Bayshore Marathon: Elevation Profile, Course Map & Pace Calculator
A USATF-certified out-and-back along the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay in northern Michigan, fully paved and shaded for much of the route. Genuinely flat and fast — a quiet alternative to bigger races for runners chasing a BQ. Capped at 2,000 entries and sells out quickly every year.
The Bayshore Marathon is fast, with only modest elevation change — rated 2/5 on our difficulty scale. Over the official 42.195 km (26.2 mi) the course gains about 350 ft (110 m) and loses 350 ft (110 m), with roughly level start to finish. Grade-adjusted pace says the toughest stretch arrives at kilometre 28 (near mile 17.5), demanding about 3% more effort than the same distance on flat ground.
Course stats
| Distance | 26.2 mi (42.195 km) |
|---|---|
| Location | Traverse City, MI, USA |
| Total ascent | 350 ft (110 m) |
| Total descent | 350 ft (110 m) |
| Net elevation | +0 ft (+0 m) |
| Steepest grade | 2.3% |
| Difficulty | 2/5 |
| Field size | ≈2,000 runners |
| Race day | Fourth Saturday of May |
Mile-by-mile splits (grade-adjusted)
Grade-adjusted (GAP) splits for a 4:00:00 finish, computed from the course's elevation profile with the Minetti gradient-cost model: uphill miles get more time, downhills less, at even effort. Splits scale proportionally for any other goal time — the interactive pace calculator on this page computes them exactly.
| Mile | GAP pace /mi | GAP pace /km | Elev Δ | Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9:06 | 5:40 | -5 ft (-1 m) | 9:06 |
| 2 | 9:03 | 5:37 | -11 ft (-3 m) | 18:09 |
| 3 | 9:13 | 5:43 | +6 ft (+2 m) | 27:22 |
| 4 | 9:08 | 5:41 | -1 ft (0 m) | 36:30 |
| 5 | 9:07 | 5:40 | -3 ft (-1 m) | 45:37 |
| 6 | 9:09 | 5:41 | -1 ft (0 m) | 54:46 |
| 7 | 9:13 | 5:43 | +6 ft (+2 m) | 1:03:59 |
| 8 | 9:09 | 5:41 | -1 ft (0 m) | 1:13:07 |
| 9 | 9:03 | 5:37 | -12 ft (-4 m) | 1:22:10 |
| 10 | 9:14 | 5:44 | +8 ft (+3 m) | 1:31:24 |
| 11 | 9:08 | 5:40 | -3 ft (-1 m) | 1:40:32 |
| 12 | 9:14 | 5:44 | +7 ft (+2 m) | 1:49:45 |
| 13 | 9:09 | 5:41 | +1 ft (0 m) | 1:58:54 |
| 14 | 9:11 | 5:42 | +3 ft (+1 m) | 2:08:05 |
| 15 | 9:10 | 5:41 | 0 ft (0 m) | 2:17:15 |
| 16 | 9:08 | 5:41 | -2 ft (-1 m) | 2:26:23 |
| 17 | 9:08 | 5:41 | -2 ft (-1 m) | 2:35:31 |
| 18 | 9:13 | 5:43 | +5 ft (+2 m) | 2:44:43 |
| 19 | 9:04 | 5:38 | -9 ft (-3 m) | 2:53:48 |
| 20 | 9:08 | 5:40 | -2 ft (-1 m) | 3:02:55 |
| 21 | 9:12 | 5:43 | +5 ft (+1 m) | 3:12:07 |
| 22 | 9:10 | 5:41 | +1 ft (0 m) | 3:21:16 |
| 23 | 9:10 | 5:42 | +2 ft (0 m) | 3:30:26 |
| 24 | 9:12 | 5:43 | +6 ft (+2 m) | 3:39:39 |
| 25 | 9:05 | 5:39 | -8 ft (-2 m) | 3:48:44 |
| 26 | 9:15 | 5:45 | +11 ft (+3 m) | 3:57:59 |
| 26.2 | 9:14 | 5:44 | +2 ft (+1 m) | 4:00:00 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bayshore Marathon flat or hilly?
The Bayshore Marathon is fast, with only modest elevation change (2/5 difficulty). Total ascent is about 350 ft (110 m) over 26.2 miles.
How much elevation gain does the Bayshore Marathon have?
About 350 ft (110 m) of total ascent and 350 ft (110 m) of descent, for a net change of +0 ft (0 m). Figures come from a digital elevation model, so very flat courses can read 20–30 ft high.
What is the hardest part of the Bayshore Marathon course?
Kilometre 28 (near mile 17.5) is the toughest split on the course by grade-adjusted effort. Grade-adjusted pace puts it at roughly 3% more effort than flat running.
When is the Bayshore Marathon?
The Bayshore Marathon is typically held on the fourth Saturday of May. The next edition is expected around May 22, 2027. Confirm the exact date on the official race website.
How many runners take part in the Bayshore Marathon?
The field is roughly 2,000 runners.
What pace do I need to run the Bayshore Marathon in my goal time?
At an even pace: 3:00:00 needs 6:52/mi (4:16/km); 3:30:00 needs 8:01/mi (4:59/km); 4:00:00 needs 9:09/mi (5:41/km); 4:30:00 needs 10:18/mi (6:24/km); 5:00:00 needs 11:27/mi (7:07/km); 5:30:00 needs 12:35/mi (7:49/km). On this course, grade-adjusted pacing shifts a few seconds per mile between uphill and downhill splits — the pace calculator on this page computes those splits for any goal time.
Plan your Traverse City race
Marathons with a similar profile
- Toronto Marathon — 380 ft (120 m) ascent
- Chevron Houston Marathon — 270 ft (80 m) ascent
- Mesa Marathon — 260 ft (80 m) ascent
- Honolulu Marathon — 440 ft (140 m) ascent
Official race site: https://www.bayshoremarathon.org