North Country Trail Run - Race Reviews

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).

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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!!

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!

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.

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

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.

This is a race with real potential. Some plusses and minuses. Positive: 1. The course...this is the real draw. It's a varied and enjoyable track through the woods. Hills are challenging but do-able. 2. Aid stations...very enthusiastic and lots of varied treats (save one...see below). LOVED the blueberries!! Full of water and flavor. Minuses: all relate to race organization. 1. Start the 50 milers and marathoners together. By having the 26.2 folks go first, we were steadily passed by the 50 milers who started 20 minutes after us. It was a full 10 miles before the field spaced out enough to have a normal trail run...over 2 hours. On the single track course, this detracted. 2. Long Lines at registration and post race food. No reason to wait 45-60 minutes to get a Tshirt at registration. The burger line after the race had over 80 people standing in it. I gave up and left. This is all fixable. 3. Emphasis on 'bling' over 'runner enjoyment'. Lots of focus on handouts, medals, early registration, food. The race would improve a lot by moving this focus to easing course congestion and... 4. No water at aid station. On the very hot day, which was 2012, I got to the last aid station, 2+ miles from the end and they had zero water. None. Inexcusable on a hot day. Truly detracted. Attention to some organizational issues would move this from a good race to a great race. If the organizers would like further conversation, I would be happy to do so!

Wow! This was an amazing run. It was more of a battle with the ground. I tripped at least 12 times. This was my fourth trail marathon and it taught me not to look away from the ground. I would like to note that the 1/2 marathoners should start 1 hour after the FULL marathoners. There were a couple instances when I was elbowed off the path while going downhill. FULL Marathoners have better etiquette than that. Passing is fine, but just please hold off on the steep downhill parts. The aid stations were excellent and the volunteers were wonderful. I will do this again if the 1/2 Marathon is spaced out even longer, or they are taught some manners when running. The post race refreshments and food were the best of any Marathon I have run. You can't beat 2 burgers and 2 beers. I love it! Thank you to all the organizers, volunteers, and fellow runners who asked if I was OK when I fell those multiple times.

This has always been one of my favorite marathons but not so much in 2010. A few suggestions: Move the date back to September again (too hot in August), alleviate the crowded trail by dropping the half, sweep the course prior to the start, and forget the medals - the sweatshirts and gym bags were better awards for placing. I still love the course though.

The new organizers did a decent job for a first time running this race, but there were some issues. I ran the marathon and found some of the aid stations lacking - no GU at any when I went through, no lube at a couple. Most had an assortment of food and all had water and Gatorade, so it was basically OK. I had come to expect the level of performance of the former race organizers, so I did not carry my own GU or extra lube - mistake. The turns on the last mile of the course were kind of confusing. Food and drinks were running out when I finished so I wonder what they had left for the ultra people. Anyway, it is a beautiful course. There are not a lot of spectators but they are all friendly. I hope they work out the kinks next time.

I ran the half marathon this year, and loved the trail, and thought the race was well-organized, but with one problem. First, the positives. The trail is beautiful, and for a first-timer on single track like me, challenging. There were plenty of aid stations, and the free beer and food at the finish line were great. Never did get the promised age-group award though.

Absolutely beautiful trail run - a 26-mile loop through the Manistee Forest. Easily navigable trails and well stocked aid stations approximately every 4 miles. Highlights: 1. The trail - isn't that the main attraction? 2. Aid stations to assist runners evenly spread throughout the course. 3. Well organized and well marked course (with the exception of the first comment under "improvements" below). 4. Great group of volunteers during a long, warm day. Improvements: 1. The very last turn off the "two track" road was incredibly difficult to find. After running 26 miles, I ended up running an additional mile or more after someone told me I was off course (I had followed some of the half marathoners and continued on the two track). Even after backtracking the turn was difficult to find (it didn't help that several cars were parked near the turn and blocked a clear view of the stakes). 2. Why not start the marathoners and 50-milers together? Very difficult to pass the 50M runners and I am sure they don't appreciate having to step aside so often. Overall, terrific run on a beautiful course. Thanks to Chris and all of the volunteers for a really fun event.

This was my first marathon and it was a wonderful experience. The course is beautiful. There are a few hills to watch out for and the course is challenging. There are almost no spectators, which I liked, but if you want people to cheer you on, you may want to stick to road races. I would recommend this course.

I had a great time and this was a great way to get my feet wet (dirty mostly) in the marathon world. If I could do it again, I would just have to remember to not look up so much. The roots were out to get me. Thanks for a great event that I will never forget.

This race was amazing. It was very well organized, the awesome course was very well marked, and the volunteers were so great! I LOVED the spartan-themed aid station!! Spectators were rated a "three" only because, if you like a course that has a ton of cheering, this one isn't for you. If you like a course with incredible beauty, rolling hills and peaceful quiet, you would LOVE this trail.

Excellent race. I did the ultra and couldn't have asked for a better one for my first. The aid stations had an excellent selection of food and drinks and the volunteers were awesome. My wife was able to see me numerous times along the course due to the excellent directions from the race staff. The post-race food was even better. Thanks for making my first ultra-marathon experience one to truly remember!

Excellent day in the woods with very supportive and helpful volunteers.

This event is an ultra that also just happens to offer the "half race" (i.e. marathon). If it was the other way around, all marathoners would have received finisher medals. Instead, they received very nice mugs (much more useful than a medal anyways), which is more typical of the mementos given away at ultras. The course is well marked with obvious orange stakes at intersections - so I would be surprised if anyone got lost during this event. The course was extremely confusing, especially the last 8 miles when you run the interior trails (the first part is a clockwise outer loop following the bike trail). If the markers weren't there, they would have needed a search party for bodies. It would have been nice to have had a course map before the race just for a sense of where we were going, but it wasn't required to stay on course. Trail is smoother than most ultras, though single-file for the most part making passing or pacing strategies a little more difficult. I came across one guy who ran the event barefoot. There were spectator groups at several points along the bike trail portion who cheered enthusiastically - not typical for an ultra event where solitude is the rule. The thick woods were a beautiful green with a lot of fern undergrowth, and the leaves kept the rain off us and the shade kept us cool. The only negative is the lack of panoramic vistas to run by - just a continuous green maze. Thanks for the "1/2 mile to finish" sign. I would also add a "1/4 mile" sign as well.

My first 50-mile experience couldn't have gone any better! The organization was excellent, the volunteers helped you with whatever you needed, and there were never any shortages. The course was outstanding, though "slightly hilly" only applies if you run in the mountains on a regular basis. The terrain was challenging but with excellent footing on a groomed single track. I'd go back every year as it's an easy drive for me, and Manistee is a nice, quiet destination.

I just ran the NCT Marathon (on 9/15/07), and it was by far the best marathon yet for me! The scenery made it feel as if you weren't even racing. The course was hilly and challenging, but gorgeous! I think I'll pull the 50 next year....

I ran the 50-miler two days ago - my first. The race was absolutely perfectly organized. I was the last one to finish, four minutes before the official cut-off, and 45 minutes behind the person in front of me - and they still had every aid station open and fully stocked. Registration was glitch-free, and although I couldn't eat it, the food at the end looked good. The course was very, very hilly - but then I don't have anything to compare it to - and beautiful, silent, and remote. Other than aid stations, and other runners (before they all passed me), there was nobody to be seen, and nothing to be heard other than rustling leaves and my own feet. At times the beauty of the trees was just breathtaking. Still, because the forest has a very high canopy, it wasn't stuffy or muggy. And did I say it was hilly? It is. There were many people who have run this race many times, so obviously they like it. I put "five stars" for spectators - but that might be misleading. There are exactly the number of spectators you probably want for running a 50-miler through a national forest: none. If you want/need spectators to help you keep going, you don't want to do this trail run. If you want remote and quiet, this is great. And, oh yeah, the course is hilly. By the way, 50 miles is a long way.

This is a wonderful 50-mile ultra-marathon with rolling, northern Michigan woods on a single track. Marathoners and 50-milers start at the same time, so it's a little tough to recognize a fellow ultra runner. Aid stations are incredible, as is the support. Ran this 50-miler in the past 2 years and am absolutely in love with it. If you enjoy ultras for the extreme conditions and or beating other people, this is not about that. If you race ultras to run forever, and have an incredible experience (and still beat some other people!), this is the race.

Yes, it's the toughest and hilliest run in lower Michigan! It's also the smoothest and features the best footing ever! No sand! I have never run on a more pure trail runner's trail. Once you try it, you may be tempted to run it barefoot the next time. I will be back for my third marathon in '07... wouldn't miss it!

This was my third marathon and the first trail run. It was a tough course but I loved every step of it. I felt like I was running with family and friends. Everyone was so polite and helpful, and the finish was fantastic. Well organized from start to finish. I'll be back next year.

This is a great place to run your first 50-miler. The course is beautiful, and the volunteers are wonderful. The scenery along the Big M trail is spectacular, incuding more mushroom varieties than I have ever seen. If you are thinking about this race for 2007, sign up - you will not be disappointed.

This was a unique event. It was a challenge on a difficult and beautiful course. Everything about it, from the organization to the post-race festivities, was superb. The thing that made it truly unique, however, was the care and respect extended not only to the runners but also to the spectators accompanying the runners. I have not experienced anything like it at any other event.

I really enjoyed this trail marathon through the beautiful Manistee National Forest. The course was very well marked and aid stations were awesome. I thought this event was very well organized and the food was especially nice after the race.

This was my first experience running an ultra and I wasn't sure what to expect, or how it would go. The run was completely positive from start to finish. The course was a bit challenging, but that made it all the more interesting. The trails were so beautiful!!! The Striders Club did an awesome job, very organized. They were all so encouraging. THe prizes were an extra bonus surprise. The aid stations were extremely well stocked; I didn't even need my drop bags or other items that I carried other than my water bottle. This 50-mile run went much better than any marathons (26.2's) I have run. Thank you for a fabulous event; God willing, I look forward to next year's North Country!

This was my 5th marathon - and first trail run. Being from Texas & Florida, I wasn't used to running 'REAL TRAIL HILLS' so I found this challenging. However, I had so much fun I didn't even realize that the miles were being logged below my feet as I ran. The volunteers were OUTSTANDING. I would have finished 20 minutes earlier if I hadn't sat and chit-chatted with the friendly aid station attendants :-) By the way, the potatoes at the stations were a great change of pace from the normal 'sweets' served during these races - but the fizzled Coke really hit the spot at mile 22! Thanks again for a great time.

The 2005 North Country Trail 50 mile ultra marathon was truly a thing of beauty. The day was mild and sunny and the course winds through cool forests of pine and hardwoods. The trail is soft, cushioned with duff and very well marked. There are hills but it is all nicely runnable. Aid stations were so well stocked and the volunteers were WONDERFUL. The post race cookout had something for everyone, including vegetarians. Steve Webster does a fantastic job. Put this one on your calendar.

This was my first marathon, and it was awesome! However, the difficulty of the hills is underestimated, especially from about miles 17 to around 24. The last two miles were all downhill, however. I'd recommend a lot of training on hilly trails. Overall, it was a great experience. I'll definitely be back next year!

Well, considering that I had never run a race before in my life, not even a 5K or anything close, this marathon was awesome! I didn't know what to expect. When I signed up for the race, I was under the understanding that it was moderately hilly. However, when I got there I found out that they had switched the location and that now it was on a cross country ski course marked difficult for the last 7-8 miles. It was awesome though. I really pushed myself and found that everyone from the runners to the workers were very encouraging as well. It is set in the beautiful northern woods of Michigan. The stations were great and the food afterward was awesome. It was so well run and was just tons of fun. I loved it! I think that now I'm hooked on marathons for life, and I am sure I will do this one again! The experienced people working the event were so helpful and kind as well. They showed me exactly what to do. I can't say enough about the race and the people who put it on! Thanks! I was so blessed by this race and the lessons I learned from it! Praise God!

Overall, it was a great race and a great course. I did the 50 mile race, and was very pleased with the trail surface, aid stations and volunteers. You can tell this is put on by someone who knows what ultra-runners are looking for. The course was a little hillier and slower than I was expecting. This year was a new course, and I was told it was more challenging than previous years. If you are looking for a first trail run for marathon distance, or you feel ready for your first 50 miler, you cannot go wrong with this one! FYI - Do not stay at the Carriage Inn Motel in Manistee, it is a dump.