Trail Marathon - Race Reviews

Okay, there is lots to day about this relatively small race. To begin with, this is an April marathon event that got postponed to autumn. Even in the weeks leading up to the race, it was uncertain if they would be able to host the event this year. But everything worked out in favor of a group of marathoners coming together to run. Second, this is listed here on marathonguide.com as October 25th. Actually the event date was set for October 24th - so we ran on Saturday - and not Sunday. Don't know why the change, but it worked out better for me that way. Randy is the official that I e-mailed with earlier, and after I registered, the e-mails from headquarters kept coming, and kept runners informed of exactly what needed to be done (masks - when and where, water stops and refreshments, parking, where to stay, and the like). Also, these hosts got their ducks in a row with health and safety officials to make sure everything was 'legal'. The race was to start at 7:30 a.m. and that was supposed to be when it got light outside. People seemed to start arriving in the parking area about an hour before that. Still dark with no area lights, and most of the stars still shinning, it was not clear where we were supposed to congregate. But in the distance was a tent that was well lit up. That is where we had to go to get our SWAG bag. Right adjacent to the tent was the start/finish line. Bathrooms were right there too. When it was time to run, we were pointed in the right direction, and the marathon began. We followed flags through the grass connecting us to the trail. One other thing I want to say before I proceed. Randy gave a textual description of the trail and turns, etc. It made no sense to me. Then he said, the course is well marked and if you follow the markings, you will not get lost. I agree. The course was extremely well marked and with all the twists and turns, staying on course was easy. I wondered how the guy marking the course stayed on track. Much of it looked like an arbitrary path thru the leaf-covered forest floor and not a path or trail. So, well done. This was a double loop closed course. Pink flag markers mapped out the marathon course; blue flags were for the 50-K. For at least part of the course, both flag colors were present. We had to run the circuit twice for the marathon distance. There were two aid stations on the course. I think they were just past mile post four and nine; so we saw those people again at about MP 17 and 22. There were no cups on the course (a great choice) so volunteers would refill water/hydration bottles from a pitcher, while we held the bottle. Also, all the food was individually packaged - so each runner got a small bag of whatever item he/she chose (chips, M&Ms, cookies, etc.) It worked great. There were refreshments at the start/finish line too. We were admonished to not liter the trail. Provisions were made with litter receptacles, but some arrogant folks still threw their trash on the path. They spoil it for the rest of us. This was a trail marathon and advertised as a course that would 'kick your butt'. It was not as bad and I anticipated. Old Farts in Fallasburg was worse (ropes were required for the hills). North Country Trail in Manistee, Devil's Lake in Wisconsin, and Tecumseh Trail in Indiana all seemed more difficult. But I had a good challenge, and I welcomed the opportunity to run; especially this year of 2020 when so many races were just cancelled. The course was billed as a trail marathon; not a crushed gravel railroad bed that is flat, fast, and smooth. It was a lot of up and down, but no steep aggressive hills. Lots of it was single path passage. There were excessive roots and rocks in the path, many places where the earth had been washed away, and there were ruts cut between banks of trees. To make matters worse, the autumn leaves had mostly fallen, and much of the time the trip-hazards were obscured with leaves. People fell; I was one of them. I fell once and scraped up my right shin pretty good on an exposed and elevated root. I stumbled a few other times. It was a bigger deal the second circuit when I was more tired and it was harder to lift my feet up. So I walked much of the second loop. But I finished - even though near the end of the pack. I gave five stars for Course and Organization because the course was extremely well marked. As far as ruts, rocks, & roots, that is part of the trail marathon experience. If you don't like it, then run on the pavement. And race management did their homework to make this event came to fruition. Many thanks for one of the few marathon opportunities for 2020. Lastly, the weather was great - near 50 degrees in an almost 100% shaded course.

Just as promised.. tough, hilly, rocky, rutted, and i think the course is even long.. Nice shirt and medal, aid stations were well maintained with a good selection.. Don't do it if you are looking for a sissy run

This is the second time I done this race and treated first class citzens. The course is neat and clean and view is great. Well done running fit michael Biernatt

I loved this marathon! The beauty of the course and the awesome fellow runners were the high points. Everyone was friendly, polite and encouraging. Aid stations everywhere w/ water, isotonic, GU, oranges, and bananas. Spectators are sweet. The course measured .5 miles long, so don't say I didn't warn you. No wimps allowed, we are all having fun, and so should you! Great race, I'll be back. Weather was perfect, and very inexpensive if you sign up early.

This is a difficult course with a lot of hills. You are mostly on narrow woodland trails. They do a staggered start which helps to thin out the crowd when you quickly hit the narrow trails. I had to go a bit slow until the 2 mile mark, when the line of people began to thin out more. Adequate bathroom facilities at the start/finish area. Decent food afterward. I'll carry my own water next time. Every three miles was not enough to be properly hydrated. I would be difficult for them to do more because of the remote nature of the trails.

Great and very difficult marathon. Two loops of difficult, hilly, rocky, rooty, muddy trails. Just perfect - no whimps! Organization was super. Not many spectators, but who cares? I don't run trail races for the spectators. Aid stations were well supported and runners very friendly. I had a great time and hope to be back next year.

This was my first trail race, and I am already hooked! Beautiful, challenging, but not dangerous course; very nice/polite runners; well organized; and great food afterward! Loved it and will definitely be back next year!

Well run race and a great course overall. The hills are mostly rolling and the trails are very runnable throughout, with a couple of more substantial hills. Easy packet pickup at the start - well marked. Easy parking for the marathon runners who get there first. Top-notch volunteers throughout - very helpful and energetic. Aid stations had GU, water, and electrolytes at nearly every one I think. One major complaint: May have been due to the poor weather, but the finish was pretty anti-climactic and quiet. Little to no post-race activity. The majority of runners do the half, so perhaps it would make sense to have them finish closer to the same time? Getting only a bagel and a banana is a little lacking for a trail run finish when others do soups, grill out, etc. Minor complaint: You run straight from the start to the single track trails. It may be better to have something to thin out the field a little bit before then.

This was my first marathon. It is one hilly, rugged course! Gorgeous single track through beautiful forests and around myriad lakes. The organization and support were terrific. Everyone was so nice. Thank you! :)

I didn't know what to expect. There was fair warning, but no one can prepare for this incredible Trail Half Marathon. Just one lap is what they tell you, but that one lap that includes hills, mud, and a great group of runners. It didn't rain (bummer), but it was well worth the entry fee. Not too many spectators, and by the time the marathon runners finished, it was almost a ghost town. Overall, a great race.

This was a beautiful run. It was my first marathon and I wasn't very sure what to expect or what to compare it to, but as far as I am concerned the trail was very well mapped out. The people were very friendly and they waited until every single person finished. I was near the end. Running through the woods gave lots of time to think and enjoy the run. It was very comparable to our journey of life with the ups and downs. Toward the end of the race I was able to have some of my family run different miles with me. This was very encouraging as they were just spectators, but it was okay for them to run with me! I never thought I would run another marathon... but because this one didn't leave a bad taste in my mouth, I am doing another one. I would say that if you love the outdoors and you love a challenge, this race is for you!

This is why I run! What an awesome experience it was. I give this race an A++. Great job, RunningFit and Tami!!

This was my first trail half-marathon, and it has me excited about running a full marathon! "Tough" isn't the word for it - more like "grueling!" But a fantastic workout! The participants and the volunteers were awesome! Seeing Chris out there checking on people was reassuring! My only complaint is the website! I had a hard time signing up, and trying to get the results and photos is next to impossible, which surprises me.

Hilly, hot and humid this year, but I would do it all over again. It is well organized, and has great volunteers and an absolutely beautiful course (with many lakes and wildlife to enjoy). Kudos to everyone involved with this race; you do an excellent job!

I've run one trail marathon before in Delaware, so I kind of knew what to expect. Unfortunately, being a flat-lander, I had not trained for the ups and downs. I looked forward to the few flat parts of the trail and the short stretches of roads. The day started out nice (60 degrees), and it got up to 80 degrees or higher by noon. Pros: Started on time. Well organized. Polite runners. Plenty of food for the size of the run Lots of cool lake to rinse off in at the end. Cons: It didn't start in waves as advertised, so everyone piled up at the first hill. Even though it was advertised, some people still wore headphones, so you couldn't tell if they could hear you when you excused yourself to pass or not. That rule must have been for the "other" people. Looking at the times of the winners, they must have been part mountain goat. The second loop kicked my butt. I think the hills got bigger or something. It would have been a real challenge in rain or snow.

I was in the area visiting family and decided to run this race to add Michigan to my list of states. I loved the race. This race takes place on a 13.1-mile loop in a state park, and is almost entirely on trails (a few short road segments). And yes, as previous comments indicated, it is a tough run. Lots of up and down, but great scenery and fantastic volunteers. I also took refuge in the lake after my run and my legs feel great the day after. If you like trail runs, this is the race for you! If you need lots of spectators, don't bother (though the ones that were there were enthusiastic). Only thing I would change: There was no Gatorade at the end of the race, only water; but Gatorade was on the course. Great run, and I would do it again if I were in the area.

The course is challenging but rewarding throughout. There are a barrage of hills during the first few miles and during mile 11/24. There's also one at the end. Don't go out too hard or the second loop will tear you apart. The best option is to keep a steady effort and not worry about your time. At the end of the race, take a dip in the lake to show your muscles some kindness. If you've never run this course, give it a go before race day. If you don't, you'll be in for a rude awakening.

Great course. Great, slow, mental race. A 13.1-mile loop. You run past the finish to start the second loop. Very hilly. Use the lake as an ice bath at the finish. I love it!

Beautiful course. I did the half-marathon (the marathon does same loop, but twice). It was VERY hilly, and can get crowded on the trail, which is mostly one track. But it's well worth running it anyway. My only complaint: It took me 30 minutes to move 0.5 miles from outside the state park entrance to inside, because there were just 2 guys there to take the $6 day permit fee (which I don't recall seeing mentioned on the website, luckily I had $6 on me!). So, instead of arriving a leisurely 45 minutes before race time, I got there 15 minutes ahead and had to rush around like crazy to pick up packet, hit the porta-potty, etc. The volunteers were great - plenty of water/Gatorade/GU on the course. No spectators, really, except at the finish, so if you are into that, it's not the race for you. Nice finisher's medal and very nice tech shirt. I'd do it again!

Do you want to get your butt kicked?? You will, if you do this half-marathon trail run. And it feels GREAT when you're done!

I try to do this race every year. It's one of my favorites (I also run the course whenever I can in my week-to-week running, because the trail is so beautiful and challenging). The trail was carved out by the glaciers 10,000 years ago, and it shows in the terrain - very hilly and rocky, with many hidden lakes. Middle spring in Michigan is arguably the most beautiful time to be in the woods - things are greening up, wild flowers starting to bloom, but the trees haven't fully filled out so you can see more of the terrain plus - no bugs. Even when we get a late snow, the race is fun! Randy Step and the Running Fit gang have years and years of race organizing experience and really do a fantastic job putting on events.

Beautiful but challenging trail course. Awesome race organization that took extra care of the runners, with great volunteers. Look forward to running this again.

I have never ran anything in my life other then being told to in high school. I am now 39. I don't know why I waited so long to do this!

I have a lot of respect for the following: Randy and all of the volunteers, and the spectators and all runners and walkers that endure this challenging course. I have met many wonderful people over the years. There are so many that I know faces and not all names. Some are Jeff Gaft, Al Zeller and Dick West.I don't know how many of Randy's adventures I have been on, but I do know it goes back into the 90's and the days of Triple Trail Trouble. This consisted of the marathon, Swan Creek Crawl and Dances With Dirt 100K. Again much respect and many fond memories. If you would have asked me at the finish if I would be back next year, I would have said, "Of course" - as beat up as I felt. Until next year, happy trails to all. - Marv & Toni Lafler

I finished the 2008 full trail marathon. I ran this marathon 3 times before, even a few years back when it had snowed. I did not want it to end - the scenery was great! Great aid stations! What I like is that some of them had GU. I do the early start; there aren't many runners, so it gives you some room. I had 3 other runners in my car so I did not have to pay for parking. Everyone cheers, which makes me go faster. Also, great-looking medals when you finish - not the small ones, but a nice-size medal. I've have all of mine on my wall. I will be back in 2009; I'm going to do Dances with Dirt ultra at the end of summer!!

This year, 2007, had great weather that proved too warm for many locals, as the times were slower than years past. I agree with the comments from 2006 - great single track, not too technical, with only one or two major hills on the loop. Great organization, aid stations, and a chance for quiet on the course. If you like passing people on the 2nd lap, this race is for you because the 1/2 marathoners use the loop for a later start. Nearly all yielded way as I came through and were very polite, as they were instructed by race organizers. I'd go back!

I ran the Trail Marathon in 2004 and 2006. I decided to skip 2005 when a freak snowstorm put 3 or 4 inches of snow on the trail on the last weekend of April. This race is by far my favorite marathon. The trails are average, the scenery is pretty for Michigan, but nothing spectacular. The course is slow, and the weather is unpredictable and usually uncomfortable. Despite all of these things, the race itself is such a treat. It is a 13.1-mile loop that crosses easily traversable roads three times, which actually makes it an ideal spectator course. There are no crowds, so your friends and family can pick you out immediately, and getting from one intersection to the next is extremely simple. There is an aid station at each intersection. Both times I did the race, my mom told the aid station workers my name and what I was wearing and when I crossed the aid station EVERYONE was yelling my name. It was the coolest feeling; everyone was SO friendly. The 7- and 20-mile aid station is the only one that is not on the main road and is staffed by some of the most fun runners I've met. They cook breakfast on the trail every year. They put out signs "warning" you of the trail ahead. Their generally crazy antics have made me want to come back every year. The race is also a great training tool for a spring 50-mile race and there are many ultra runners who use it as a training run. Another bonus is the lake at the end of the run, which I have frequently used to "ice" my legs after the marathon. Results have been timely and the age group awards are generous and practical. This year it was a pint glass; in previous years, they had coffee mugs. Race shirts are techinical tees from Brooks, which have lasted me a few years of constant use. I definitely recommend this marathon to anyone who loves the allure of the trail and appreciates the camaraderie of the trail running community.

What a wonderful race. The course was actually less difficult than I expected. Only one big hill per loop(you get to do it twice), and not a whole lot of technical, rocky terrain. The majority of the course was pretty smooth single track, winding through the woods. The aid stations were very well stocked, complete with GU(good, because I forgot to bring any), and some snacks, too. There were an amazing number of spectators around the course for a trail race. Another plus, age group awards were given 5 deep in 5-year age groups(unfortunately I was 6th in mine). A very enjoyable run.

Unpredicatable weather didn't end up being much of a factor. If anything, I think some of the runners were disappointed that it didn't get muddier or there wasn't any thunder or lightning. I could have used a lightning strike to get a little kick on the last few miles, but the fans who had hiked in a bit from the finish cheered me on. All in all, it was another beautiful stroll through the woods. The early start and chip timing lets you get away from the crowds of runners (if you want to). Getting out on the trail by yourself gave you a more intimate view of the woods, plus, when you did run into other runners, fans or volunteers, the exchanges were usually priceless, such as, 'You look absolutely terrible, but I'm sure you'll do just fine!' The aid stations were placed perfectly and I was offered chocolate-covered potato chips for the first time. Very tasty. I got just about everything but a rub down from the fine folks at Ernie's (one of the last aid stations on the loop). The fans and volunteers that were there were a lot of fun. This was my fourth marathon overall, but my first time running this particular one. I had run the half marathons out here a few times (which is how I got hooked on trail running in the first place).

The terrain winds around a series of pothole ponds, gurgling streams and ends at a larger lake. In July, it would be great to jump into the lake after finishing, but this race is in April so leave your swimsuit at home :). At the time of the race the leaves are just starting to bud on the trees, some of the dogwoods are getting little flowers and the crocuses, snowdrops and other early flowers are blooming. It's just beautiful. As stated by someone else, there is one mile of heavenly flatness. The beginning (and middle since it is a 13-mile loop course) has a series of hills where you are basically crossing one ridge, descending into the intervening valley, then climbing up to another ridge and on... and on... The last half of the loop (after the flat mile) is also hilly, but it seems mild due to the excruciating nature of the first half. The course is not measured very well, and ends up being at least 27 miles. This year (as soon as the foot of snow clears...) I am going to measure the distance with a wheel, maybe on a bike... They also run the course BACKWARDS from the official direction posted by the Park Service for runners/walkers versus bikers. I trained at Pinckney for about four months leading up to the race which definitely gave me an advantage... that advantage might have been somewhat counteracted by following the posted rules and running the course backward most of the time :). There were five aid stations in 2003 that we passed twice, four of which were attended by volunteers. The volunteers were loud, positive, smiling saviors! Some spectators hiked in about 4 miles from either end of the loop (my parents :)) and received kisses from runners for being sole spectators along the trail (aside from aid stations and the start/finish). I hear they'll be there again in 2004 :). We had perfect weather in 2003, with the start at about 35 degrees and the finish at about 70 degrees. Other years it snowed, sleeted, rained... etc. There is an early start (7 a.m. versus 8 a.m. for the masses) where a lot of hardcore ultra-marathoners showed up in 2003. What a nice feature! You get to hit the trails before the herd shows up, you never see the 1,000 half-marathoners either (since it is a one-lane track, this is good!). The early birds in 2003 were completely supportive, talkative, helpful, friendly, etc. Everyone was fantastic about moving aside so faster runners could get ahead. I enjoyed the loop structure so I could see--and cheer on--the first place women and men as they blazed by. Overall, a fantastic race :).

This course is extremely tough but so much fun. The scenery is amazing...I hardly even felt like I was running 26.2 miles. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a challenge! The fans that were there were great and very encouraging. I had a blast.

Course is in a ravine type atmosphere, lots of hills, narrow paths, some steep grades. You must have done hill training to run this course. There is only one mile (mile 8 and again 21) that is semi-flat on this 13 mile loop. I would do it again if I was closer. A great place to train. There are 37 miles of trails. To get the full effect of the race camp out in their park the night before. I had a great time!!!! Also wear actual trail shoes in case the course is wet.

Nobody does it better than Tami and Running Fit. The only reason 'Spectators' didn't get 5 stars is because it was a trail marathon. Hard to pack too many spectators on the trails. If you like tough trail runs, whether it be a full marathon or a half, this run is for you. If you are a wimp, stay home. Great job guys.

This was one of the coolest marathons I've run. Truly spectacular trail course, great scenery, and good support. Not bad for a race run in 'Hell, MI.' I'd recommend the event to anyone willing to run a tough trail course. The 2001 race had almost perfect conditions so the trail was in good shape--I imagine it could get ugly if there was more rain or colder/hotter temps. Hey, that's what trail running is all about! Only real 'spectators' are those at the aid stations and start/finish line--but they were enthusiastic.