th from 5pm-7pm and Sunday September 19th from 7am-830am only. It is highly encouraged that you pick packets up Saturday. Fun Run participants are NOT required to attend packet pick up. Fun run bibs will be available for pick up on race day at the event.
Race Parking
The race starts and finishes in Thompsonville at the Webber Sports Complex/ ballfield. Trail-side parking is available in the ballfield or one block over in downtown Thompsonville.
Lodging, dining and more
While in Thompsonville visit the historic marker at the Diamond Crossing. This marker serves to underscore the significance of the crossing of the Pere Marquette and Ann Arbor railroads during the 19th century.
The diamond-shaped crossing of steel rails and the subsequent rail traffic that it facilitated was instrumental in the growth and economic development of Thompsonville, Benzie County and in northern lower Michigan, in the late 19th and early 20th century. The crossing was situated approximately 124 feet south of Thompson Road.
Now a remote area, Thompsonville is best known for the abundance of recreation opportunities.
Thompsonville Lodging
- · Crystal Mountain Resort
- · Crystal Adventures
- · Mountain Valley Lodge
- · Betsie River Campground
Thompsonville Dining
- · Thistle Pub and Grill at Crystal Mountain
- 231 Bar and Grill
- · Geno’s Sports Bar and Grill
- · Rosie's Country Café
- · Laughing Horse Saloon
Or visit Beulah, Benzonia, Frankfort, Interlochen, Manistee or Traverse City for more lodging and dining options!
Awards
All Half Marathon, 10k and 5k athletes receive a unique custom-made finisher medal, hand crafted by Bechler Pottery. The top overall male and female in each race receive an award plaque, gift certificate and handheld hydration bottle. Awards given to the top 3 in each age category.
- 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and older.
A live awards ceremony will take place at the ballpark at 10:30 am. Awards will be available until 12am. Please plan to pick up your award. Awards will not be sent.
All 1 MILE FUN RUN participants receive a custom bib and a Betsie Valley Trail sticker. All FUN RUN participants are entered into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate.
Event Rules
- · Be respectful of the trail, nature, private property and others.
- · No littering
- · No dogs or strollers on course
- · Headsets are allowed but not encouraged for your safety.
- · Smile, soak it in and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. It’s a rule. 😊
POSITIVE IMPRESSIONS
North Mitten events is dedicated to People and Planet health. Our goal is to spread positive people and planet impressions in our community and beyond.
North Mitten pledges these eco-conscience and community based efforts for the Betsie Valley Trail Run.
- · To maintain a clean and litter free trail and sports complex.
- · To be consumer conscience and provide only products of use.
- · To discourage waste and encourage runners to carry water bottles or hydration systems instead of using aid station cups.
- · To avoid plastic and single use products.
- · To provide only compostable supplies when single use is unavoidable.
- · To compost, reuse or recycle food and supplies.
- · To source food and supplies locally as much as possible.
- · To purchase organic cotton, hemp or recycled materials.
- · To donate one tree per participant to the North Mitten PLANT A TREE project.
GIVING BACK
A portion of the Half Marathon, 10k and 5k proceeds and all proceeds from the 1 Mile Fun Run is donated to the Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail. Visit www.betsievalleytrail.org to learn more about the trail.
VOLUNTEERS
We need you. The Betsie Valley Trail Run is seeking volunteers and creative groups to cover aid stations, street crossings and registration. For more information, please visit the volunteer tab (coming soon) or contact North Mitten at jdavidson@northmittenevents.com
Timing provided by : RF Event Services
Race Event provided by: North Mitten LLC. .People and Planet Heath .Events. Adventure. Education.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL RUN!
