Key keywords: Bayshore Marathon 2026, Traverse City Track Club (TCTC), Northern Michigan road races, marathon training cohorts, Boston Marathon qualifier, youth running outreach, charity race partnerships, Lake Michigan shoreline course The Traverse City Track Club, one of Northern Michigan’s largest and longest-running amateur running organizations, officially launched its 2026 Bayshore Marathon preparation efforts this week, drawing hundreds of local runners and out-of-state participants eager to sign up for the region’s most iconic road race. First held in 1983, the Bayshore Marathon has long been recognized as one of the most scenic race courses in the Midwest, winding along 26.2 miles of flat, paved Lake Michigan shoreline, with panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay for nearly the entire route. Its fast, low-elevation profile has also made it a top Boston Marathon qualifier for runners across the country, with more than 22% of 2024 finishers hitting the time standard required for the world’s most prestigious marathon. This year, TCTC is rolling out expanded training programs open to runners of all skill levels, from first-time marathoners to elite competitive athletes. The 16-week training cohorts will meet weekly for group runs, provide customized pacing plans, offer access to sports nutrition workshops and physical therapy consultations, and include pre-race shakeout runs and post-race recovery events for registered participants. TCTC has also announced new partnerships with 12 local nonprofits, allowing runners to raise funds for area food banks, youth mentorship programs, and environmental conservation efforts while training for the race. The club is also expanding its youth running outreach program, offering free 10K training sessions for local middle and high school students, with waived race fees for program participants who complete the full training cycle. Registration for the 2026 Bayshore Marathon, half marathon, and 10K fun run opened on October 1, and TCTC reports that 45% of available slots have already been claimed, an 18% increase from the same point in the 2024 race registration cycle. Race organizers note that out-of-state participants make up 62% of current registrants, with many traveling from as far as California, Texas, and New York to run the Grand Traverse Bay course. TCTC race director Sarah Jenkins noted in a press briefing that the club is also investing $120,000 in course improvements for 2026, including additional water stations, expanded medical support points, accessible viewing areas for spectators with disabilities, and a new post-race festival featuring local food vendors, live music, and free activities for families. "The Bayshore Marathon isn’t just a race—it’s a community tradition that brings thousands of people to Traverse City every year, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses," Jenkins said. "We’re focused on making the 2026 edition the most inclusive, accessible, and memorable race we’ve ever hosted, whether you’re running to qualify for Boston, cross your first marathon finish line, or just have fun with friends." TCTC will host a free information session for interested runners on November 12 at the Traverse City Community Center, where attendees can meet training coaches, ask questions about the race course, and sign up for training cohorts on site.