Marathon Details - Grand Island Trail Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MI > Munising > Grand Island Trail Marathon

Grand Island Trail Marathon & 50K, Half Marathon

Munising, MI USA

July 27, 2024

http://www.greatlakesendurance.com

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Results:	2023 \| 2022 \| 2021 \| 2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2012 \| 2011 \| 2010 \| 2009 \| 2008 \| 2007 \| 2006 \| 2005 Top 3 Finishers by Year

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Name:	Jeff Crumbaugh
Address:	28 West St Clintonville, WI 54929
Phone Number:	715.701.0360
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 3.9

Spectators 2.8

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Number of comments: 71 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

J. Z. from Chicago, IL (8/3/2022) "Fantastic trail race!" (about: 2022) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I loved this marathon. It was my first trail marathon and it was fabulous. It is a bit bare bones- minimal crowds and just a few support staff. But, that was fabulous. I loved that the racers were all so supportive of one another. I loved that there was no mess made at the water stops. We stopped and they filled our water bottles and off we went. The course was BEAUTIFUL! I could gush on and on about the stunning clarity and beauty of Lake Superior. I appreciated that they had a shuttle bus to drop us off at the start. I had to wait a 1/2 hour for the bus and that made me a bit nervous. But, it was all good. We arrived in plenty of time to ride the ferry to the start. Oh- and the ferry ride was adorable! If you are looking for a fun trail marathon, I highly recommend this race!
David Weiss from Brookpark, Ohio (7/31/2021) "Absolutely memorable, unique enjoyable course." (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Absolutely enjoyable race. I'd recommend booking lodging well in advance. I booked white pine lodge in Christmas right up the road from Where the ferry takes you to the island for very reasonable cost booking 3-4 months in advance. Looked it up and lodging in the area way more expensive right before race. - packet pickup a breeze day before race. - enjoyed wonderful 'northern Michigan-centric food'. Whitefish and chips from the 'Captain Ron' food truck that were great, and of course a chicken pasty and an apple pasty. Delicious! - rain was in forecast but stayed away until late in race for me - shuttle pickup from the hotel great, and quick little ferry to island pre-sunrise was flawless - lots of talk about bugs, but mosquitoes weren't terrible, and a runner let me borrow some bug spray - liked having early start option - 57th marathon and I must say, it's the first time for me that we were literally yelled at by the race director-no joke, talking thru a bullhorn and every once in a while literally yelling thru bullhorn 'hey!!!! Listen to me!!!!' As he described things about the course. In his defense, he did preface by saying he hasn't slept all night and there had been issues w race signage getting messed with overnight; but it still was a bit unwelcoming-and something I have never seen in any of the previous 56 marathons across all 50 states that I've done.... I must say all was forgiven as far as I'm concerned w the beauty of the course and how much I enjoyed it. - Course was absolutely sublime. Highlights-mile 8 along beach, views along cliffs spectacular, blue Lake Superior is amazing, just a peaceful, gorgeous wilderness island. - got poured on last couple miles, but I didn't really care, and decided to embrace it and slog right thru giant puddles instead of running around them. - aid stations well stocked and didn't mind at all having to have my own hydration system And just refilling at the aid stations every 4 miles or so - course not tough on joints since you aren't running on concrete, have to be very aware w some areas w tree roots - loved getting to finish and going right over to go wade right in Lake Superior for an 'ice bath' lol - I was soaked anyway so went in shoes and all and it felt great - medal is unique, made of wood, but I must say, I thought it was flimsy and underwhelming - ferry back to mainland a breeze - had to wait for 45 min w other runners for shuttle back to hotels w fried legs not fun My complaints are minor. The majestic beauty of the nature/island and peace while running is alone enough to make this race well worth it, in my opinion. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
J. S. from Fargo ND (12/31/2018) "32 mile adventure" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great way to race off the grid. It's entirely on trails around a pristine island in a remote and beautiful part of the country. Most people won't have the chance to get up to this area much less run through it. Truly a unique adventure. Lake Superior is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. This is a chance to be surrounded by it. It rained the day I did it but that is part of this sport. It added to the challenge and was not a negative factor. It is a beautiful place to run rain or shine. The cliffs to the water were cool, so was the beach, and dense forest. Plus the boat ride to the island added to the experience. Organization, volunteers, spectators, community and other runners were all great. Thanks for making this a great adventure.
A. A. from Milwaukee (8/7/2017) "Tough Trail Race with Breathtaking Views" (about: 2017) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This course has some technically challenging passages and is a true trail run. There is one hell of an incline around mile 4 that had been rutted and washed out from heavy rain. This section was the worst for me but cool all the same. At one point you run along the beach, which is where my runners' high started kicking in. Beware of the mosquitos- they are vicious and determined. Wear multiple layers of bug spray or resort to rubbing mud on yourself mid run. Spectators can venture into the island or wait at the finish line and play in Lake Michigan. I would highly recommend this race for anyone who loves being outdoors.
E. W. from Mississippi (10/12/2016) "In my Top 5 favorites!" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This race is awesome. The island is amazing! Logistically, it was a bit anxiety-inducing, but they have everything planned nearly perfectly. Parking at the high school & taking the bus to the ferry was no problem. The ferry ride takes less than 10 minutes. The course is 99.9% trail (there's maybe 200 feet of sidewalk/boardwalk when you get on/off the beach). And running on the sliver (only a foot or so wide!) of a beach was an experience. Prepare to get wet. The trail circles the island and has spectacular views of Lake Superior and the UP in the distance, as well as a few other smaller islands. I didn't mind the 'no cup' water stations because I always run with my own bottle. Aid stations were well placed and stocked with essentials (& M&M's!) The finish line was feet from the ferry dock. Everyone took a dip in the crystal clear water. I ran this race with a friend to check of the state. After I'm done with 50 states, I plan to return to this area/island and possibly this race with my family! I never knew how beautiful the UP was! Definitely left an impression on me!
L. B. from Michigan (7/27/2016) "Awesome! Can't wait for next year!!!" (about: 2016) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Everything about this race is amazing!! The shuttle picked me and my family (and dog) up at the Holiday Inn Express and we watched the sun rise from the boat dock! When I got on the Island I didn't have to wait in line to use the toilet because there were plenty of porta johns. The race director gave pre-race instructions and I was off for my first Half Marathon! The volunteers at the aid stations were so friendly and helpful. I needed help with blisters and there was an EMT who helped me out with that. When I crossed the finish line there was a volunteer who printed off my time slip for me. I didn't win a glass medallion, but those who did were able to pick one out! There were so many choices!! The volunteers at the awards table were really nice. I like my wood medallion. Unlike other finisher medals, this one was made of wood and I could actually wear it around my neck! I loved the watermelon and bananas at the finish line aid station. The chocolate chunks were awesome. Finally! a trail race that has consideration for those of us who have celiac disease!! My family hiked along the trails and went swimming while they were waiting for me to finish the race. I was able to swim and hang out at the beach until we decided to take the ferry back to the mainland. The people running the ferry were helpful when I forgot my bag on the Island. They sent someone across to pick up my bag for me. We didn't have to wait long for the bus back to the Holiday Inn Express. I am definitely going to train to run the marathon next year and would recommend this race to trail runners. Running a race on an Island made me a little nervous, especially since I brought my family with me, but the people at packet pick up were very helpful and even helped out with questions my family had about what to do on the Island while I was running and places to explore in Munising when we got off the Island. I already booked my room at the Holiday Inn Express for next year!
M. K. from Delafield WI (7/23/2016) "Beautifully scenery SHOE STRING BUDGET!!!" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 To comment on comments below, hand blown medallions go to runners who place in their age group. Everyone else gets a super cheap wooden medallion hung with a piece of twine!!! For the $110 entry fee, I expect much more. At registration they hand you a bib and a t-shirt. No goody bag or even a BAG to place your bib and shirt in. I asked a volunteer about shuttle bus schedule and the ferry out to the island and they told me to go and read the instructions posted on the back wall. Very poor communication. The instructions stated that everyone should park at the local H.S. and take the shuttle over to the ferry dock. No one said that the shuttle would be for the RUNNERS ONLY. My mother waited for 45 minutes and no shuttle bus showed up. She called the ferry service and was informed there would be no shuttle service for spectators to the ferry dock. She was given permission to park at the dock when the instructions stated NOT TO PARK THERE. Trail was nice. You run in the shade most of the time. Running on the beach and some of the cliff and bluff scenery was beautiful. Otherwise you run on a truck trail around the circumference of the island. Great lakes endurance website charge $20 for an extra ferry ticket I purchased 2, 1 for my wife and my mother. If you go to the ferry dock they were only $15!!!!! Certainly a for profit race. They didn't even want to purchase cups to hand out water and Gatorade. They claimed environmental friendly. What a bunch of crap! Had to bring your own hydration system and volunteers would fill your camel back with a pitcher of water or heed. CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP IS THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE THIS RACE.The other runners were the best part about this race. Don't be deceived by all of the hype about this race. Certainly not worth the time and money I invested to come to Grand island.
M. B. from Hudsonville MI (9/28/2015) "Great Venue, time to change up the rest" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Grand Island Trail Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Love this race for the views and the fact its off the beaten path. That said the medals are the same as they were the first time I ran the race and the shirts are a little small. Not much for finish line food, if there was decent food offered the wait for the boat to get back would not seem like as long of a wait. Love the course just don't expect a lot more
E. W. from Troy, MI (8/25/2015) "Shirts good! Medal, food and return ferry NOT!" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Grand Island Trail Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 Shirts decent, finally fit! The same medal used for years given again - not good for repeat runners. Food at finish is fit for birds, not humans. An hour wait for boat back to mainland. Some things never change!
S. M. from Detroit Michigan (7/30/2015) "Not Worth the Money" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I have been running races since 1997, everything from 5k's and mud runs to 70 mile ultras. The course is beautiful but certainly not worth the money and is run entirely on a jeep road around the perimeter of the Island. The shirts were poorly done with small logos, and my daughter received what turned out to be last years race shirt. The volunteers at the aid stations were great - some of the other race personnel had zero personality and were not at all friendly and seemed somewhat rude and annoyed by the runners. The medal was a cheap piece of wood on a simple piece of un knotted yarn. It was given to you after your number was scanned at the finish and you were handed a receipt which was given to another volunteer who handed the medal and the receipt back to you. Pretty crappy way for my 17 year old daughter to receive her first marathon medal. I had to tie the not in the yarn so she could even wear it. Food at the end was basically non existent and then we had to wait 40 minutes while a single ferry boat shuttled runners back to the mainland. Very disappointing experience and not worth the money.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

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J. Z. from Chicago, IL (8/3/2022) "Fantastic trail race!" (about: 2022) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I loved this marathon. It was my first trail marathon and it was fabulous. It is a bit bare bones- minimal crowds and just a few support staff. But, that was fabulous. I loved that the racers were all so supportive of one another. I loved that there was no mess made at the water stops. We stopped and they filled our water bottles and off we went. The course was BEAUTIFUL! I could gush on and on about the stunning clarity and beauty of Lake Superior. I appreciated that they had a shuttle bus to drop us off at the start. I had to wait a 1/2 hour for the bus and that made me a bit nervous. But, it was all good. We arrived in plenty of time to ride the ferry to the start. Oh- and the ferry ride was adorable! If you are looking for a fun trail marathon, I highly recommend this race!
David Weiss from Brookpark, Ohio (7/31/2021) "Absolutely memorable, unique enjoyable course." (about: 2021) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Absolutely enjoyable race. I'd recommend booking lodging well in advance. I booked white pine lodge in Christmas right up the road from Where the ferry takes you to the island for very reasonable cost booking 3-4 months in advance. Looked it up and lodging in the area way more expensive right before race. - packet pickup a breeze day before race. - enjoyed wonderful 'northern Michigan-centric food'. Whitefish and chips from the 'Captain Ron' food truck that were great, and of course a chicken pasty and an apple pasty. Delicious! - rain was in forecast but stayed away until late in race for me - shuttle pickup from the hotel great, and quick little ferry to island pre-sunrise was flawless - lots of talk about bugs, but mosquitoes weren't terrible, and a runner let me borrow some bug spray - liked having early start option - 57th marathon and I must say, it's the first time for me that we were literally yelled at by the race director-no joke, talking thru a bullhorn and every once in a while literally yelling thru bullhorn 'hey!!!! Listen to me!!!!' As he described things about the course. In his defense, he did preface by saying he hasn't slept all night and there had been issues w race signage getting messed with overnight; but it still was a bit unwelcoming-and something I have never seen in any of the previous 56 marathons across all 50 states that I've done.... I must say all was forgiven as far as I'm concerned w the beauty of the course and how much I enjoyed it. - Course was absolutely sublime. Highlights-mile 8 along beach, views along cliffs spectacular, blue Lake Superior is amazing, just a peaceful, gorgeous wilderness island. - got poured on last couple miles, but I didn't really care, and decided to embrace it and slog right thru giant puddles instead of running around them. - aid stations well stocked and didn't mind at all having to have my own hydration system And just refilling at the aid stations every 4 miles or so - course not tough on joints since you aren't running on concrete, have to be very aware w some areas w tree roots - loved getting to finish and going right over to go wade right in Lake Superior for an 'ice bath' lol - I was soaked anyway so went in shoes and all and it felt great - medal is unique, made of wood, but I must say, I thought it was flimsy and underwhelming - ferry back to mainland a breeze - had to wait for 45 min w other runners for shuttle back to hotels w fried legs not fun My complaints are minor. The majestic beauty of the nature/island and peace while running is alone enough to make this race well worth it, in my opinion. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
J. S. from Fargo ND (12/31/2018) "32 mile adventure" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great way to race off the grid. It's entirely on trails around a pristine island in a remote and beautiful part of the country. Most people won't have the chance to get up to this area much less run through it. Truly a unique adventure. Lake Superior is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. This is a chance to be surrounded by it. It rained the day I did it but that is part of this sport. It added to the challenge and was not a negative factor. It is a beautiful place to run rain or shine. The cliffs to the water were cool, so was the beach, and dense forest. Plus the boat ride to the island added to the experience. Organization, volunteers, spectators, community and other runners were all great. Thanks for making this a great adventure.
A. A. from Milwaukee (8/7/2017) "Tough Trail Race with Breathtaking Views" (about: 2017) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This course has some technically challenging passages and is a true trail run. There is one hell of an incline around mile 4 that had been rutted and washed out from heavy rain. This section was the worst for me but cool all the same. At one point you run along the beach, which is where my runners' high started kicking in. Beware of the mosquitos- they are vicious and determined. Wear multiple layers of bug spray or resort to rubbing mud on yourself mid run. Spectators can venture into the island or wait at the finish line and play in Lake Michigan. I would highly recommend this race for anyone who loves being outdoors.
E. W. from Mississippi (10/12/2016) "In my Top 5 favorites!" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This race is awesome. The island is amazing! Logistically, it was a bit anxiety-inducing, but they have everything planned nearly perfectly. Parking at the high school & taking the bus to the ferry was no problem. The ferry ride takes less than 10 minutes. The course is 99.9% trail (there's maybe 200 feet of sidewalk/boardwalk when you get on/off the beach). And running on the sliver (only a foot or so wide!) of a beach was an experience. Prepare to get wet. The trail circles the island and has spectacular views of Lake Superior and the UP in the distance, as well as a few other smaller islands. I didn't mind the 'no cup' water stations because I always run with my own bottle. Aid stations were well placed and stocked with essentials (& M&M's!) The finish line was feet from the ferry dock. Everyone took a dip in the crystal clear water. I ran this race with a friend to check of the state. After I'm done with 50 states, I plan to return to this area/island and possibly this race with my family! I never knew how beautiful the UP was! Definitely left an impression on me!
L. B. from Michigan (7/27/2016) "Awesome! Can't wait for next year!!!" (about: 2016) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Everything about this race is amazing!! The shuttle picked me and my family (and dog) up at the Holiday Inn Express and we watched the sun rise from the boat dock! When I got on the Island I didn't have to wait in line to use the toilet because there were plenty of porta johns. The race director gave pre-race instructions and I was off for my first Half Marathon! The volunteers at the aid stations were so friendly and helpful. I needed help with blisters and there was an EMT who helped me out with that. When I crossed the finish line there was a volunteer who printed off my time slip for me. I didn't win a glass medallion, but those who did were able to pick one out! There were so many choices!! The volunteers at the awards table were really nice. I like my wood medallion. Unlike other finisher medals, this one was made of wood and I could actually wear it around my neck! I loved the watermelon and bananas at the finish line aid station. The chocolate chunks were awesome. Finally! a trail race that has consideration for those of us who have celiac disease!! My family hiked along the trails and went swimming while they were waiting for me to finish the race. I was able to swim and hang out at the beach until we decided to take the ferry back to the mainland. The people running the ferry were helpful when I forgot my bag on the Island. They sent someone across to pick up my bag for me. We didn't have to wait long for the bus back to the Holiday Inn Express. I am definitely going to train to run the marathon next year and would recommend this race to trail runners. Running a race on an Island made me a little nervous, especially since I brought my family with me, but the people at packet pick up were very helpful and even helped out with questions my family had about what to do on the Island while I was running and places to explore in Munising when we got off the Island. I already booked my room at the Holiday Inn Express for next year!
M. K. from Delafield WI (7/23/2016) "Beautifully scenery SHOE STRING BUDGET!!!" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 To comment on comments below, hand blown medallions go to runners who place in their age group. Everyone else gets a super cheap wooden medallion hung with a piece of twine!!! For the $110 entry fee, I expect much more. At registration they hand you a bib and a t-shirt. No goody bag or even a BAG to place your bib and shirt in. I asked a volunteer about shuttle bus schedule and the ferry out to the island and they told me to go and read the instructions posted on the back wall. Very poor communication. The instructions stated that everyone should park at the local H.S. and take the shuttle over to the ferry dock. No one said that the shuttle would be for the RUNNERS ONLY. My mother waited for 45 minutes and no shuttle bus showed up. She called the ferry service and was informed there would be no shuttle service for spectators to the ferry dock. She was given permission to park at the dock when the instructions stated NOT TO PARK THERE. Trail was nice. You run in the shade most of the time. Running on the beach and some of the cliff and bluff scenery was beautiful. Otherwise you run on a truck trail around the circumference of the island. Great lakes endurance website charge $20 for an extra ferry ticket I purchased 2, 1 for my wife and my mother. If you go to the ferry dock they were only $15!!!!! Certainly a for profit race. They didn't even want to purchase cups to hand out water and Gatorade. They claimed environmental friendly. What a bunch of crap! Had to bring your own hydration system and volunteers would fill your camel back with a pitcher of water or heed. CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP IS THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE THIS RACE.The other runners were the best part about this race. Don't be deceived by all of the hype about this race. Certainly not worth the time and money I invested to come to Grand island.
M. B. from Hudsonville MI (9/28/2015) "Great Venue, time to change up the rest" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Grand Island Trail Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Love this race for the views and the fact its off the beaten path. That said the medals are the same as they were the first time I ran the race and the shirts are a little small. Not much for finish line food, if there was decent food offered the wait for the boat to get back would not seem like as long of a wait. Love the course just don't expect a lot more
E. W. from Troy, MI (8/25/2015) "Shirts good! Medal, food and return ferry NOT!" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Grand Island Trail Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 Shirts decent, finally fit! The same medal used for years given again - not good for repeat runners. Food at finish is fit for birds, not humans. An hour wait for boat back to mainland. Some things never change!
S. M. from Detroit Michigan (7/30/2015) "Not Worth the Money" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Grand Island Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I have been running races since 1997, everything from 5k's and mud runs to 70 mile ultras. The course is beautiful but certainly not worth the money and is run entirely on a jeep road around the perimeter of the Island. The shirts were poorly done with small logos, and my daughter received what turned out to be last years race shirt. The volunteers at the aid stations were great - some of the other race personnel had zero personality and were not at all friendly and seemed somewhat rude and annoyed by the runners. The medal was a cheap piece of wood on a simple piece of un knotted yarn. It was given to you after your number was scanned at the finish and you were handed a receipt which was given to another volunteer who handed the medal and the receipt back to you. Pretty crappy way for my 17 year old daughter to receive her first marathon medal. I had to tie the not in the yarn so she could even wear it. Food at the end was basically non existent and then we had to wait 40 minutes while a single ferry boat shuttled runners back to the mainland. Very disappointing experience and not worth the money.

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Marathon Details - Grand Island Trail Marathon