If you’re running the Sleeping Bear Marathon this weekend, you’re most certainly in taper mode and making the final preparations for the race. You’ve logged the long runs, dialed in your nutrition plan, and have your time goal in place. If you live in northwestern lower Michigan you may have had a chance to preview parts of (or all of) the course. For those that aren’t so lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in America, here are three tips to give you a little edge on Sunday.
1. The Course Has Hills
While most of the marathon course is flat, there are several long-ish hills on the course. Save your legs by taking it easy on the downhills. By pounding down the backside of the hills in order to make up for the “lost” time on the climb, you run the risk of fatiguing your legs even more than if you just cruise down. Think like a ninja. Silent feet. If you’re really worried about the lost time that the uphills create, stride out a little bit on the flat portions where your legs won’t experience as much pounding compared to the downhills. The half marathon course omits much of the flat part of the marathon course, and, while there are plenty of flat spots, you should be ready for a few hills. Fortunately, both courses are filled with lots to look at (see #3).
2. The Course Is Very Spectator Friendly
The Sleeping Bear Marathon & Half Marathon isn’t a gargantuan big city race, like the Chicago Marathon (drawing over 40,000 runners). At least not yet. This means that it’s fairly easy for friends and family to see you at various spots along the course. We’ve even put together a suggested fan route with particularly nice spots to spectate (read: plenty of parking, coffee shops, nice views). Be sure to check out Leelanau Coffee Roasters in Glen Arbor. 
Click image to enlarge
3. Enjoy The Scenery
One of the reasons we love this race so much is that the scenery is second to none. The hard work is over, and now is the time to enjoy the achievement of all of your preparation for this race. Yeah, you still have to run 13.1 or 26.2 miles on race day, but while you’re out on course, make sure to take a look around and soak up the majesty that the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore provides. Both the marathon and half marathon will pass the well-known dune climb, and Little Glen Lake. Marathoners will also get view of the D.H. Day barn for a mile or so, a spectacular view of Sleeping Bear Bay at the crest of M-109, and tranquil, tree-covered roads near the halfway point along the Crystal River.