Run/walk this 5-K event taking place on one of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's most beautiful trails and help preserve Sleeping Bear Dunes' historical farmsteads at the same time. The Bayview Trail takes you through the beautiful scenery of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a National Park just 30 miles west of Traverse City.
Runners are offered a unique tour of the Port Oneida Rural Historic District which is one of the most prized historic landscapes in the country! The course meanders through the pastoral landscape of farmsteads from the late 1800s nestled among the hills, and along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Time Schedule
Saturday, September 4th 9:00 am at Charles Olsen Farm in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Pick up packets 7:30 to 8:45
5k Trail run 9:00 am Kids Schoolhouse Dash After 5 k
Age Groups
19 and under
20-39 40 +
Post-Race Celebration We'll have some good food after the run!
Awards
Unique custom-made plaque awards will be given out after the race:
1st overall men and women
1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards for all three age groups, male and female. Kids Schoolhouse Dash all participants receive the popular Cherry Republic sour patches! Winner gets a gift certificate for Cherry Republic ice cream!
Prizes We'll be drawing names for some great prizes! (Be sure to fill out the form the day of the race.) You could win an early 19th century farm dinner for 8, paintings of Port Oneida farmsteads, books, harvest baskets of produce, gift certificates and much more!
Course Description Runners will start at the historic Charles Olsen Farm with the ringing of the farm bell. Taking the Low Trail west through the open meadows, crossing Thoreson Road to the fields of the Werner barn, will eventually lead you to the High Trail. True to its name, this trail launches with the steepest climb of the day, and then follows the ridge above Thoreson farmstead offering up picturesque views along the way. Check out the Thoreson farmstead and understand why these early settlers picked this quintessential location to build their homestead.
It then descends to the Bayview Trailhead and then climbs to the bluffs of Lake Michigan. Treat yourself to a peek of the lake through the trees, and inhale the Lake Michigan breeze before your descent, emerging at the Miller farmstead. Here you can see the old majestic barn and the few old sturdy apple trees that have survived the test of time. The trail crosses the pasture to follow the edge of the cool forest, until the historic schoolhouse and Kelderhouse Farm appear on your left over the crest. A curve to the right at the base of the hill brings you to the home stretch. Look down the trail to the Olsen barn where the finish line awaits.
NO STROLLERS WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE TRAIL. The finish line closes at 11 am.
Kids Schoolhouse Dash Dash from the Olsen barn to the schoolhouse on the Bayview trail—less than 1 mile.
Registration
On-line registration
Day of Race
5K Barn to Barn Trail Run/Walk Additional $10 donation to pre-registration fee Kids Schoolhouse Dash Free
Packet pickup 7:30-8:45 on the morning of September 4th in the red barn. Registration is on-line before September 4th with electronic payment, or you can download a form and send in your check.
Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. For information call 231-334-6103 or email phsb@leelanau.com.
A benefit to save the historic structures and landscapes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Directions
The Charles Olsen farmstead is at 3164 W. Harbor Hwy (M-22).
From the west: Go about 3 miles northeast of Glen Arbor. The white farmhouse and big red barn are on the left.
From the east: Take M-22 toward Glen Arbor. Pass Wheeler, Basch and Port Oneida Rd. Just past Port Oneida road is the Olsen farmhouse and barn on the right.
Sign out front says Charles Olsen and Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear.
Parking entrance is just to the west of the house and barn. For map and directions click here [link ]
Area Lodging This area is a tourist destination. Labor Day weekend will bring many visitors. Make your lodging reservations early. For your convenience here is a list of area hotels.
Lakeshore Inn – Glen Arbor 231-334-3773 The Homestead Resort – Glen Arbor 231-334-5000
Foothills – Maple City 231-334-3495
Maple Lane Resort – Empire 231-326-3413
Lakeshore Inn – Empire 231-326-5145
Glen Arbor B & B – Glen Arbor 231-334-6789
Sylvan Inn B & B – Glen Arbor 231-334-4333
D.H. Day Campground – Glen Arbor 231-877-444-6777 or nps.gov/slbe
Platte River Campground – Honor 231-877-444-6777 or nps.gov/slbe
Water bottles The first 125 registrants will receive a free 20 oz. aluminum waterbottle with carabineer. Others can be purchased the day of the race until they are gone first come, first serve. Sorry, but waterbottles will not be sent to those who do not show up.
To volunteer at the event email phsb@leelanau.com
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