Mt. Baldhead Challenge

Mt. Baldhead Challenge

The Mt. Baldhead Challenge is a multi-terrain event held in Saugatuck and Douglas, Michigan. The course traverses a variety of surfaces, including freshwater wooded sand dunes, woodland trails, and paved streets. Participants begin at Oval Beach and navigate a route that includes views of Lake Michigan before concluding at Coghlin Park in downtown Saugatuck. A central feature of both courses is a climb up the 300+ steps of Mt. Baldhead.

Participants can choose from two distinct distances:

• 10K+ (7 miles): A trail race approximately seven miles long through dunes and woods.
• Half Marathon (13.1 miles): A multi-terrain race combining coastal dunes, trails, and residential streets.

The race utilizes chip-timing for all participants. To manage course congestion, the event uses a staggered wave start based on expected finishing times. Hydration stations offering water and electrolytes are positioned along the course at intervals of no more than 1.5 miles. Portable restrooms are available at the start, finish, and specific locations on the route.

The event includes a post-race celebration at Coghlin Park featuring music, lawn games, and refreshments. Shuttles are provided to transport runners from designated parking areas at the Community Church of Douglas to the starting line at Oval Beach, and return shuttles operate after the race. Packet pickup is organized at the Community Church of Douglas on the day before and the morning of the event. Net proceeds from the event support local after-school and summer life-enrichment programs. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.