Winning design will be worn by thousands of runners at the 2027 Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K
(TRAVERSE CITY, MI – October 28, 2026) – The Traverse City Track Club (TCTC) is inviting artists, designers, runners, and creative community members to help celebrate 45 years of the Bayshore Marathon through a special T-shirt design contest.
The winning design will be featured on the official 2027 Bayshore participant shirt, worn by runners in all three events: the Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K.
“For 45 years, Bayshore has brought runners together to experience the beauty of Northern Michigan and the excitement of race day,” said Lindsay McLaughlin, TCTC Executive Director. “We wanted to celebrate this milestone by inviting our community to be part of the race’s history in a creative and meaningful way. We can’t wait to see how people capture the spirit of Bayshore through their designs.”
The contest is open to individuals age 18 and older, regardless of residency, artistic experience, or previous participation in Bayshore. Entrants are encouraged to draw inspiration from Grand Traverse Bay, Old Mission Peninsula, the running community, and the history and traditions that have made Bayshore a beloved Northern Michigan event.
Submissions must be original artwork suitable for printing on the official Brooks participant shirt. Designs should celebrate Bayshore’s 45th anniversary and represent all three race distances.
Submissions are open now through November 15, 2026.
A TCTC selection committee will review submissions and select three to five finalists. The public will then have an opportunity to vote for their favorite designs November 20–24, with the winning design expected to be announced around November 30.
The winning designer will receive two complimentary entries into an eligible 2027 Bayshore event, a Traverse City prize package, and recognition as the official 2027 Bayshore T-shirt designer.
“This is an opportunity for someone to create something that runners will wear long after they cross the finish line,” added McLaughlin. “We’re excited to see both the creativity and the community enthusiasm this contest brings to our 45th anniversary celebration.”
Contest details, official rules, and the submission form are available at www.bayshoremarathon.org/shirtcontest.
About the Traverse City Track Club
The Traverse City Track Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting running, walking, and healthy lifestyles throughout the Grand Traverse region. Through races, community events, and charitable giving, TCTC supports an active and connected running community. Its signature event, the Bayshore Marathon, celebrates its 45th running in 2027.