One of Michigan’s “most interesting races” is coming back to the Saugatuck/Douglas area this Saturday, Sept. 12 for its 16th year in a row. The Mount Baldhead Challenge intimidates many runners, seasoned and amateur alike, by offering a map full of city street running, scenic trail routes, and a staggering climb up 302 wooden steps to the top of Mount Baldhead.
This sounds like a daunting task, but it’s for a good cause. The Challenge is a fundraiser for charities sponsored by the Saugatuck-Douglas Rotary Club. Some of those charities include the Saugatuck High School Interact Club, which last winter sent nine students to the Dominican Republic to provide clean water and toilet facilities for needy families; a Saugatuck High School Senior of the Year Scholarship; the community’s annual Fourth of July celebration, Christian Neighbors’ holiday food baskets and more.
From now until Sept. 10th, a $30 fee gets you a place at the starting line for the 15k at Beery Field in Downtown Douglas. For those who want to run a few less miles, the 5k also starts at Beery Field and costs $25 to register. On Sept. 11 and the day of the race, Sept. 12, the fee goes up to $35 and $30 respectively. The 15k starts at 8 am this Saturday, with the 5k racers starting 15 minutes later.
– Caitlyn Burry
