Event Completed
Loop The Lake official race logo - running event in Traverse City, Michigan
DATE:
TIME:
LOCATION:
Traverse City, Michigan
DISTANCES:
3 Events: 8 Miles, 8 Miles, 4 Miles

About Loop The Lake

About the Event:
Come celebrate the Boardman Lake Loop Trail! The Traverse City Track Club presents Loop The Lake, a 4-mile, 8-mile, and 2-person relay trail race around Boardman Lake, just south of downtown Traverse City. The race will follow the Boardman Lake Loop Trail, which includes mostly pavement, as well as some gravel, bridges, and boardwalks.  

The 4 mile event is open to runners and walkers. The 8 mile event is recommended for runners only.

Course closes at 8pm sharp!

Distance:
4 miles Exactly! This race has been certified by the USATF.

The individual 8 mile and relay (2 people run 4 miles each - 1 at a time) will be slightly over 8 miles. 

Giveaway: 

Everyone receives a Loop The Lake Racetracker Technical Run-Dri Running Cap along with some snacks and beverages.

Awards:

The top 3 overall and top 3 masters (40+) for male and female in the 4-mile and 8-mile event will receive a custom plate hand-crafted at ClaySpacetc just down the road!

Age group top 3 (5-year age groups to 80 and up) for the 4-mile and 8-mile event will receive a custom clay Loop The Lake 2025 medal.

Relay awards for top male team, female team, coed team, masters* male team, masters* female team, and masters* coed team.

*Masters teams are a combined age of 100+

About the Course:   
The race will follow the Boardman Lake Loop Trail, starting and finishing in Hull Park on the north side of the lake. The east side is a heavily wooded segment featuring gentle curves and a mix of pavement, boardwalk, and some gravel surface. The southern end features two bridges over the Boardman/Ottway River and an extended boardwalk over the Boardman Lake Cove (pictured above). The west side is pavement, and the northern end features one bridge over the Boardman River. 

Check out the map here! We will be running in a clockwise direction.

The course will be open to the general public; however, the upcoming race will be heavily announced and signage provided for the public's awareness.  

Start Details:

The race will include a wave start at Hull Park.  Runners will be asked to line up according to their estimated finish time. 

Wave Starts:

We want to ensure a safe and great experience for all participants. We will utilize a wave start on an honor basis (participants will line up according to their expected finish time) to distribute runners and walkers on the trail. Volunteers will be on hand to help determine waves.

Parking:

Loop the Lake is an Urban Trail race. While there will not be parking available within Hull Park, there are many parking options nearby within walking distance, including multiple parking decks. Please do not park at any apartment complexes or within the Brick Wheels parking lot.

Packet Pickup:

Stay tuned for packet pickup information

Background:

"This beautiful and highly anticipated Loop is the product of meaningful, high-impact collaboration, years of support, gumption, and hard work from many facets of the community. Thanks to the passion and persistence of countless individuals and trail project partners, the Loop is now a reality and serves as the crown jewel and centerpiece of the TART Trails network. We are thrilled to share this monumental moment with the community" (TART Trails website).  

The Boardman Lake Trail is owned by the City of Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, and Garfield Township. TART Trails works with the City, County, and Township to support the development and maintenance of the trail.

 

Loop The LakeAbout the Event:Come celebrate the Boardman Lake Loop Trail! The Traverse City Track Club presents Loop The Lake, a 4-mile, 8-mile, and 2-person relay trail race around Boardman Lake, just south of downtown Traverse City. The race will follow the Boardman Lake Loop Trail, which includes mostly pavement, as well as some gravel, bridges, and boardwalks.   The 4 mile event is open to runners and walkers. The 8 mile event is recommended for runners only. Course closes at 8pm sharp! Distance:4 miles Exactly! This race has been certified by the USATF. The individual 8 mile and relay (2 people run 4 miles each - 1 at a time) will be slightly over 8 miles.  Giveaway:  Everyone receives a Loop The Lake Racetracker Technical Run-Dri Running Cap along with some snacks and beverages. Awards: The top 3 overall and top 3 masters (40+) for male and female in the 4-mile and 8-mile event will receive a custom plate hand-crafted at ClaySpacetc just down the road! Age group top 3 (5-year age groups to 80 and up) for the 4-mile and 8-mile event will receive a custom clay Loop The Lake 2025 medal. Relay awards for top male team, female team, coed team, masters* male team, masters* female team, and masters* coed team. *Masters teams are a combined age of 100+ About the Course:   The race will follow the Boardman Lake Loop Trail, starting and finishing in Hull Park on the north side of the lake. The east side is a heavily wooded segment featuring gentle curves and a mix of pavement, boardwalk, and some gravel surface. The southern end features two bridges over the Boardman/Ottway River and an extended boardwalk over the Boardman Lake Cove (pictured above). The west side is pavement, and the northern end features one bridge over the Boardman River.  Check out the map here! We will be running in a clockwise direction. The course will be open to the general public; however, the upcoming race will be heavily announced and signage provided for the public's awareness.   Start Details: The race will include a wave start at Hull Park.  Runners will be asked to line up according to their estimated finish time.  Wave Starts: We want to ensure a safe and great experience for all participants. We will utilize a wave start on an honor basis (participants will line up according to their expected finish time) to distribute runners and walkers on the trail. Volunteers will be on hand to help determine waves. Parking: Loop the Lake is an Urban Trail race. While there will not be parking available within Hull Park, there are many parking options nearby within walking distance, including multiple parking decks. Please do not park at any apartment complexes or within the Brick Wheels parking lot. Packet Pickup: Stay tuned for packet pickup information Background: "This beautiful and highly anticipated Loop is the product of meaningful, high-impact collaboration, years of support, gumption, and hard work from many facets of the community. Thanks to the passion and persistence of countless individuals and trail project partners, the Loop is now a reality and serves as the crown jewel and centerpiece of the TART Trails network. We are thrilled to share this monumental moment with the community" (TART Trails website).   The Boardman Lake Trail is owned by the City of Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, and Garfield Township. TART Trails works with the City, County, and Township to support the development and maintenance of the trail.  
Traverse City, MI

Race Events & Distances

Choose from 4 race distances available for Loop The Lake in Traverse City, MI. Registration includes timing, finisher medals, and post-race refreshments.

Pre-Race Yoga

Start Time
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Traverse City, MI
Traverse CityMI
Loop The Lake Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about Pre-Race Yoga

How long is the Pre-Race Yoga?
The Pre-Race Yoga covers Distance varies.
What time does the Pre-Race Yoga start?
The Pre-Race Yoga starts at 5:00:00 PM.
Where is the Pre-Race Yoga located?
The Pre-Race Yoga takes place in Traverse City, MI.

8 Mile Run

8 Miles
Distance
8 Miles
Start Time
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Traverse City, MI
Traverse CityMI
Loop The Lake Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about 8 Mile Run

How long is the 8 Mile Run?
The 8 Mile Run covers 8 Miles.
What time does the 8 Mile Run start?
The 8 Mile Run starts at 6:00:00 PM.
Where is the 8 Mile Run located?
The 8 Mile Run takes place in Traverse City, MI.

2 Person Relay (4 Miles Each)

8 Miles
Distance
8 Miles
Start Time
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Traverse City, MI
Traverse CityMI
Loop The Lake Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about 2 Person Relay (4 Miles Each)

How long is the 2 Person Relay (4 Miles Each)?
The 2 Person Relay (4 Miles Each) covers 8 Miles.
What time does the 2 Person Relay (4 Miles Each) start?
The 2 Person Relay (4 Miles Each) starts at 6:00:00 PM.
Where is the 2 Person Relay (4 Miles Each) located?
The 2 Person Relay (4 Miles Each) takes place in Traverse City, MI.

4 Mile Run/Walk

4 Miles
Distance
4 Miles
Start Time
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Traverse City, MI
Traverse CityMI
Loop The Lake Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about 4 Mile Run/Walk

How long is the 4 Mile Run/Walk?
The 4 Mile Run/Walk covers 4 Miles.
What time does the 4 Mile Run/Walk start?
The 4 Mile Run/Walk starts at 6:15:00 PM.
Where is the 4 Mile Run/Walk located?
The 4 Mile Run/Walk takes place in Traverse City, MI.

Registration Information

Registration is typically available online until race day (subject to capacity). Early registration is recommended for guaranteed entry and potential early bird pricing. Check with race organizers for specific event details and included amenities.

Races Nearby in Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City Track Club Summer Series

Traverse City, MI

June 18, 2025

Last Dog Days of Summer Fun Run benefiting the Great Lakes Humane Society

Traverse City, MI

September 13, 2025

Northern Lights 5K Fun Run

Traverse City, MI

September 19, 2025

Blue Ribbon Run/Walk for ZERO Prostate Cancer

Traverse City, MI

September 21, 2025

Traverse City Trails Festival presented by Stone Hound Brewing

Traverse City, MI

September 27, 2025

Farmland 5K & Free for All Bike

Traverse City, MI

October 12, 2025

Zombie Run

Traverse City, MI

October 25, 2025

Iceman Cometh Challenge

Traverse City, MI

November 8, 2025

Up North Media Traverse City Turkey Trot

Traverse City, MI

November 27, 2025

TCTC Jingle Bell Run

Traverse City, MI

December 21, 2025

Frozen Foot Race

Traverse City, MI

January 17, 2026

50th Annual North American Vasa Festival of Races

Traverse City, MI

February 14, 2026

Leapin' Leprechaun

Traverse City, MI

March 14, 2026

Mud Sweat & Beers 2026 - The Sweet 16!

Traverse City, MI

April 10, 2026

Mari Vineyards Wine Run 5k

Traverse City, MI

April 12, 2026

Traverse City Trail Running Festival

Traverse City, MI

May 8, 2026

Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, & Kids Fun Run

Traverse City, MI

May 22, 2026

Great Lakes Cancer Foundation 5K

Traverse City, MI

July 25, 2026

Swim for Grand Traverse Bay

Traverse City, MI

August 8, 2026

More Than Four 5.04k

Traverse City, MI

September 19, 2026

Peace Ranch Wilderness 5K/10K Run

Traverse City, MI

September 19, 2026