FAQs

Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K – Frequently Asked Questions

General Race Information

When is the race?

The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K will take place on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Where is the race located?

The races showcases the beauty of Michigan's Thumb in the late Fall!

Marathon: Starts in Caseville and finishes in downtown Port Austin
Half Marathon: Starts in Sleeper State Park and finishes in downtown Port Austin
5K: A loop course through downtown Port Austin, finishing at the same line as the Marathon and Half

Who produces the race?

The event is co-produced by the Rock CF Foundation and Trivium Racing.

Course & Certification

Is the course certified?

Yes. The Half Marathon course is USATF-certified and the Marathon course is in the certification process.

Is the Marathon a Boston Qualifier?

Yes! The Rock CF Thumb Coast Marathon is a Boston Qualifier.

What is the course like?

All races are flat, fast, and fully paved, making them perfect for PR attempts or first-timers.

Will there be pacers?

Yes. Beast Pacing will provide pacers for both the Marathon and Half Marathon, covering a wide range of finish times.

Registration & Pricing

How do I register?

When do prices increase?

2025 price increases have concluded.

Is there a referral program?

Yes! Share your unique referral link (found in your confirmation email). When 5 people register with your link, you’ll earn a $20 refund. (Valid for Marathon, Half, and 5K registrations.) More details can be read here.

Can I switch distances?

Yes! You can transfer from the Half to the 5K or Marathon to Half, etc., through your RunSignup account. Any difference in registration fees will apply. Instructions on how to transfer. You might not be able to switch shuttles to the start line if the shuttle is full.

Packet Pickup

When and where can I pick up my race bib?

You have several options!

Saturday, November 1 from 12-7 pm at the Port Austin Welcome Center
Sunday, November 2 at your race's start line
- Marathon: 6:00-7:45 am
- Half Marathon: 6:00-8:15 am
- 5K: 6:30-8:45 am

Race Day Logistics

What time does the race start?

Marathon: 8:00 am
Half Marathon: 8:30 am
5K: 9:00 am

How do I get to the start line?

Pre-race shuttle information for Marathon and Half Marathon runners can be found here. There are no post-race shuttles back to Caseville or Sleeper State Park.

Is there a time limit?

Marathon: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm (6 hours)
Half Marathon: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm (5.5 hours)
5K: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (5 hours)

Swag & Awards

What swag do participants receive?

All runners with regular registration will receive:

A cozy participant crewneck sweatshirt with the Rock CF Thumb Marathon logo
A custom brass-plated finisher medal with antique finish (3.25” tall, 5mm thick)
Race-day support, including fully stocked aid stations
Marathon and Half Marathon pacers
Chip timing by Trivium Racing
Post-race food and drinks
Race photography

Is there Economy Registration?

Yes! You can skip the sweatshirt and medal and save some cash.

Is there additional merchandise I can purchase?

Yes! Additional swag is available for purchase, including a winter hat, buff, t-shirt, and coffee mug. These can be added during registration or through your RunSignup account.

Will there be awards?

Yes. Overall and Age Group awards will be presented in each distance. More details can be found here.

Community & Cause

Who does the race benefit?

proceeds benefit the Rock CF Foundation, a local Michigan organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis.

Volunteering

Can I volunteer for the race?

Absolutely! We are looking for course marshals, aid station volunteers, set-up/tear-down crews, and medal distributors. Volunteer perks will be announced closer to race weekend. You can learn more and register to volunteer here.

Contact

Still have questions?

Email us at cathi@triviumracing.com or visit the official registration page:
https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/PortAustin/TheRockCFThumbCoastMarathonHalfMarathonAndK