48th Annual Big Bay Relay
Be a Part of U.P. History
What makes The Big Bay Relay different from any other relay? It is the Upper Peninsula’s most esteemed and historic race relay event. Join the Noquemanon Trail Network in celebrating the 48th annual Big Bay Relay kicking off at the Kaufman Sports Complex Saturday, May 16th 2026!
The relay welcomes runners of all levels and we cannot wait to see what creative team names our runners come up with for the 2026 race! Teams are composed of five runners for adults and up to seven for youth teams. The relay spans the twenty-six mile stretch of Marquette’s historic 550 Big Bay Road and the finish line is in Draver Park in Big Bay.
In spring of 1972, Marquette held its first Big Bay Relay coordinated by Race Director Karen Kunkle and her husband Jack. The first race brought only ten relay teams and has grown to include over fifty teams in the past several years.
If you are an elite runner who wants to compete, or a group of friends that want to try something adventurous, this picturesque relay is for you. For 48 years the Big Bay Relay has been uniting community members, families and friends, and we want you to be a part of this year’s race! It’s all about having fun, being with friends and family while celebrating where we live and recreate.
For further details or to register for the 2026 race, visit us at, https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Marquette/BigBayRelay today.
Registration fees are $195 per team until May 8th and $215 May 9th until May 13th.
Registration divisions include five person all-female, all-male, or mixed teams and seven person junior division teams. Included is a “Team Spirit” award for the team that goes above and beyond. This year all proceeds benefit the Big BayPathway/Trails. If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions please contact Marcia Gonstead at (906)345-0149, or by e-mail at bigbayrelay@gmail.com.
Marcia Gonstead
8267 County Road Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: 906.345.0149