06/18/2026
Run the Pier Newsletter â 38 Days to Go!
38 days to go! RTP is July 25th 2026!
Are you as excited as I am?
The countdown is officially on, and preparations for this year's Run the Pier Summer Running Festival are coming together quickly. T-shirts are being ordered today, our finisher and overall winner medals have arrived, and fuel and hydration supplies for our aid stations will be ordered this week. Everything is falling into place, and we can't wait to welcome you to the starting line.
Pop-Up Registration Meet-Up
If you haven't registered yet, I'll be hosting a Pop-Up Registration Meet-Up at The Outsider on Saturday, June 27th from 12:00 PM â 3:00 PM.
I'll be available to answer any questions you may have about race day, course details, training, parking, or logistics. I'll also have course maps and STRAVA routes available for review.
Even if you're already registered, stop by and say hello if you're in the area. It's a great opportunity to meet your race directors, connect with fellow runners, and enjoy lunch at one of Manistee's favorite restaurants.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Events like this wouldn't be possible without the support of our incredible sponsors. Please join me in thanking:
Watson Motors, The Outsider, Hampton Inn & Suites, Blarney Castle Oil, TerraVest Tanks, Snyder's Shoes, Roaming Restrooms, Waters Edge Dentistry, TJ's Pub, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, Boyer Agency, Filer Credit Union, Wesco, Callesen Wealth Management, Linke's Body Shop, Manistee Tire, Reau Wealth Management, and Lakeshore Construction.
Your support helps make this event possible and creates an unforgettable experience for our participants.
Returning Participants & First-Timers
If you've participated in Run the Pier before and are signed up again this yearâwelcome back!
If this is your first Run the Pierâwelcome! You're going to love it.
No matter which event you've chosen, you'll experience a course designed for both speed and beauty. From breathtaking views along Lake Michigan to the iconic pier and lighthouse, this course showcases some of the best scenery Northern Michigan has to offer.
And don't forget about Base Camp. Expect high energy, great music, positive vibes, food vendors, and a community of runners all working toward the same goalâcrossing that finish line.
A Special Course Experience
One exciting addition this year will be live music along the course.
Members of the Manistee High School Band and the Manistee Community Band will be stationed near the Lighthouse Roundabout and the North Pier access by the Coast Guard Station, playing live music as participants make their way toward the iconic North Pier Lighthouse.
Whether you're chasing a personal best, running your first race, or simply soaking in the experience, the energy from these talented musicians will make an already memorable section of the course even more special. As you head out toward the lighthouse with Lake Michigan beside you and live music filling the air, you'll experience one of the most unique moments of the entire event.
It's just one more way we're working to create an unforgettable atmosphere for every participant and spectator.
Food & Vendors
We're excited to welcome some fantastic vendors to Base Camp this year:
Urban's Cock-A-Doodle-Doo â Breakfast burritos in the morning and lunch options throughout the day.
Mimi's Taco Trailer â Authentic Mexican cuisine.
Ohana Shave Ice â If you've never added ice cream to your shave ice, this is your year to try it.
Five Five Coffee â The only coffee I drink at home. Every participant will receive one free cup, and they'll be serving throughout the day.
Snyder's Shoes
Our friends at Snyder's Shoes will be onsite providing participants with Stinger products, samples, and other goodies. They may also have a unique prize in store for some of our top finishers, so stay tuned for more details.
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup is currently planned for Friday, July 24th at Base Camp. The exact time is still being finalized, and we'll share those details as soon as they're confirmed.
Keep Training
There's plenty more to share in the coming weeks, but for now, keep putting in the work. Stay consistent with your training, stay hydrated, and remember to enjoy the process.
Race day will be here before you know it.
I can't wait to see each of you cross that finish line.
See you at the Pier!
JB