The Betsie Valley Trail Run offers trail running options in distances ranging from 1 mile to a half marathon, taking place in Thompsonville, Michigan on September 26, 2026. The event is based at Webber Sports Complex and includes a 1-mile option, a 6.2-mile course, and a half marathon distance. Racing begins at 8:00 AM. Entry fees range from $15 to $89 depending on distance and registration timing. This event provides trail runners with multiple distance options to match different fitness levels and training goals.
From the Race Organizer
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 onto the trail and back. The Betsie Valley Trail offers an excellent flat aggregate trail surface that is 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. Add a fun run to any race distance for just $10. Registration Online Registration opens June 1st -September 24th at 8pm 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, timing (chip timing will be added if participation is over 100 per race), 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 Friday Sept 25 4pm -6pm Packet pick-up Saturday Sept 26 7am -830am Late packet pick up 8:00am Half Marathon start 8:30am 10k start 9:am 5k start 9:30am Fun Run late registration and bib pick up. 10:15am Live awards 11:00am 1 Mile Fun Run at the ballpark 12:00pm Course closes Packet Pick Up Packet pick-up will be held at the Webber Sports Complex Friday September 25, from 4pm-6pm and Saturday September 26, from 7am-830am only. It is highly encouraged that you pick packets up Friday. 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 · Mountain Valley Lodge · Betsie River Campground Thompsonville Dining 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 finisher medal. The top overall male and female in each race receive a gift certificate and more! 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 $50 gift card. 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
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 26.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Thompsonville, MI.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Betsie Valley Trail Run 2026 — Thompsonville, MI?
Betsie Valley Trail Run 2026 — Thompsonville, MI takes place on September 26, 2026. The race is held in Thompsonville, Michigan.
Where is Betsie Valley Trail Run 2026 — Thompsonville, MI held?
Betsie Valley Trail Run 2026 — Thompsonville, MI is held at Webber Sports Complex in Thompsonville, Michigan.
Where can I find hotels near Betsie Valley Trail Run 2026 — Thompsonville, MI?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Thompsonville. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
