Dune Dash benefits Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
By Jennifer Symons
Sun contributor
You know a race is going to be special when it is a unique distance. Mostly we see 5Ks and 10Ks, but you don’t see too many 4-Mile races around. Fortunately for us, the Dune Dash 4-Mile Run/Walk is not only unique in distance, but in many other aspects as well.
This sixth annual event takes place on August 19 at 9 a.m., and starts and ends at the Sleeping Bear Dune Climb. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to compete this event. The course takes participants through D.H. Day Campground and out to Glen Haven. Athletes then turn around and come back the way they came.
The name “Dune Dash” may have you thinking that you ascend the Dune Climb as part of the course, but that is not true. This course takes place on a paved, flat trail and is known for being “flat and fast.” It is a great course to truly test your speed. Pushing yourself to full-speed might be slightly challenging for those used to crushing 5Ks. This race is a perfect opportunity to do a speed workout that is slightly longer than the traditional 5K speed workout.
For those not interested in intense speed, this scenic course is perfect to take at a slower pace or walk. Winding past the dunes and through forests, every step of this course is stunning. Toward Glen Haven you can start to catch views of Lake Michigan before fully seeing it near the turnaround. And if you’re lucky enough, maybe a camper will toss you a s’more as you pass through. This is also a stroller-friendly course. In fact, this course is ideal for those who want to take it slow and enjoy the beauty.
After the race, you’re surrounded by the majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Head up the Dune Climb if you don’t think the race gave you a good enough workout. Or head over to the Glen Lakes for a refreshing post-race swim. Lake Michigan is nearby as well, of course. My advice? Dip in Little Glen Lake, then head up Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and have lunch on Picnic Mountain. This is the perfect way to enjoy the day after the race.
All of the proceeds from this race benefit the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Currently, the trail is 27 miles long and travels from Good Harbor Beach at County Road 651 to Manning Road, south of Empire. The entire trail is 10 feet wide and has two-foot shoulders in order to accommodate all who wish to use it, no matter their ability or activity of choice. This non-motorized trail is used and maintained year-round. Friends of Sleeping Bear’s website has an amazing interactive map that is also mobile-friendly. The map shows where restrooms are, good parking areas, percent grades, and more. The map even allows users to select a season if they want to preview predicted conditions. It is a great project to support and all proceeds go toward further construction and maintenance of the path.
Packet pickup takes place on August 18, from 5-7 p.m. at The Filling Station Microbrewery in Traverse City. You can also pick up your packet the day of the race near the start. I certainly advise picking them up at The Filling Station, however, as there is no better pre-race (and post-race!) meal than pizza and beer. Registration fees are $30 for adults, $20 for teens, and $15 for kids. Medals are given out to the top three finishers in each age group.
Sponsors include The Filling Station, The TART Trails, Allen Kent Photography (so you know the photos will be amazing), and many more. Check out the Dune Dash’s website, www.DuneDash.com, for photos from years’ past to get a great idea of what to expect during this race. The full list of sponsors is also available on the website. Be sure to stop by some of the amazing places listed to support our local businesses. Volunteers are also still needed for this event. Duties include helping with packet pickup, water station aids, course marshals, and food tent workers.
Keep in mind that a National Park pass is required to park within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This can be purchased the day of the event or in advance. Come on out on Aug. 19 to support a great cause and family friendly race. You know you can’t pass up the opportunity to run in “the Most Beautiful Place in America.”
