Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler - MI

Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon & 7.5 Mile – November 27, 2026

Kick off your holiday season at Black Toenail Friday, Southeast Michigan’s favorite post-Thanksgiving trail running tradition. On Friday, November 27, 2026, runners will gather at Proud Lake Recreation Area for a Half Marathon or 7.5 Mile trail race. With a late 11:00 AM start, well-marked wooded trails, and the crisp beauty of Michigan’s late fall, this event offers the perfect balance of challenge, community, and fun. Whether you're chasing a PR, enjoying the trails with friends, or completing your Trivium Michigan Mega Medal Series, Black Toenail Friday is the race to close out your season.

 
Why Run Black Toenail Friday?

• Late 11:00 AM start – enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, sleep in, and still make the race
• Beautiful Proud Lake Recreation Area – scenic trails with a mix of forest, lakes, and smooth terrain
• Choose your distance – Half Marathon or 7.5 Mile trail race
• Run or Ruck!
• Post-race community vibe – campfires, ramen, hot cocoa, and cheering for finishers
• Great swag – long sleeve tech shirt included, with the option to upgrade to or add a hoodie
• Final race of the Michigan Mega Medal Series – earn your last medal piece and complete the 6-part puzzle
• Convenient Southeast Michigan location – close to metro Detroit with easy parking at the Modern Campground
   

Race Details

Leave the shopping crowds to the mall and join hundreds of runners on the trails. Black Toenail Friday features well-groomed, beginner-friendly courses with a few rolling hills and late-fall conditions that can bring cool temps, crisp air, or even a dusting of snow. Proud Lake’s trails are well-marked, making it hard to get lost, and parking is conveniently located near the start/finish area at the Modern Campground (2928 Glengary Rd, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48382).

 
A Michigan Running Tradition

Since 2016, Black Toenail Friday has been more than a race—it has been a community gathering to celebrate the close of the racing season. With its friendly atmosphere, fall colors, and post-run camaraderie, it is the perfect way to balance Thanksgiving with movement, nature, and friends.

This is your chance to be part of Michigan’s best Black Friday race tradition. Register now, claim your spot, and join the fun.

 
Part of the Trivium Michigan Mega Medal Series

Black Toenail Friday is the 6th and final race in the Trivium Michigan Mega Medal Series. Complete the series in-person or virtually, and your six individual medals combine into one giant Mega Medal. Participants save over $150 by registering for the full series.

2026 Series Races include:

• Prove It 5K & 10K – April 18, 2026 - Milford, MI
• Trenton Summerfest Half Marathon, 8K, & 5K – June 27 2026 - Trenton, MI
• Dearborn Decades 5K – August 2, 2026 - Dearborn, MI
• Run the 313 5K – August 22, 2026 - Detroit, MI
• Growler Gallop Atwater 10 Mile & 5K – September 27, 2026 - Detroit, MI
• Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon & 7.5 Miler – November 27, 2026 - Commerce Township, MI

Who wouldn’t want to spend the day after Thanksgiving out on the stunning trails through Proud Lake State Recreation Area? This course is extremely well marked and offers beautiful views throughout.  Runners and walkers alike love this course for its flat, well-groomed trails and its simplicity to navigate.  Plus, total elevation gain is only 171'!   All turns are marked with hanging tape and turn signs, and incorrect trail turns are taped off.  If you're looking for a new Thanksgiving weekend tradition, come out and run or walk one of our favorite events with us!

• Aid Station #1 water/Tailwind Mile 2.2
• Aid Station #2 Gels/ Water Mile 4.3
• Aid Station #1 water/Tailwind Mile 5.3

This is a course map on Strava. 7.5 Milers complete one loop of this course.  You can view the course and elevation, as well as download a GPX file from this link to use with your running watch.

Start:  11:00 AM - Half Marathon AND 7.5 Mile Start

Course Closes:  2:30 PM

Course Limit:  3.5 hours

Race Records

Available for purchase during registration.  You can also add items in your RunSignup account, which you can access through your original confirmation email.  Instructions can be found at this link.  Items will be available for pickup at packet pickup on race weekend.

Add-On Hoodie

• Participants who register and opt out of the race shirt can upgrade to the hoodie for $20.
• Participants who register and want the race shirt and hoodie can pay an additional $30 for the hoodie.

The last day to order a hoodie as an add-on is October 30 by midnight!  If you're upgrading to a hoodie from a long sleeve shirt you'll still see that option.  You'll see available sizes during registration.  Any extra inventory will be available for purchase on race day.

2026 Design Coming Soon

BTNF Buff

$5

Michigan

Mega Medal Series

Prove It 5K/10K:  April 18, 2026 at the GM Milford Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan

Trenton Summerfest Half Marthon, 8K, & 5K:  June 27, 2026 at Elizabeth Park in Trenton, Michigan

Dearborn Decades 5K:  August 9, 2026 at Ford Field Park in Dearborn, Michigan

Run the 313 5K:  August 22, 2026 at Palmer Park in Detroit, Michigan

Growler Gallop Atwater 10 Mile & 5K:  September 27, 2026 at Atwater Brewery in Detroit, Michigan

Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon & 7.5 Mile:  November 27, 2026 at Proud Lake Rec Area in Commerce Township, Michigan

Trail

Winter Trail Fest (WTF) East Half Marathon & 5 Mile:  February 14, 2026 at Island Lake Rec Area in Brighton, Michigan

Winter Trail Fest (WTF) West Half Marathon & 5 Mile:  February 21, 2026 at Yankee Springs Rec Area in Middleville, Michigan

Carpe Diem Carpe Noctem Morning & Evening Half Marathon & 10K:  April 11, 2026 at Proud Lake Rec Area in Commerce Township, Michigan

Summer Trail Fest Ultra (STFU) 50 Mile, 50K, Half Marathon, & 5 Mile:  June 13, 2026 Sleepy Hollow Rec Area in Laingsburg, Michigan

Moonlight Bootlegger 5k:  May 9, 2026 at Maybury State Park in Northville, Michigan

Wolverine State 100 100M, 100K, 100M Relay, & 50K:  October 10-11, 2026 from Petoskey to Alpena in Northern Michigan

Road

Thumb Coast Ultra & Relay 50M, 50K, & 50M Relay:  April 25, 2026 from Harbor Beach to Caseville in Michigan's Thumb

Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K:  November 8, 2026 from Caseville to Port Austin in Michigan's Thumb

North Carolina

Road Mega Medal Series

Only Fools Run Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K:  March 28, 2026 at Jaycee Park in Greensboro, North Carolina

Pig Pounder Brewery 5K:  April 12, 2026 at the Pig Pounder Brewery in Greensboro, North Carolina

Elm Street Run Festival:  May 9, 2026 at LeBauer Park in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina

Greensboro Distilling Speakeasy 5k:  June 13, 2026 at Greensboro Distilling Co. and SouthEnd Brewing in Greensboro, North Carolina

Greensboro Half Marathon, 5K, & 1 Mile:  November 21, 2026 starting at Battleground Ave in Greensboro, North Carolina

Trail Mega Medal Series

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Half Marathon & 5 Mile:  January 17, 2026 at Northeast Park in Gibsonville, North Carolina

Northern Trails 17 Mile, 10 Mile & 5 Mile:  March 7, 2026 at Northern Guilford High School in Greensboro, North Carolina

Owls Roost Rumble Half Marathon & 4 Mile:  April 25, 2026 at Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro, North Carolina

Triple Lakes Trail Race 40 Mile, Marathon, & Half Marathon: October 24, 2026 at Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro, North Carolina

Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler: November 27, 2026 at Snow Camp, North Carolina

Multisport Mega Medal Series

Belews Lake Sprint Triathlon & Duathlon: April 18, 2026 at Belews Lake Marina in Stokesdale, North Carolina

Big Mack Sprint Triathlon:  June 20th, 2026 at Lake Cammack in Burlington, North Carolina

High Point Sprint Triathlon:  August 8, 2026 at Oak Hollow Marina in High Point, North Carolina

Belews Lake Olympic Triathlon & Duathlon:  September 12, 2026 at Belews Lake Marina in Stokesdale, North Carolina

Nat Greene's Revenge Triathlon & Duathlon: October 3, 2026 at Lake Brandt Marina in Greensboro, North Carolina

Multisport

Northeast Park Duathlon:  February 28, 2026 at Northeast Park in Gibsonville, North Carolina

Trail

Groundhog’s Lap Race: January 31, 2026 at Haw River State Park, North Carolina

Moonlight Bootlegger 5K:  May 2, 2026 at Hagan Stone Park in Pleasant Garden, North Carolina

Carpe Diem Carpe Noctem Morning & Evening Half Marathon & 10K:  September 12, 2026 at Hagan-Stone Park in Pleasant Garden, North Carolina

Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra & Relay:  September 19, 2026 in Danbury, North Carolina

Road

Running of the Lights:  January 1st at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, North Carolina

Blackbeard's Revenge 100 Ultra & Relay 100M, 100K, & 100M Relay:  March 21-22, 2026 in the Outer Banks in Corolla, North Carolina

Pennsylvania

End of the Road Half Marathon & One Tunnel 4 Mile:  October 24-25, 2026 on the old Pennsylvania Turnpike in Waterfall, Pennsylvania

West Virginia

Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay 50M, 50K, & 50M Relay:  May 17, 2026 in New River Gorge National Park, running from Montgomery to Thurmond, West Virginia

If you have any nagging questions check out 2025's comprehensive athlete guide - If you can't find an answer here, shoot us a message at info@triviumracing.com!

Updated 12/01/2025 (HG).  2026 updates coming soon.

If your team has 10+ members registered two weeks before race day, you’ll enjoy:

• A team tent set up by Trivium, featuring a banner with your club's name/logo
• Your registration packets, ready at the tent (skip packet pickup lines)
  •  In order for your race packet (shirt, bib, etc.) to be pulled and available at your club tent, you must be registered as part of the club by the Monday before the race at 11:59 pm EST.
• Dedicated club porta potties!
• Food, drinks, and goodies waiting for your team.

Check the Groups/Teams tab and see how many people your team currently has registered!  Questions about Club Benefits? Reach out to Megan at megan@triviumracing.com.

Black Toenail Friday Club Competition

• All clubs, regardless of size, are part of the club competition.
• Awards go to the winning club
• All finishes count toward the 2026 Trivium Club Cup Competition

How Club Scoring Works at Black Toenail Friday

• All finishers earn 1 point just for completing the race, so the more runners your team brings, the more you score.
• Age group placement earns additional points, with top finishers scoring up to 20 points (1st place) and down to 2 points (for 16th–20th).
• Overall podium winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd) earn double their age group points—for example, an overall 7.5 Mile winner scores 41 points!
• Volunteers are a huge part of race day too, earning 5 points each for their club.
• And because Black Toenail has two distances, the Half Marathon is worth double points—making it a huge opportunity to rack up a big score for your team.

2026 Trivium Racing Club Competition

• All clubs who compete also earn points toward the Overall, 2026 Trivium Club Competition
• The Overall season winner will be treated to a club party and receive the club cup to proudly display for the next year!
• Points will start at 500 for first place and decrease by 50 points for each placement. (1st = 500, 2nd = 450, 3rd = 400, etc.)
• Clubs placing 11 – 20 will receive 25 points.
• Club placing 21 and up will receive 10 points.

Check out the full club cup schedule and how points are earned here:  https://triviumracing.com/southeast-michigan-club-and-corporate-championship/.

Club Program

Love racing with your club/team with Trivium Racing?  Check out our Club Program!  Clubs receive a 10% discount code, a free race entry to raffle at run group, and can potentially partner to do more fun stuff!  Complete this form to request to participate.

Registration & Packet Pickup

How do I register?

You can register online.  There is on-site registration the day of the race as long as we don't sell out.

Can I switch distances?

Yes! You can transfer from the Half to the 7.5 Mile (or vice versa) through your RunSignup account up until race week. Any difference in registration fees will apply.  Instructions on how to transfer.

Can I change the size shirt I ordered?

You can change your shirt size by following these instructions. Keep in mind that some sizes may sell out within two weeks of race day.

Do you offer refunds or deferrals?

Refunds: No refunds for any reason will be issued for this event within 30 days of the event start date. Earlier than 30 days before the event, a request may be made for a 50% refund (this will be 50% of entry fee, excluding any processing fees).

Deferrals: Entries CANNOT be transferred or deferred to another event or year. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made to this policy.

When and where is packet pickup?
2026 Early Packet Pickup is TBD.  Packet pickup will be held on race day near the start/finish area. Exact times are located on our Events Schedule page.

Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes—just make sure they bring a copy of your confirmation email. 

Race Weekend Logistics

When is the race?

Black Toenail Friday takes place every year the day after Thanksgiving.  The 2026 race will take place on November 27, 2026.

Where is the race located?

Proud Lake State Rec Area - Modern Campground - 2928 Glengary Road, Commerce Township, MI 48382.  When you enter the park you drive back towards the DNR checkpoint booth. After the booth you make a left towards the Modern Campground.

Where should I park?
Parking is located near the start/finish. Volunteers will direct you on race morning.  This is a state park so to enter the state park you will need a State Recreation Passport (good at all parks all year) upon arrival.  This money will be collected at the gate if you do not already have one, but it's cheaper and you get through the line faster if you purchase it ahead of time!

Is there race-day registration?

If spots remain, yes—but we strongly recommend pre-registering to guarantee your shirt in your size and your medal.

Is there a time limit?

Half Marathon:  Course open 11:00 am - 2:30 pm (3.5 hours, 16:01.832/mile).  If a half marathon runner has fallen far off-pace by the second lap, they may be pulled off the course by event staff.

7.5 Mile:  Course open 11:00 am - 2:30 pm (3.5 hours, 28:00/mile).

Can I walk the 7.5 Mile?

As long as you can maintain a 28:00 mile, absolutely!  Many people choose to walk the 7.5 Mile!

Courses & Distances

Will the course be marked?

Yes—mileage will be clearly marked and volunteers will guide you.  You can view course markings in the Athlete Guide.

Are there Aid Stations?

Yes!  Check the Athlete Guide for a full Aid Station chart and AS locations.  Aid Stations will have some combination of water, Tailwind, and Hüma gels, depending.

Where are the Porta Potties?

• Start/Finish Line
• On Course:

Where can I check out the race course?

• The Athlete Guide has a detailed description.
• Half Marathon - view the course on Strava
• 7.5 Mile - view the course on Strava

Safety & Other Policies

Are dogs or headphones allowed?

• Dogs are not allowed on the course as of 2026 due to the narrow nature of some sections of the trails, safety, and ensuring the comfort of all athletes.
• Headphones are allowed, but please keep the volume low and stay alert to volunteers and other runners.

What happens if it rains or snows?

The race is rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

This race has become a tradition for many runners.  Our Half Marathon course is extremely well marked on exquisitely groomed trails.  This two loop course offers great views on great trail running and it's flat with only 250' of elevation gain over the entire Half Marathon course!  Athletes will be treated to aid at 6 different locations.  All turns are marked with turn signs, taped off trails, and hanging tape.  If this is your A race or your first time trail running this course is perfect for you!  Come on out the day after Thanksgiving and celebrate the holiday season with us!

• Aid Station #1 water/Tailwind Mile 2.2
• Aid Station #2 Gels/ Water Mile 4.3
• Aid Station #3 water/Tailwind Mile 5.3
• Aid Station #1 water/Tailwind Mile 8.1
• Aid Station #2 Gels/ Water Mile 10.2
• Aid Station #3 water/Tailwind Mile 11.2

This is a course map on Strava. Half Marathoners complete two loops of this course.  You can view the course and elevation, as well as download a GPX file from this link to use with your running watch.

Start:  11:00 AM - Half Marathon AND 7.5 Mile Start

Course Closes:  2:30 PM (If a half marathon runner has fallen far off-pace by the second lap, they may be pulled off the course by event staff)

Course Limit:  3.5 hours

Race Records

Testimonials from Past Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon & 7.5 Mile Participants

"That was BY FAR the best trail conditions I think I’ve ever had at Proud Lake.  The DNR deserves a huge bunch of kudos for how clear things were AND the big rocks being marked! Wow!  As always, the Trivium team delivered a fantastic event!" - Matt M., 2025

"The venue was outstanding, the course was clearly marked, the starting time was perfect and everyone was so friendly." - Cassandra M

"The course is very well marked and the pre/post race is very well organized." - Danny H

"Beautiful course, things were well organized, and thankfully the weather was spectacular." - Jerry H

"Cool shirts, great weather, nice trails, and great food + drinks afterward!" - John R

Want to share your race review? Email Megan at megan@triviumracing.com.

Black Toenail Friday offers a referral refund program. This is a fun & easy way to get your friends, teammates, family, or coworkers to sign up to race with you.  Bonus:  You get a little money back on your registration fee!

Referral Incentives:

• 7.5 Mile Participants: Refer 5 people who sign up to race and you get a $15 race registration refund
• Half Marathon Participants: Refer 5 people who sign up to race and you get a $20 race registration refund

How does this work?

Share your specific referral code link that came in your original registration confirmation email.  Once you get the above-mentioned people to register using your code, you'll get your registration refund. Start sharing your link today!

You can also locate your personal referral link by clicking this link for instructions.

Those wishing to race in the ruck category must provide their own pack/vest and weight. Ruckers and their packs/vests will both be pre-weighed 20 minutes prior to the race at the starting line.

• Ruckers Under 150lbs must have a pack/vest with 20 lbs
• Ruckers Over 150lbs must have a pack/vest with 30 lbs

Additional Rules:

• Ruck weight must be on the athlete at all times.
• No specific pack is required.
• Ruck weight may be a combination of the pack and the weight.
• Ruck weight may not be consumable

If you would like more information about rucking, click here.

Early Packet Pickup

TBA

Race Day - Friday, November 27th

Proud Lake State Rec Area

2928 Glengary Rd, Commerce Charter Twp, Michigan 48382

• 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM - Packet Pickup
• 10:45 AM - Pre-race Meeting at the start line
• 11:00 AM - Half Marathon AND 7.5 Mile Start
• Around 1:00 PM - 7.5 - Mile awards
• Around 2:00 PM - Half Marathon Awards
• 2:30 PM - Race Cut-off Time (If a half marathon runner has fallen far off-pace by the second lap, they may be pulled off the course by event staff)

Both the Half Marathon and 7.5 Mile events will be chip timed by Trivium Racing. Overall awards will be based on gun time and Age Group awards will be based on chip time. 

• Finisher medals to everyone who completes the trail half marathon and 7.5 miler.
• Awards for top three overall males, females and non-binary in the Half Marathon and 7.5 Mile event
• Awards for top three males and females in the following age groups in both races– 14 & 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; 75-79; 80+
• Virtual participants will not be eligible for awards.
• Awards not picked up on race day will be subject to a $10 shipping fee. Awards will only be mailed 2 weeks from the event date.

To complete your virtual race and receive your finisher medal and shirt, follow these steps:

1. Run your half marathon or 7.5 mile race at a place and time of your choosing
2. Track your time with a watch or fitness app 
3. Report your time here by clicking "Submit Virtual Results". Results can be submitted anytime between November 1st and November 28th

Once all results are submitted, shirts and finisher medals will be mailed out within 10 days after race day. Please double check that your mailing address is correct on your registration by race day! No packets will be available after December 9th. 

Virtual participants are not eligible for awards. An extra charge will be applied for international shipping. Contact us if you need a quote for international shipping.

Any changes to virtual on or after race day will be subject a shipping charge.

Regular Registration

• Custom Black Toenail Friday long-sleeved shirt
  • Shirt size is not guaranteed within 2 weeks of race day.
  • Shirt size availability is visible when registering.   
• Finishers Medal
  • This race is part of the Mega Medal series.  All medals will connect to make one giant Mega Medal!
• Awesome post-race food and drinks
• Chip Timing and Live Results by Trivium Racing
• A chance to win awesome Overall and Age Group awards
• Points toward the Trivium Southeast Michigan Running Series & Club Competition
• The greatest excuse to not be out shopping all day!

Race hoodie: Hoodies are available as an upgrade for $20.

Pricing of hoodies has gone up and availability has gone down. Instead of upping the price of the event we decided to include a long-sleeved race shirt with registration, but give registrants the choice to upgrade to a hoodie.

The last day to order a hoodie as an add-on is October 30 by midnight!  If you're upgrading to a hoodie from a long sleeve shirt you'll still see that option.  You'll see available sizes during registration.  Any extra inventory will be available for purchase on race day.  (See below for more info on the hoodies and design)

Economy Registration

• Custom Black Toenail Friday Shirt
• Custom Black Toenail Friday Finishers Medal
• Awesome post-race food and drinks
• Chip Timing and Live Results by Trivium Racing
• A chance to win awesome Overall and Age Group awards
• Points toward the Trivium Southeast Michigan Running Series
• The greatest excuse to not be out shopping all day

Virtual Registration

• Custom Black Toenail Friday long-sleeved shirt.
  • Hoodies are available as an upgrade for $20. Pricing of hoodies has gone up and availability has gone down. Instead of upping the price of the event we decided to include a long-sleeved race shirt with registration but give registrants the choice to upgrade to a hoodie.
• Finishers Medal: This race is part of the Mega Medal series!  All medals will connect to make one giant Mega Medal!

Black Toenail Friday is part of the Trivium Racing Michigan Mega Medal Series.  Medals from six 2026 races connect magnetically to form one epic Mega Medal.

This race takes place during hunting season.  Hunters will be warned in the weeks leading up to the race that runners will be coming through.  The park has stated that, while they are not concerned (trails are still open to hikers and runners during hunting season and hunters are always aware of this), runners may want to wear bright colors for additional visibility.