Port Oneida Run supports Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear
Photo by Barry Ransick
From staff reports
The 12th annual Port Oneida Run—an event of the National Park’s nonprofit partner Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear—will take place on Saturday, August 3. The run starts and ends at the big red barn and lawn area at the Olsen Farm/Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center, (3164 W. Harbor Hwy, Maple City, MI.) just four miles north of Glen Arbor.
It is the only race that winds through the beautiful scenery of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s Port Oneida Rural Historic District. With its historic farms and barns, Port Oneida is hailed as one of the most prized historic landscapes in the country and should be on every runner’s bucket list.
Registrants can choose from four courses this year. The Half Marathon loops through hilly trails, dirt/gravel roads, and pavement. The cost is $90 through Aug. 1 and $110 on race day. The 10K is also a loop combination of trail running, gravel back roads, and pavement. The cost is $60 through Aug. 1 and $75 on race day. The popular Flat and Fast 5K route is out and back on the Heritage Trail and Basch Road in Port Oneida. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome on the 5K. The cost is $35 through Aug. 1 and $45 on race day.
For kids ages 9 and under, the Kids Schoolhouse Dash is a 1/4 mile round trip to the historic Port Oneida schoolhouse and back. Registration is $10 through Aug. 3. $15 on race day.
All races have a wave start with professional chip timing. Post-race celebrations include race awards and food. Afterwards, participants can take a swim on the beautiful Lake Michigan beaches down the road in Port Oneida. Spectators can bring a blanket and enjoy the festivities.
Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit community organization that partners with the park to preserve, maintain, and interpret historic structures and landscapes to ensure that Great Lakes history is protected and accessible to the public. Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is celebrating its 25th year.
