The course follows the perimeter trail of the island counterclockwise up past Murray Bay and Duck Lake.&nbsp; At three miles the course heads eastward into the Tombolo, up into the island's thumb and then back along Trout Bay where runners can enjoy one of the most spectacular stretches of shoreline anywhere in the Great Lakes. Runners then ascend up the eastern cliffs of the island which treat runners to views of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The northern half of the island features 300 ft colored Jacobsville sandstone cliffs and a gentle&nbsp; remote and exquisitely beautiful North Beach. &nbsp; The return trail on the island&rsquo;s western shore features remarkable vistas of Lake Superior. The 50K heads inland at mile 22 up to Echo Lake and up to the island&rsquo;s summit.&nbsp; This five mile section features relatively fast dirt forest roads.&nbsp; Runners in the 50K return to the Western Coastal Trail at mile 27.&nbsp; Much of the trail is shaded by lush hardwood forests.&nbsp; Exposed sections (atop cliffs) blanket runners with cool breezes off of Lake Superior. The half marathon route follows the first 4 miles of the 50K/Marathon but then departs after Trout Bay and traverses the islands interior highland forests before rejoining the long course on the west coast of the island. Trail includes single track, two track, and narrow dirt roads.&nbsp; The course is well marked with colored flags, directional arrows, and mile markers. &nbsp; &nbsp;<h4>Event details and schedule</h4>Friday, July 26 2024 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. Packet Pick Up at the&nbsp;Holiday Inn Express Lakeview, Munising&nbsp; Saturday, July 27, 2024 50K + Early Marathon Start at&nbsp;6:00 a.m.,&nbsp; Williams Landing, Grand Island Marathon Start&nbsp;at&nbsp;7:00 a.m.,&nbsp;&nbsp;Williams Landing, Grand Island Half Marathon Start&nbsp;at&nbsp;8:00 a.m.,&nbsp;&nbsp;Williams Landing, Grand Island

Grand Island Trail Run

Human Interest Story

Nearly five-hundred people took to the trails of Grand Island for the eighth annual Grand Island Trail Marathon.

Runners Take To The Trails Of Grand Island Marathon

Pre-Race Review/ Lineup

More than 400 runners are expected to be in Alger County Saturday for the second running of the Grand Island Trail Marathon.

Grand Island Marathon Slated

Dave Britten is working his way up to a 50-mile marathon this fall, but he plans to eventually double that distance.

Lee High Principal Goes the Distance at Grand Island Marathon

Runners from 26 states, plus Canada and Poland, are coming to the U.P. to participate in the Grand Island Trail Marathon.  Brief description of course and link to site is given.

Grand Island Trail Marathon

Absolutely memorable, unique enjoyable course.

Beautifully scenery SHOE STRING BUDGET!!!

Shirts good! Medal, food and return ferry NOT!

A unique marathon that lived up to expectations.

Same medal-same too small ugly colored shirts

Beautiful Course! -  Bad  Medals & Shirts

Very unorganized, post race and medal awful

This is the most scenic marathon you can run!

Course: Beautiful.  Management: Needs Help.

Nature shines at this perfect summer getaway

Spectacular Scenery of Pictured Rocks Lakeshore

Gorgeous course, organization needs improvement

A great marathon to run for a beginner like me.

Single track, shaded, cool, island marathon!!

Grand Island Trail Run 2024

Marathon Results