FAQ Page

A: The 2025 in-person Bayshore is on May 24th, 2025. Bayshore has always been on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.

A: Bayshore has enjoyed great growth in recent years, primarily due to word of mouth. The 2025 Bayshore has over 2000 registered for the 10K, 3400 for the Half Marathon, and 2000 for the Full Marathon. All events sold out for 2025.

A: Bayshore is the largest event put on by Traverse City Track Club. Money raised is used to sponsor running and health-related activities throughout the greater Grand Traverse Area. Click here for more information.

A: Bayshore has become a tradition for many runners throughout the Midwest and beyond. And for good reason. Go to marathonguide.com and read for yourself what past participants have said about Bayshore.

A: Registration opened on December 1st, 2024 at 9am EST.

A: Please visit the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10K pages for event price schedules.

A: There will not be a virtual option for 2025.

A: 2024 TCTC Members had an early opportunity to sign up November 23rd & 24th, 2024.

A: No. Deferred registrants will need to claim/finish their registration before general registration opens. They will be sent an email in mid-November of 2024 with instructions. Deferred registrants will then be able to register November 18th - November 22nd.

A: You can resend yourself race confirmation email directly from your RunSignUp user account.

1.) Login to https://runsignup.com/

2.) Click the PROFILE link at the top.

3.) Under Runner Links, click the “My Registered Races” link.

4.) Select the VIEW/EDIT Registration link under the Bayshore Registration.

5.) Here you can click the “Resend Confirmation E-Mail” link at the top of the registration tab. Your confirmation will be generated and emailed to your inbox within a few minutes.

6.) If you still aren’t receiving the confirmation email, confirm that the email address on your registration is correct or check your SPAM folder.

A: Yes, you can change the bus time if it is available.

Sign In to RunSignUp

Go to your Profile

See Upcoming Races

Click Manage Registration next to the registration that you are editing.

Click the “Questions” menu item

Change your Shuttle Time selection

Click Continue

A: Yes, you can change shirt sizes until the order has been placed and the inventory is available for the preferred size.

Sign In to RunSignUp

Go to your Profile

See Upcoming Races

Click Manage Registration next to the registration that you are editing.

Click the Shirt Size menu item

Change your Shirt Size selection

Click Continue

*Shirts can also be exchanged after your event at the awards & information tent.

A: Event transfers will be allowed until an event has reached the participant cap*. The registrant will be responsible for the price difference + fees. No refunds will be given for moving to a shorter distance.

Transfers MUST be completed by May 15th.

The Transfer Event option can be found by logging on to RunSignup, navigating to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer Event. Depending on the Race page's theme, the Transfer Event option can be either located on the top of the page or on the left of the page.

*You can still transfer to the “waiting list” of a sold out event. When you are selected, you will only be charged for the difference if moving up in distance. You will remain in your event until the new registration is completed.

A: Yes you can, but they MUST be completed by May 15th.

You can either Transfer as Gift OR Transfer for Refund.

Option #1 - Transfer as a gift:

When transferring as a Gift, you will not receive a refund of your original registration fee, though instead, your recipient is allowed to register for $20. Note: If you are charging them for your entry, this must be done between the two parties via Venmo, Paypal, etc. and only recommended for a family member, friend, or trusted runner. Please use at your own risk.

Here are the steps:

1.Log in to your Runsignup account

2.Go to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer to Someone Else.

3.On the Transfer to Another page, you will be shown your Transfer information. Please confirm the information is correct and accurate

4.Enter the new registrant information. The new registrant will receive an email with a unique link which they can use to claim the transfer

5.Next complete the transfer process by clicking Registration Gift as your type of transfer (NOTE: Using this form to set up a gifted registration means they will have a guaranteed spot in the race, regardless if the event has been filled up already. However, they are require to register prior to event registration closing)

6.Click Transfer as a Gift to complete

Option #2 - Transfer for a Refund:

Note: This choice is only available if you paid for your event. Not available for comped-entries, deferrals, etc.

When transferring for a refund, you will receive a refund of your original purchase price less a $20 processing fee when the recipient has completed their registration. The recipient will pay the current price when registering.

IMPORTANT: If the registrant does not accept the transfer, then you will not receive a refund. You will, however, still be eligible to use your registration on race day.

Here are the steps:

1.Log in to your Runsignup account

2.Go to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer to Someone Else.

3.On the Transfer to Another page, you will be shown your Transfer information. Please confirm the information is correct and accurate

4.Enter the new registrant information. The new registrant will receive an email with a unique link which they can use to claim the transfer

5.Next, select Transfer as a refund.

Your recipient will receive an email with a link to register at the current rate. Once they have completed the registration, you will receive a refund of your registration fee (less $20) within 2 business days on your credit card.

A: No. The waiting list selection occurs automatically when someone drops out, transfers to a different event, or donates their entry. The next person in line will have a chance to register. We do not contact runners on the waiting list about person-to-person transfers.

A: Contact us to let us know you are dropping out and the next person on the waiting list will be able to register.

A: We have a few options that might help you acquire a registration.

1) Join the waiting list on the registration page.

2) Contact one of our charity partners about a bib.

We do not know the exact number or date as it varies “wildly” from year to year.

Joining the waiting list does not guarantee entry, but many participants historically gain access to the race.

As we get closer to the event, the number of available slots typically increases due to cancellations and changes in participant plans. To maximize your opportunity, monitor your email closely, and register promptly if selected. The registration window closes 48 hours after you’re invited.

2024 Waiting List data:

• Over 800 for the Full Marathon and 1100 for the Half Marathon.

• Waiting list spots really didn’t move much until late March/early April.

• Most of the people on the waiting list who eventually get picked will NOT claim their registration (it expires after 48 hours and moves to the next person in line).

You can check your current position by doing the following:

• Make sure you are logged into your Runsignup account

• Visit the waiting list page here

• Select the event that you are on the wait list for

• You will be able to see the total number on the list and total ahead of you.

You can also visit all of your waiting list on your RunSignup profile here (make sure you are logged into the same account that was used for registration): https://runsignup.com/Account/WaitList

Pregnant and Postpartum athletes can request a deferral at: registration@bayshoremarathon.org

A: Marathon starts at 7:15am, Half Marathon starts at 7:30am, 10k starts at 7:30am, and the kid's event starts at 1:30pm.

Yes! We are partnering with BATA and their Bayline route for a special early shuttle time starting at 4:45am. Visit the bus page for more information.

A: The Full Marathon and 10K events begin at Traverse City Central High School. The Half Marathon begins on Devils Dive Drive on Old Mission Peninsula. Half Marathon participants will need to ride the Half Marathon shuttle bus that leaves from Traverse City Central High School. More bus information can be found here. Only Half Marathon Parking Pass holders will be allowed to drive to the start of the Half Marathon course. More information on the parking passes can be found on the Half Marathon page. 2025 Parking information can be found on the course page.

A: Yes! ALL participants in the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K will receive a tech gender-specific Brooks Podium shirt.

A: Dropping off runners and leaving the start area immediately will not be allowed. If you are not riding the half marathon bus you must purchase a parking pass for the half marathon start area (limited to 250 passes in 2025). More information can be found on the half marathon page.

A: Click Here to go directly to the Bayshore Gear Store provided by Playmakers to order all of your official Bayshore gear.

A: Please visit the course page for parking locations

A: Packet Pickup will be at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center on Friday, May 23rd. Late Packet Pickup on Saturday is at the high school from 5am-7am (not recommended). Please visit the Packet Pickup page for more details.

A: Please visit our Travel & Lodging page.

Yes! We submit both the gun time and chip time to the BAA. Our course was re-certified in 2024. It is a flat fast course and many people use it to try to qualify. The certification number for the Marathon is MI22016MN. Half Marathon (MI15019SH) and 10K (MI15018SH) courses were certified in 2015. More details are available here.

A: Yes. You can check out pace group finish times on the half marathon page and full marathon page. There are no pace groups for the 10k.

A: Bags will be available at packet pick up and near the start lines for Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K runners. Please make sure your bib number is printed on your bag (markers will be available). You can drop the bags at the designated area near the respective starts and they will be waiting for you near the finish line. Please do not place any valuables in the bags. The Bayshore will not be responsible for lost or stolen items placed in the bags.

All apparel dropped along the course including at aid stations will be donated to local charities. The only apparel we will keep after the event is completed will be anything left in the bag drop area. All unclaimed bags will be kept for a week, and then what's left will be donated to local charities. If you forgot to pick up your drop bag, email the website and we will work out the details of how to return it to you. Please do not leave any items on fences by the start areas. Items will be discarded.

A: Bayshore Marathon is a flat, out and back course that runs along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. Throughout the race, you have the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan on one side and Traverse City’s famous cherry trees and orchards on the other. The course begins on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College. On your return trip you return to the Start Line, and then step onto a track for the final quarter mile inside the stadium. The only ‘rise’ on the course falls between the 18 and 19 mile markers. The Half Marathon will start on Devils Dive Rd and go east to Seven Hills Rd. and continue south east to Center Rd. It will then go south to Blue Water Rd. then east to Bluff Rd. where it will join the Marathon course following Bluff, Center Rd. and East Shore Dr. back to Traverse City and the finish line. There will be an approximately 225 foot climb near the beginning of the race before dropping down to Bluff Rd. to join the Marathon course. The 10K course is flat and fast and shares the end of the half marathon course.

Check out our Course Page.

A: Please visit the Course Information page for complete details.

Yes! Hydration packs and handheld water bottles are allowed.

No. A runner may only get aid from a designated aid station from a Bayshore volunteer.

A. The finish line will close at 1:15 PM for all events. Anyone finishing after this time (6 hours for the Marathon with a 7:15am start) will not receive an official finish time. The finish area food and services will dismantled and not be available to any runner who finishes after 1:15 PM. Center Road reopens at 1:00 PM. Center Road is at mile 20 1/2 to 22 on the Marathon return.

A: Bayshore events will be timed with state of the art RFID timing using UHF tags that are attached to your race numbers. You don't need to know anything about the technology of how this system will capture your time from start line to finish line but you will need to be sure you pin your race number on the FRONT of your shirt or singlet so that the system can read your tag, starting your time as you cross the actual starting line and stopping it as you cross the finish line.

A: Yes, headphones are allowed. However, the use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, The Bayshore encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of your race.

We believe your race experience and those around you will be greatly enhanced by leaving the headphones at home or in the car. Running headphone-free allows opportunities to develop camaraderie with your fellow runners and to enjoy everything the race has to offer. Plus, volunteers and spectators will be on course cheering you on and providing directions to help get you to the finish line.

Runner safety has always been, and will continue to be, a top priority for our event. Please be mindful of the other participants and respect the race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.

A: Some people do walk in the Bayshore however we do not have a separate category for walkers in any of the Bayshore races. All times are listed by age group and gender only in the results. The finish line closes at 1:15 pm, anyone finishing after then will not receive an official time or finisher medal. If you are walking the Bayshore please keep in mind that you must stay to the right and walk no more than two abreast. Be mindful of runners from other races who are overtaking you.

A: Strollers are not permitted in any of the Bayshore events.

Please email us at registration@bayshoremrathon.org

The Traverse City Track Club (TCTC) is dedicated to enhancing the participant experience over race weekend for lactating runners at the Bayshore races.

Near the start and finish area (except for the start area of the half marathon), there will be an indoor designated lactation area for runners to utilize before and after the races from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 24. Please email registration@bayshoremarathon.org for further details to utilize this space. Unfortunately, the TCTC is unable to store breast milk safely at this time. The TCTC acknowledges the value of expressed breast milk and the sensitivity of asking lactating individuals to dispose of it. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Yes, you can track your runner live as they are participating in the event. More info can be found on the results page.

Spectators spots can be found on the course map. The Bayshore also provides a shuttle service to the Blue Water Rd. and Grey Rd. spectator spots.

Sorry, only registered participants, aid station volunteers, and race officials are allowed on the course.

A: Yes. Please visit the Results & Awards page for more info.

A: Yes! ALL races will have finisher's medals for 2024. Even the kid’s event!

A: Yes. Photos can be view here.