Marathon Details - North Country Trail Run

North America Marathons > USA > MI > Wellston > North Country Trail Run

North Country Trail Run & 50 Mile Ultra, 50K Ultra, Half Marathon

Wellston, MI USA

August 24, 2024

http://www.northcountrytrailrun.com

More Info:	News
Results:	2023 \| 2022 \| 2021 \| 2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2012 \| 2011 \| 2010 \| 2009 \| 2008 \| 2007 \| 2006 \| 2005 \| 2004 \| 2003 \| 2002 \| 2001 \| 2000 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	Beth McGregor
Address:	PO Box 1212 Grand Rapids, MI 49501
Phone Number:	888-891-7203
Email:	Email the organizers



Become a Verified Race, and stand out from the crowd. We feature a blue check next to verified races on our calendar, and feature your race on the Verified Races section of the website.	Get Verified Now



Getting ready for this event? Get a personalized adaptive training plan and 1:1 coach assistance.	Get Your Plan

Reviews

Course 4.8

Organization 4.3

Spectators 3.9

Write a review

Number of comments: 49 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

H. M. from Michigan (12/4/2023) "WAS a great race, then a new social media dictator" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 North Country Trail Runs COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 I loved this race, I supported it, me turned to others how much I loved it. However in 2023 they got a new manager of social media, this individual has deemed her power to block anyone who has a negative comment of the race. I posted about the sleeveless hoodie, wasn't pleased with that choice, asked if it was an ordering error. She blocked me from the Facebook page (and blocked me from seeing any race photos from 2023), then responded snarky to Instagram, telling me there are other races I can run instead. So just be aware, you can only shower the Facebook with praise or risk getting blocked. They cut down this year, 1 meal ticket was given to those running 2 days, 1 swag item for double racers (used to be 2...2 races, 2 shirts).
James Hamitlon from Howell MI (8/29/2021) "For those who like a challenge" (about: 2021) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Definitely one of the most challenging runs I have ever done. More hills on this run than I ever thought existed. This run takes you through miles of forest with little open fields. Very peaceful and beautiful terrain with one and two track trails. After a few miles the crowd thins to only a few people. I was alone out there at several times. Some roots and rocks but far less than other trails I have been on. The finisher medal was the largest I have earned, being the third largest in the nation. There was also lots of cool swag. The team put on a great race despite having major setbacks from the 2020 run being cancelled. The volunteers were fantastic. There was a major thunderstorm that rolled thru the night before. This was very difficult for them as most of them camped out overnight to ensure there was a good set up the day of. Spectators were plentiful at points of access but due to the limited access points, there were only a few points they could cheer us on. The Aid stations had plenty of food and hydration but there were only three of them on the course. I suspect it was because of a tight budget from the 2020 cancelation and the storms that came thru the night before. I wish there would have been one between mile 13 and 23, ten miles is a long way to go without any assistance. I nearly passed out about 100 meters from the aid station at mile 23. Post-race was cool, food was good, beer was great and there were plenty of people cheering us on at the end. Only negative thing I can say was the website had some errors on it. The dates were not correctly updated in a few spots. Also, you have to stay on them. I almost missed out as they did not receive my originally email stating I wanted my race deferred to 2021 as 2020 was cancelled. They also deferred to my original registration. I had changed t-shirt size and they still had me listed as my age from the year before.
J. R. from Virginia (8/22/2016) "A bucket list race for trail runners" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is true single track running ... only without a lot of pain and agony of falling on rocks or other impediments. This has what must be the best trail surface I have run on, either hard pack sand or soft pine/leaf covered. Minimal rocks, but does have roots ... which against the white sand was usually easy to see. The RD for the race is awesome. This is a true runners race. Despite thunder, lightning and heavy downpours, Chris Nicholas, managed to put on a safe and fun event. The volunteers were unbelievable, cheering on each runner as they came into the aid station, providing lots of food with it being provided in eatable portions. And, the medals, post race party and general overall goodies were awesome. Really love the sweatshirt and the shirt. The only negative on the entire race is that the maps are wrong and it caused confusion coming into the finish since most of our Garmins are wrong because of the loss of GPS signal.
Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan (8/28/2015) "Never Again!" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a difficult race to get into. I tried to register last year, but it was too late, and I was turned away. But Beth put me on the list for 2015. Earlier this year, my original attempt to register and pay failed. But we got it figured out in time, and my registration was successful. This is one of several marathon events that use the North Country Trail for a marathon course. They seem to typically be hilly and also seem to have trip hazards in roots and a few medium sized stones too. The start-line is a park in the Manistee National Forest. It was not far off of state highway M-55. Check-in Friday afternoon was a breeze but you had to look up your number first, because all the volunteer lists were in numerical order. We got a polyester T-shirt, an event water glass, and a ball cap. One mile down the road was a community camp. There was a small cottage and a huge tract of grassy land behind it, and I would guess there were some 50 camps/tents set up (we were directed there by the marathon officials). It was free to camp there, there was a community bon-fire, and there was a free pasta dinner. I never understood how it was all paid for, but guy from Muskegon, named Mark, came over and invited me to join them to eat. It was a good time, and there was an enormous amount of food; dessert too. By 4:30 in the morning, cars were already starting to leave for the staging area in the park. The 50-miler started at 6:15. It was still dark, and many runners had head lamps (which they needed for the first hour or so). Around 7:10, the marathon started. The course was a 1.1 mile loop that came back by the start/finish line area, then a 24 mile loop in the Manistee National Forest, then at the end we did the 1.1 mile loop again to get to 26.2. It was well thought out, and briefed to the runners adequately. When we started, just past 7 a.m., it was light out, but appeared overcast. But it did not matter. This course was in the woods. Still, later on sunbeams were peeking through the trees. It was a heavily wooded course and very well shaded. This was a pretty rugged course. Lots of hills, lots of roots, a few medium sized stones, some soft sand, but mostly hard-packed (it had rained during the week, packing down much of the trail). The course was extremely well marked. It would have been difficult to have gotten off the trail or lost. Chris and his team just did a superb job laying this out. Also, there were aid stations about every 4 to 5 miles. That is a bit long, but it worked out fine, and they were stocked like a pantry. The stations had an abundance of food: gel, chips, cookies, sandwich quarters, salty snack mix, several kinds of fruit: oranges, bananas, blueberries, watermelon, et al. And fluids too: Coke, Gatorade, water, even soup. And the friendliest volunteers! Then at the finish line they had burgers and an array of other food there too, including red potatoes, pasta, baked beans, more salty snack mix, Granola bars, and cheese cake. If you wonder why I said Never Again it is because I fell more times on this course than all of my previous 73 marathons put together. But if you can pick your feet up a little higher that I was doing, go for it! This is a great marathon event. It has lots to offer, it is a great course - and a beautiful one too, you will get a large medal, and you wont leave hungry after the race. Chris, his staff, and volunteers did an awesome job on this event.
C. T. from Michigan (8/25/2015) "Great Trail Race" (about: 2015) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was only my second trail marathon and let me just start by saying the course was difficult but doable, the race was planned to a T, the volunteers were knowledgeable and caring, the medal, the medal, did I say the medal is awesome and will be on my wall until I get the next one!!
Stephanie Kapanowski from Detroit, MI (8/25/2015) "Best trail race in Northern Michigan!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you are looking for a challenging course, super swag and the biggest medals you have ever seen, then look no further! I have ran the ultra (50 miles) and have volunteered. North Country Ultra/Marathon/Half is, hands down, the most well organized trail event. The course provides you with beautiful single track trails with plenty of challenging climbs and descents. The aide stations are fully stocked with anything you may need. The race director is a rock star. He seriously caters to each and every runners needs/wants/requests. When you finish this difficult course, there is a DJ at the finish line, you receive your results printed out right as you cross and will be given the biggest medal ever! They are huge. Then there is the post-race food. burgers, veggie burgers (my personal fave), brats, coleslaw, corn on the cob, desserts, etc... The atmosphere is one where you will want to pop open a camp chair and relax while watching other runners finish. If you have not ran North Country before, I highly suggest that you do!!
D. S. from Michigan (9/8/2014) "Best Trail Race in Michigan!" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I've run a few trail races across Michigan, and if I'm wrong about this claim, I will point to how quickly this race caps out from year to year. I ran the 50-miler (my first) which is double the marathon course. I was apprehensive about the type of trail but rest-assured, you will find the course shaded, with soft-footing and ideal single track trail running. Yes, the second half is a bit more erratic and hilly, but there are long stretches in the first half that have an almost Jurassic feel; running through pine forests with tall fern undergrowth. The aid stations (approx. 3-miles apart) were well stocked with everything from cups of chicken noodle soup, to various snacks/fruits and even almonds and blueberries. The ultra, marathon and half-marathons were staged well enough not to interfere with each other. The swag (shirt, hat, sweatshirt, mason jar and giant finish medal) is also a big plus, as well as the post race BBQ/meal (& beer). I was impressed this year with the support the race provided thru to the last ultra runner who finished well after dark. My only improvement suggestion would be to identify the drop-bag station (and transport area) better because several of the volunteers were not sure. Otherwise, this race is well worth the drive up to Wellston, Michigan!
Tim Whitmire from Charlotte, N.C. (9/10/2012) "Well-organized & -supported race for the hard-core" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my second 50-mile race and it was no joke. The weather turned up unseasonably hot, with temperatures in the low 90s for much of the race; many of the ultra runners dropped out after the first of two 25-mile loops. Motivated by knocking another state off my 50+DC quest, I struggled through the second loop to finish. The organizers go out of their way to provide special swag for those who register early and a distinctive medal for finishers, which is appreciated. The aid stations were well-stocked and well-staffed and the volunteers were awesome motivators (particular thanks are due to the young woman at Mile 38 who talked me out of DNFing). The Michigan woods are lovely, but I wouldn't characterize the scenery or vistas as particularly distinctive. The trail itself is mostly single-track, has a lot of up-and-down and is often sandy (worth noting if all your training experience is on hard-packed trails). And don't forget your bug spray. In terms of accommodations, many people camped near the start line. The nearest hotels/lodges are about 30-45 minutes from the course, in either Manistee or Cadillac. This is a well-run smaller race for those who like a challenge and the dedicated trail runners among us. My recommendations (also emailed to the RD) would be to post a topo/elevation profile on the website, do a better job of publicizing how sandy the trail is in places and consider staggering the half-, full and ultramarathon starts differently to avoid congestion among runners on the trail. I know the race has grown significantly in recent years and my sense was that they would benefit from spacing runners a little better in future years if they're going to keep the field at its current size.
M. B. from Hudsonville MI (9/5/2012) "Great Race, Lots of Swag" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is really a well put on race, i believe i paid $75 for my entry and recieved well more than that in value. The good Register early and get a free jacket, and shorts The aid stations were well stocked The food at the finish was awesome, only in these types of races do you get fed so well The finisher medal was huge The not so good... Ran out of water at the second to last aid station.. with as much work as they put into this event i doubt it will ever happen again
V. D. from Omaha, NE (8/27/2012) "Well Supported Trail Run in Northern Michigan" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is a trail race. It has a lot of hills, about 2250' of both elevation ascent and descent per loop. It's a single track sand trail through the Manistee National Forest, with a lot of roots, but no rocks, mud, or stream crossings. The course is almost entirely tree covered so you are out of the direct sunlight. Good organization, 7 aid stations per loop, and they were well stocked. Great volunteers. Really only a couple of good spots for spectators though. It was a nice race, just too hot this year. The after race party is really great with a ton of food and drink including beer, hamburgers, chips, beans, pie, etc. Great swag for this race. The medal this year was about 7' in diameter and weighed about a pound, perhaps even too big for my taste, since it doesn't fit in with the rest of my medals, but it was 100% USA crafted so that's neat. Overall, this is a really nice race. Just know what you're getting into with the terrain.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

Become an Advertiser

H. M. from Michigan (12/4/2023) "WAS a great race, then a new social media dictator" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 North Country Trail Runs COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 I loved this race, I supported it, me turned to others how much I loved it. However in 2023 they got a new manager of social media, this individual has deemed her power to block anyone who has a negative comment of the race. I posted about the sleeveless hoodie, wasn't pleased with that choice, asked if it was an ordering error. She blocked me from the Facebook page (and blocked me from seeing any race photos from 2023), then responded snarky to Instagram, telling me there are other races I can run instead. So just be aware, you can only shower the Facebook with praise or risk getting blocked. They cut down this year, 1 meal ticket was given to those running 2 days, 1 swag item for double racers (used to be 2...2 races, 2 shirts).
James Hamitlon from Howell MI (8/29/2021) "For those who like a challenge" (about: 2021) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Definitely one of the most challenging runs I have ever done. More hills on this run than I ever thought existed. This run takes you through miles of forest with little open fields. Very peaceful and beautiful terrain with one and two track trails. After a few miles the crowd thins to only a few people. I was alone out there at several times. Some roots and rocks but far less than other trails I have been on. The finisher medal was the largest I have earned, being the third largest in the nation. There was also lots of cool swag. The team put on a great race despite having major setbacks from the 2020 run being cancelled. The volunteers were fantastic. There was a major thunderstorm that rolled thru the night before. This was very difficult for them as most of them camped out overnight to ensure there was a good set up the day of. Spectators were plentiful at points of access but due to the limited access points, there were only a few points they could cheer us on. The Aid stations had plenty of food and hydration but there were only three of them on the course. I suspect it was because of a tight budget from the 2020 cancelation and the storms that came thru the night before. I wish there would have been one between mile 13 and 23, ten miles is a long way to go without any assistance. I nearly passed out about 100 meters from the aid station at mile 23. Post-race was cool, food was good, beer was great and there were plenty of people cheering us on at the end. Only negative thing I can say was the website had some errors on it. The dates were not correctly updated in a few spots. Also, you have to stay on them. I almost missed out as they did not receive my originally email stating I wanted my race deferred to 2021 as 2020 was cancelled. They also deferred to my original registration. I had changed t-shirt size and they still had me listed as my age from the year before.
J. R. from Virginia (8/22/2016) "A bucket list race for trail runners" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is true single track running ... only without a lot of pain and agony of falling on rocks or other impediments. This has what must be the best trail surface I have run on, either hard pack sand or soft pine/leaf covered. Minimal rocks, but does have roots ... which against the white sand was usually easy to see. The RD for the race is awesome. This is a true runners race. Despite thunder, lightning and heavy downpours, Chris Nicholas, managed to put on a safe and fun event. The volunteers were unbelievable, cheering on each runner as they came into the aid station, providing lots of food with it being provided in eatable portions. And, the medals, post race party and general overall goodies were awesome. Really love the sweatshirt and the shirt. The only negative on the entire race is that the maps are wrong and it caused confusion coming into the finish since most of our Garmins are wrong because of the loss of GPS signal.
Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan (8/28/2015) "Never Again!" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a difficult race to get into. I tried to register last year, but it was too late, and I was turned away. But Beth put me on the list for 2015. Earlier this year, my original attempt to register and pay failed. But we got it figured out in time, and my registration was successful. This is one of several marathon events that use the North Country Trail for a marathon course. They seem to typically be hilly and also seem to have trip hazards in roots and a few medium sized stones too. The start-line is a park in the Manistee National Forest. It was not far off of state highway M-55. Check-in Friday afternoon was a breeze but you had to look up your number first, because all the volunteer lists were in numerical order. We got a polyester T-shirt, an event water glass, and a ball cap. One mile down the road was a community camp. There was a small cottage and a huge tract of grassy land behind it, and I would guess there were some 50 camps/tents set up (we were directed there by the marathon officials). It was free to camp there, there was a community bon-fire, and there was a free pasta dinner. I never understood how it was all paid for, but guy from Muskegon, named Mark, came over and invited me to join them to eat. It was a good time, and there was an enormous amount of food; dessert too. By 4:30 in the morning, cars were already starting to leave for the staging area in the park. The 50-miler started at 6:15. It was still dark, and many runners had head lamps (which they needed for the first hour or so). Around 7:10, the marathon started. The course was a 1.1 mile loop that came back by the start/finish line area, then a 24 mile loop in the Manistee National Forest, then at the end we did the 1.1 mile loop again to get to 26.2. It was well thought out, and briefed to the runners adequately. When we started, just past 7 a.m., it was light out, but appeared overcast. But it did not matter. This course was in the woods. Still, later on sunbeams were peeking through the trees. It was a heavily wooded course and very well shaded. This was a pretty rugged course. Lots of hills, lots of roots, a few medium sized stones, some soft sand, but mostly hard-packed (it had rained during the week, packing down much of the trail). The course was extremely well marked. It would have been difficult to have gotten off the trail or lost. Chris and his team just did a superb job laying this out. Also, there were aid stations about every 4 to 5 miles. That is a bit long, but it worked out fine, and they were stocked like a pantry. The stations had an abundance of food: gel, chips, cookies, sandwich quarters, salty snack mix, several kinds of fruit: oranges, bananas, blueberries, watermelon, et al. And fluids too: Coke, Gatorade, water, even soup. And the friendliest volunteers! Then at the finish line they had burgers and an array of other food there too, including red potatoes, pasta, baked beans, more salty snack mix, Granola bars, and cheese cake. If you wonder why I said Never Again it is because I fell more times on this course than all of my previous 73 marathons put together. But if you can pick your feet up a little higher that I was doing, go for it! This is a great marathon event. It has lots to offer, it is a great course - and a beautiful one too, you will get a large medal, and you wont leave hungry after the race. Chris, his staff, and volunteers did an awesome job on this event.
C. T. from Michigan (8/25/2015) "Great Trail Race" (about: 2015) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was only my second trail marathon and let me just start by saying the course was difficult but doable, the race was planned to a T, the volunteers were knowledgeable and caring, the medal, the medal, did I say the medal is awesome and will be on my wall until I get the next one!!
Stephanie Kapanowski from Detroit, MI (8/25/2015) "Best trail race in Northern Michigan!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you are looking for a challenging course, super swag and the biggest medals you have ever seen, then look no further! I have ran the ultra (50 miles) and have volunteered. North Country Ultra/Marathon/Half is, hands down, the most well organized trail event. The course provides you with beautiful single track trails with plenty of challenging climbs and descents. The aide stations are fully stocked with anything you may need. The race director is a rock star. He seriously caters to each and every runners needs/wants/requests. When you finish this difficult course, there is a DJ at the finish line, you receive your results printed out right as you cross and will be given the biggest medal ever! They are huge. Then there is the post-race food. burgers, veggie burgers (my personal fave), brats, coleslaw, corn on the cob, desserts, etc... The atmosphere is one where you will want to pop open a camp chair and relax while watching other runners finish. If you have not ran North Country before, I highly suggest that you do!!
D. S. from Michigan (9/8/2014) "Best Trail Race in Michigan!" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I've run a few trail races across Michigan, and if I'm wrong about this claim, I will point to how quickly this race caps out from year to year. I ran the 50-miler (my first) which is double the marathon course. I was apprehensive about the type of trail but rest-assured, you will find the course shaded, with soft-footing and ideal single track trail running. Yes, the second half is a bit more erratic and hilly, but there are long stretches in the first half that have an almost Jurassic feel; running through pine forests with tall fern undergrowth. The aid stations (approx. 3-miles apart) were well stocked with everything from cups of chicken noodle soup, to various snacks/fruits and even almonds and blueberries. The ultra, marathon and half-marathons were staged well enough not to interfere with each other. The swag (shirt, hat, sweatshirt, mason jar and giant finish medal) is also a big plus, as well as the post race BBQ/meal (& beer). I was impressed this year with the support the race provided thru to the last ultra runner who finished well after dark. My only improvement suggestion would be to identify the drop-bag station (and transport area) better because several of the volunteers were not sure. Otherwise, this race is well worth the drive up to Wellston, Michigan!
Tim Whitmire from Charlotte, N.C. (9/10/2012) "Well-organized & -supported race for the hard-core" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my second 50-mile race and it was no joke. The weather turned up unseasonably hot, with temperatures in the low 90s for much of the race; many of the ultra runners dropped out after the first of two 25-mile loops. Motivated by knocking another state off my 50+DC quest, I struggled through the second loop to finish. The organizers go out of their way to provide special swag for those who register early and a distinctive medal for finishers, which is appreciated. The aid stations were well-stocked and well-staffed and the volunteers were awesome motivators (particular thanks are due to the young woman at Mile 38 who talked me out of DNFing). The Michigan woods are lovely, but I wouldn't characterize the scenery or vistas as particularly distinctive. The trail itself is mostly single-track, has a lot of up-and-down and is often sandy (worth noting if all your training experience is on hard-packed trails). And don't forget your bug spray. In terms of accommodations, many people camped near the start line. The nearest hotels/lodges are about 30-45 minutes from the course, in either Manistee or Cadillac. This is a well-run smaller race for those who like a challenge and the dedicated trail runners among us. My recommendations (also emailed to the RD) would be to post a topo/elevation profile on the website, do a better job of publicizing how sandy the trail is in places and consider staggering the half-, full and ultramarathon starts differently to avoid congestion among runners on the trail. I know the race has grown significantly in recent years and my sense was that they would benefit from spacing runners a little better in future years if they're going to keep the field at its current size.
M. B. from Hudsonville MI (9/5/2012) "Great Race, Lots of Swag" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is really a well put on race, i believe i paid $75 for my entry and recieved well more than that in value. The good Register early and get a free jacket, and shorts The aid stations were well stocked The food at the finish was awesome, only in these types of races do you get fed so well The finisher medal was huge The not so good... Ran out of water at the second to last aid station.. with as much work as they put into this event i doubt it will ever happen again
V. D. from Omaha, NE (8/27/2012) "Well Supported Trail Run in Northern Michigan" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 North Country Trail Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is a trail race. It has a lot of hills, about 2250' of both elevation ascent and descent per loop. It's a single track sand trail through the Manistee National Forest, with a lot of roots, but no rocks, mud, or stream crossings. The course is almost entirely tree covered so you are out of the direct sunlight. Good organization, 7 aid stations per loop, and they were well stocked. Great volunteers. Really only a couple of good spots for spectators though. It was a nice race, just too hot this year. The after race party is really great with a ton of food and drink including beer, hamburgers, chips, beans, pie, etc. Great swag for this race. The medal this year was about 7' in diameter and weighed about a pound, perhaps even too big for my taste, since it doesn't fit in with the rest of my medals, but it was 100% USA crafted so that's neat. Overall, this is a really nice race. Just know what you're getting into with the terrain.

Become a better runner

Marathon Details - North Country Trail Run