Betsie Valley Trail Run

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 single use is unavoidable.
• ·       To compost, reuse or recycle food and supplies.
• ·       To source food and supplies locally as much as possible.  
• ·       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

Race Event provided by: North Mitten LLC. .People and Planet Heath  .Events. Adventure. Education. 

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL RUN!

 

HELP & FAQ

Will late registration be available?
We hope the race will fill up before race day, and if it does there will NOT be late registration available on race weekend.

Where do we park on race day?
The race starts and finishes in the Webber Sports Complex (ballfield) off Lincoln Street in Thompsonville.  Trail-side parking is available in the ballfield  or one block over in downtown Thompsonville. Parking is also available at Crystal Mountain Resort just 1.5 miles from the trailhead.  

How hilly is the course?
All courses are flat and fast.

What are the age groups for awards?
The following age groups apply for male and female for all events: 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

What kind of food & drink will be at the aid stations? Will there be cups?

Runners are highly encouraged to carry hydration packs or handheld water bottles to fill at aid station and to avoid using single use cups.  Compostable cups will be provided as  needed. Stations will be stocked with first aid, water, Gatorade and crackers. Restrooms indicated below.   Aid stations and restroom locations are approximate on the map and subject to change. 

Half Marathon 

• Mile 1.5- Aid Station and restroom 
  Mile 3.0- Aid station
• Mile 5.0 – Aid Station and restroom
• Mile 6.5 – Aid Station TURN AROUND POINT
• Mile 8.0- Aid Station and restroom
• Mile 10.0- Aid Station
• Mile 12.0 Aid Station and Restroom

10K 

• Mile 1.5- Aid Station and restroom
  Mile 3.0- Aid station-TURN AROUND POINT
• Mile 5.0 – Aid Station and restroom

 

5k

• Mile 1.5 -Aid Station and Restroom – TURN AROUND POINT

May I walk? Is there a time limit?
Yes, you may walk! The course closes for all races at 12 p.m., which is a 4-hour limit for the half marathon. Athletes that are on course past the closure time may be pulled from the course. We don’t offer an early start option for any of the distances.

Are the roads closed to vehicle traffic?
No. All roads are open to vehicle traffic on race day, but the majority of the race takes place on the Betsie River Trail. Volunteers and/ or police will be stationed at road crossings to aid in athlete crossing, but athletes should be prepared to stop if needed and always look for traffic.

Can I pick up a packet for my friend/family member?
You may pick up a packet for family members or friends, but in an effort to keep our event safe and secure, you must present a copy of their ID (a photo works great). Have your friend/family member text/email you a photo of their ID, and bring that with you to packet pick up and you’ll be good to go.

What is the minimum age to participate?
The minimum age to participate in the half marathon is 12 years old.  The 10k and 5k is open to all ages.  Be aware that everyone 14 and under is grouped together in one age category. 

Are there finisher medals?
Yes, All Half Marathon, 10k and 5k finishers will receive a finisher medal. The 1 Mile Fun Run finishers receive a sticker and are entered into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate.

Is there a race shirt?
Yes! You have the option to skip the tee and plant a tree instead. North Mitten events will provide you with a Sugar Maple Sapling at packet pick up to take home and plant or North Mitten will plant it for you!  Trees are limited!  Or if you don't want or plan to use the tee you can choose NONE and more proceeds benefit the Betsie Valley Trail. .

Are spectators allowed along the course?
Yes! Runners start and finish at the Webber Sports Complex inside the ballfield.  The set up offers a perfect photo opportunities for finishers.  While there is access to the Trail at the road crossings indicated on the Trail map, there is no designated parking between Beulah and Thompsonville. Spectators are asked to use caution when parking along the road. Spectators are encouraged to cheer runners at the Haze Road and Landis Rd crossings. 

Are strollers or dogs allowed in the race?
Strollers and dogs are allowed at the event but sorry not on course. 

Is there a virtual option to this race?

At this time we are not offering a virtual option and only offering the in person race.  Run with us! 

What is the refund policy? 

The Betsie Valley Trail  Half Marathon, 10k & 5K is not able to offer refunds for any reason. We offer all participants the opportunity to transfer their registration to another person or event, change their distance or defer to next year. This includes those who experience illness, injury or any other condition that may prevent them from participating in the event. Race registration is non-refundable.  

How do I transfer or defer my registration?

You may transfer from one event distance to another until September 17th as long as space remains. There are no refunds for entry fee difference and there are no transfers after registration closes on September 17th. Log into your runsignup account and edit registration. Use switch event tab.    

May I defer my registration to next year? 

Yes, you may transfer from  this year to next year until September 1st for a $10 fee. Log into your runsignup account and edit registration. Use Defer Registration tab. 

May I transfer my bib to another person? 

Yes, you may transfer your bib to another person until September 1st for a $10 fee.  Log into your runsignup account and edit registration.  Use Participant Transfer tab.

Coming Soon. 

 

Many sponsorship opportunities are available for the Betsie Valley Trail Run!   

• FINISH LINE FOOD SPONSOR IN LOCAL FOOD  OR DOLLAR DONATION
• AID STATION SPONSORSHIP
• TEE SHIRT SPONSOR
• AWARD SPONSOR.
• FINISHER MEDAL SPONSOR

For more information and a sponsorship packet , contact North Mitten Events at  jdavidson@northmittenevents.com

 

5K: Race Tee

10K: Race Tee

Half Marathon: Race Tee