Are dogs allowed on the course?

Yes—dogs are welcome but must be leashed before and after the race and kept under control at all times.

What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be at least six years old to join the event.

How do I register or pay?

You can book via the FareHarbor referral link provided; check‑in also takes place at the Mt. Holiday lodge starting at 5:00 PM.

Is the course stroller‑friendly?

Some sections include roots, rocks, and short steep pitches; certain routes may not be suitable for strollers.

Is parking available?

Yes—parking is available on site at Mt. Holiday; arrive early on busy nights to secure a spot.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Trail conditions and routes may change due to weather; organizers reserve the right to modify or cancel the event and participants assume risks associated with outdoor recreation.

Thursday Night Trail Running Series at Mt. Holiday — 5K Runs, Tacos & Community in Traverse City

Mt. Holiday’s Thursday Night Trail Running Series brings late‑day energy to the hills above Traverse City, Michigan. Every summer Thursday, local runners and visitors gather at the Mt. Holiday lodge to race a new 5K loop through pine and northern hardwood forest, rolling glacial ridges, and root‑strewn singletrack before winding back to the T‑Bar for tacos, drinks, and giveaways. The scene is athletic and social: families, dogs on leash, walkers, and seasoned racers trade mile stories on trails that show off the region’s sandy loam soils and mixed conifer stands. The course rotates weekly, so each night reveals a different combination of climbs, fast descents, and quieter wooded sections that highlight small ravines and exposed bedrock outcrops typical of the Traverse City glacial landscape. Expect uneven footing, short steeps, and trail features like roots and rocks that demand attention rather than speed. The lodge and T‑Bar function as the community hub after the run — think bonfire‑adjacent conviviality with weekly awards and local giveaways that reward participation as much as finish times. This series is intentionally inclusive: check‑in starts inside the Mt. Holiday lodge at 5:00 PM, pre‑race announcements at 5:50, and a sharp 6:00 PM start. Minors six and up may participate; dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Parking is available on site. The organizers emphasize that the event is a relaxed community series, not a closed competitive course, so trail etiquette matters — yield appropriately, keep dogs under control, and respect other users. Practical notes: wear trail shoes, bring hydration, and arrive early to learn that night’s route. Hill Champion members enjoy special perks like free entry and beverages, but the series remains affordable and open to all comers. Weather can shift quickly in northern Michigan evenings; a light layer after the run keeps the social hour comfortable. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, introducing a kid to trails, or simply looking for a social way to spend a summer Thursday, Mt. Holiday’s Thursday Night Trail Running Series delivers a compact outdoor dose of speed, scenery, and community. For locals and visitors alike, it’s proof that Traverse City’s recreational life extends beyond the lakeshore — toward the hills where trails, tacos, and cold taps intersect. Mt. Holiday’s mix of short technical climbs and runnable flats makes it an ideal training ground for lake‑region athletes who want varied terrain within minutes of downtown Traverse City. The lodge and T‑Bar have become a rare after‑run gathering spot where local outdoor businesses, volunteers, and runners mingle, reinforcing a community ethic that supports trail care and programming. Come for the timed miles, stay for the tacos and conversations — this is summer trail culture at scale, tuned to northern Michigan’s pace.

Thursday Night Trail Running Series at Mt. Holiday — 5K Runs, Tacos & Community in Traverse City

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