Beat the Sunset in Caseville, Michigan!
Michigan’s Thumb is full of quiet roads, big skies, and unexpected beauty—and the 2026 Thumb Coast Ultra & Relay is your chance to run from one Great Lake to another.
On Saturday, April 25, take on a point-to-point 50 Mile from Lake Huron in Harbor Beach to Saginaw Bay in Caseville, a fast and scenic 50K out-and-back, or rally your crew for the 50 Mile Relay and chase the sun across the Thumb. Can you beat sunset to the finish?
This route follows mostly flat dirt roads through open farmland and lakeshore views, with generous cutoff times and fully stocked aid stations. It’s an ideal challenge for beginners going long for the first time, seasoned vets chasing a PR, or teams ready to take on 50 miles together. Whether you’re running, rucking, or relaying—this is your spring adventure.
Additional awards for 50 Mile finishers who “beat the sun.”
Let’s go coast to coast—Thumb-style.
Join Our Volunteer Crew
Not racing in 2026 but still want to be part of the adventure?
Join the crew that makes it all happen—become a volunteer at the 3rd Annual Thumb Coast Ultra & Relay!
Click below to learn more, sign up, and be an essential part of the action.
View Volunteer Opportunities
Thumb Coast Ultra 50 Mile
Thumb Coast Ultra 50 Kilometer
50 Mile Relay
50 Mile Ruck
50 Mile & 50 Mile Relay Course
The 50 Mile course is point-to-point, starting at sunrise in Harbor Beach, Michigan and finishing on the beach at Caseville County Park. The course consists of ~85% dirt roads, 10% paved roads, and 5% unimproved park roads (think gnarlier and sandier than dirt roads). With ~500' elevation gain it's a gorgeous, fast course!
Learn more and view the course on Strava:
50 Mile Course Details50K Course
The 50K course is an out-and-back course, starting and finishing on the beach at Caseville County Park. This course uses mostly unimproved and gravel roads. With ~220' of elevation gain it's a fun, fast race!
Learn more and view the course on Strava:
50K Course DetailsWhat's Included in Registration?
- Custom Thumb Coast Ultra Jacket
- Thumb Coast Ultra Bumper Sticker
- Reusable 8 oz Silicone Race Cup
- 2026 Finisher's Medal
- Race Photography
- Post race food and drinks (cook to order breakfast)
- Aid stations well stocked with water, Tailwind, gels, and real food
Race Swag Aid Station Chart
Race Weekend Schedule
Friday, April 24, 2026: Early Packet Pickup
Thumb Brewery*
6758 Pine St, Caseville, MI 48725
2-7 pm
* Confirming 2026 location as of 7/10/25
Saturday, April 25, 2026: Race Day
- 50 Mile Ultra & Relay Start: 6:31 am EST in Harbor Beach, MI (Sunrise)
- 50K Start: 8:30 AM in Caseville, MI
- 50 Mile Cutoff for the Special "I Beat the Sun" Award: 8:29 pm EST Caseville, MI (Sunset)
- 50 Mile and 50K Courses Close: 9:30 pm EST
Full Event Schedule
Start & Finish Line Locations
Click the links below for Google map locations for the start/finish lines.
Start Line for 50 Mile: Harbor Beach
Start/Finish Line for 50K and 50 Mile Finish Line: Caseville County Park
Official Training TWB Plans
Official Thumb Coast Ultra & Relay training plans are $35 for Ultramarathon plans (20 weeks in length) and $25 for Relay plans (12 weeks in length). All plans are designed by Team Wicked Bonkproof (TWB)'s Coach Caleb & team. Learn more at the link below.
Training Plans2025 Finisher's Medal
2026 Medal and Jacket Designs Coming Soon
2025 Jacket
