Moose Mountain Marathon - Race Reviews

I just completed my first trail marathon here and it did not disappoint. I volunteered at an aid station in 2018 so I saw a tiny slice of the magic then and that was enough to light the fire. I was only able to run about 1/4 of the course prior to the race, but it was representative of the trail in general. As others have noted, it is a nonstop root and rock fest. The aid stations rock- massive doses of great food and positive energy. The runners along the course are great. As a slower marathoner, the faster 50 milers caught and passed me. I mingled with mid to back of the pack 100 milers. Encouragement is easy to dish out as you see people cranking on the trail. Hanging around the finish line until the 10 pm close is awesome as the last runners come in. The operation is well oiled and runs smoothly. Five stars for the course and the organization. Only 4 stars for the spectators only because you are limited in where you can catch them at/near the aid stations. What they lack in number they make up for with bonus enthusiasm! I'm definitely doing this race (or the 50/100?!) again!

This was my 18th marathon and I had never been on the Superior Hiking Trail in my life so didn't know what to expect. The terrain is difficult, very technical and unforgiving, but worth every second. This was a few hours slower than my average marathon, but not an experience you want to rush. The aid stations and volunteers were amazing, the organization is top notch and the finish line party is better than some of even the biggest marathons. Not for the easily discouraged runner, but great for anyone who wants to challenge themselves regardless of speed or pace. It is a trail race so spectators are slim between aid stations but very encouraging and energetic. Looking forward to going back!

This race has all of the organization of larger race with the intimacy of a small one. I ran the 50-miler but the 50-mile course covers the marathon course over the second half so I think it's worth reporting on. Perfect organization. Probably the best I've seen at a race of this size. Everything was absolutely on time and methodical. These folks were 100% spot on with everything they did. Awesome job folks! Now for the course. Wow! Pretty darn tough. They aren't kidding with the tagline remote, relentless, and rugged (or whatever order its presented). Definitely all 3. It'd be tough to find a race this scenic and challenging anywhere else in the midwest/central part of the US. I ran Leadville (marathon) earlier this year and I do believe this one is nearly every bit as challenging. Runners are advised to seriously study the aid station chart (excellent chart by the way!). There are looong sections of no aid so you best be prepared with a hydration bladder or carry water purifiers. Each aid station was freaking amazing though. What a fantastic set of volunteers at each one. They take care of you for sure and there's a lot of energy at each one. It made each stop very special and broke the course up nicely as well. Great job to the race officials and all volunteers. Fantastic folks!

This trail race has it all!!! the volunteers are the best I have ever seen, the course yet challenging is most beautiful, the race logistics are excellent. The people who run this race truly think of everything! If you enjoy the trails - this is a MUST DO!

The tag line for this race was rugged, relentless and remote but even though it was all of those it was so rewarding that the other R's didn't matter. The race is entirely on beautiful Minnesota single track that was technical and filled with large climbs but those climbs gave you scenic views of Lake Superior that made it all worth it. That is pretty much the theme of the whole race...It won't be easy but it will be worth it. I can not say enough about the race, the course, the organization or the host lodge. You have to experience it to understand. This is not a PR course even for trails but but it is one of those PR (Personally Rewarding) courses when you finish. If you are thinking of signing up then get your hill work in both up and down because this course has plenty of both.

This was the ultimate trail run for me. Do not go into this race under-trained; respect the Sawtooth! Be ready for a challenge and make sure you train on trails with a lot of hills! It is a beautiful area, and bring a camera - it will be worth the extra time to take pictures. Great organization, and the aid stations were wonderful. There were only three aid stations on the course, so be prepared not to have a station every mile like at a road race. I wish I would have had more time to explore the area, and if I do this race again, I plan on taking more time to explore the North Shore.

Great experience on the single track Superior Hiking Trail. Course was well-marked throughout (flags on the left!) and very challenging. Woods, meadows, and rivers were beautiful. Stinging wasps added to the ambiance of this rugged trail race. Volunteers were awesome, as were the aid stations. The RD personally congratulated each finisher, handing him/her the coveted finisher's award as he/she crossed the finish line. Nice food spread after, with showers available. Stay an extra day for hiking and waterfalls on nearby sections of the trail. Highly recommended for the trail-minded.

This was a well organized, challenging and very scenic race along the Superior Hiking Trail. It had lots of rocks and roots but it was absolutely beautiful. The aid stations were well stocked. I especially liked the chicken soup over the mashed potatoes. The volunteers and race director were great. Thanks for a great time along the North Shore.

Here's everything bad about the race: It's a tough technical trail; there are lots of big hills; no cheering spectators between aid stations; angry hornets. Here's what's good about it: all of the above. This is a beautiful and difficult race. Don't run it expecting a PR. In fact, you may have a PW. But you'll never forget it. I highly recommend it, but only to a few of you. Because I want to keep it small.

I have run 18 other marathons but this was my first trail run and also my slowest finishing time by an extra 45 minutes. I was stung by hornets on mile 18 but still had a great time overall. The views were spectacular and the rough terrain was challenging. Hope to make it back one year to run my first 50 miler.

This is a marathon you will never forget. Awesome point-to-point course on the mostly single track Superior Hiking Trail. Some tough climbs, lovely views, and my favorite - the amazing river area. You will want to bring a camera. It is well-organized and I was particularly impressed with the finish area. It is at the lodge where most likely you will be staying (you can walk just straight to your room after the race) and it is awesome how the finishers hang out and cheer for each runner who crosses the line. The marathon, 50-mile, and 100-mile are coordinated in a way so all three races, more or less, finish simultaneously. Great course, great atmosphere. Get your hill training in - the better shape you're in, the more you'll enjoy the experience! Hopefully, my work schedule will allow me to get back here this year.

This race is a true challenge. Tough course but well worth it. Get your legs ready for the climb up, the climb back down and jumping over countless roots and rocks.

Thanks for the great race. It was my first time on the trail and I thought it was a real challenge.