Clark Lake Run - 51st Anniversary Celebration!
Welcome to the 51st running at beautiful Clark Lake! Join us to celebrate over half a century of road racing at this iconic location. The first run, held in 1976, featured a 7-mile course around the lake. In 1993, we expanded to include a 12K Run, 5K Run, 5K Walk, and a 3/4K Kids Run. This year, we are placing extra emphasis on the 12K event with added prize money.
Experience one of Michigan's premier summer events! You'll enjoy a scenic course that encircles the lake, offering gently rolling hills and breathtaking lakefront views. Our post-race party and award ceremony, held at the Beach Bar Patio on the shore of Clark Lake, is second to none. Proceeds from this event support the continued progress and maintenance of The Thomas R. Collins Memorial Spirit Trail.
Packet Pick Up & Registration:
- Friday, July 31st: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at the Beach Bar (3509 Ocean Beach Rd, Clark Lake)
- Race Day: 7:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Start Times:
- 8:30 AM: 12k Run
- 8:35 AM: 5k Run
- 8:36 AM: 5k Walk and Kids Fun Run
- 9:45 AM: Awards Ceremony
Pricing & Deadlines:
- Special New Year Pricing ($20): January 1st - January 15th (12k and 5k Entry Fee with Shirt)
- 12k and 5k Entry Fee with Shirt: $35 until July 26th, $40 after July 26th
- 12k and 5k Entry Fee without Shirt: $30 until July 26th, $35 after July 26th
- Kids 3/4K Fun Run Entry Fee with Shirt: $13 until July 26th, $15 after July 26th
- Kids 3/4K Fun Run Entry Fee without Shirt: $8 until July 26th, $10 after July 26th
Preregistration is highly encouraged! Fees increase, and shirt sizes are limited on race day. Online registration closes Thursday, July 30th at 11:59 PM. In-person registration is available Friday and race day morning.
Race Details & Awards:
- Timing: Professionally timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. Accurate chip times and places will be texted and posted online.
- Time Limit (12K): 90 minutes (12-minute pace). Participants unable to finish within 90 minutes should register for the 5K Run. No one under 12 is permitted in the 12K Run.
- Awards: Overall awards for top male and female finishers (Open and Masters 40+) in the 12K Run, 5K Run, and 5K Walk. Age group awards for top 3 in various categories for each event.
- Cash Awards (12K): Overall Male/Female: 1st $150, 2nd $125, 3rd $100, 4th $75, 5th $50. Masters Male/Female: 1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50, 4th $25, 5th $25. Course Record: $150. Age Group Record: $50.
- Cash Awards (5K): Course Record Male/Female: $100. Age Group Record Male/Female: $50.
- Note: No cash awards for participants under 18 or those with remaining college eligibility.
Policy: No dogs are permitted at this event, except for service animals, for the safety of participants and animals. Please see the full policy under Race Info.
Come join us for a continued celebration of this classic summer race - Run your best at Clark Lake 2026. An event that promises to deliver excitement and memories!