On the last Saturday of July each year, the City of Manistee, Michigan hosts hundreds of runners in the Run the Pier Festival. This festival offers a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon option for runners and is one of the best ways to celebrate the middle of summer.
I ran the full marathon for the first time this year and have already marked my calendar for race registration opening for the 2026 event. Manistee, Michigan is located on the western side of Michigan and is about a 4-5 hour drive from Chicago, depending on the Indiana/Illinois border traffic that is completely unpredictable.
Other than the border traffic, the drive was quick, easy, and fun as it took us through several small towns and beautiful scenery along Lake Michigan. We arrived Friday afternoon, just in time to grab my race packet and have a quick dinner.
Staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites – Manistee Waterfront proved to be the ideal way to relax before the marathon. Conveniently, packet pick up was held right at the hotel, making it perfect for runners arriving later on Friday.
The hotel itself was exceptional, situated just off the highway and steps away from First Street Beach along the Manistee lakeshore. The beach offered soft sand and clear water, creating a relaxing environment. Additional amenities included a bar, live music, and a firepit overlooking the beach, allowing guests to fully enjoy the summer atmosphere. Downtown Manistee was just a mile away; after checking in, we headed there for dinner.
We enjoyed a great meal at North Channel Brewing Company. Since we waited about an hour for a table, I’d recommend making reservations if you plan to dine downtown. Fortunately, the wait provided an opportunity to explore the local shops and absorb the charm of downtown Manistee.
After a restful night, I set out early for the marathon’s 7am start. The walk from the hotel to the start line was about a mile and a half—a smooth, easy route to begin the day. Staggered race starts ensured runners had plenty of space on the course. The marathon began promptly at 7am, with cloudy skies and high humidity as we navigated through the city, out onto Manistee’s north pier, and around the iconic lighthouse—a memorable way to begin.
The race then followed the lakeshore for the remainder of the 26.2 miles, using an out-and-back format with a few side trail extensions. The course included some challenging hills during the middle miles, but the most significant obstacle was the humidity. About an hour into the race, clouds parted and a light sprinkle provided some relief, followed by heavier rain in the second hour. When the rain stopped and the sun emerged, the humidity intensified, making the final ten miles particularly tough. Despite the weather, the course was well marked and beautiful, showcasing the splendid scenery of Western Michigan and the lakefront.
Finishing back at the same park, I was able to grab snacks and rehydrate before ending my day. Every runner received a short-sleeve t-shirt and a finishers medal.
This summer racing festival is one I highly recommend. Registration opens January 19, 2026, with affordable rates for all race distances. Mark your calendars and consider joining me in Manistee next July!