The Rock River Canyon 50K is a magnificent route through the high country and remote river valleys south of Munising.  The course begins at the Valley Spur Lodge south of Munising and follows a rarely followed section of the North Country Trail to AuTrain and then on to the Rock River Canyon Wilderness.  Runners then turn back for an eastward retrace back to Valley Spur.  Single track comprises 26 miles of the route while dirt forest road makes up the remaining 5.  Runners who want to immerse themselves in the wild backcountry of the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Zen quality single track have now found their experience.  With 4390 ft of elevation change over 31 miles runners will enjoy frequent but not overwhelming ascents and descents.  I would describe it as highly runable and even a fast course for the experienced ultra runner.  It's moderate, non-technical terrain make it an ideal step up for the marathoner wishing to try their first ultra.  The 27K route takes runners from Valley Spur to AuTrain and back and features some of the areas most scenic terrain.

Event details and schedule

Friday, June 7, 2024

5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Runner Check In at Valley Spur Lodge, M94, Munising, Michigan

Satruday, June 8, 20234

6:00 - 8:00 a.m Bus Service from Holiday Inn Express and Eden Evangelical Lutheran Church.

6:30 - 8:30a.m Runner Check In at Valley Spur Lodge, M94, Munising, Michigan.

8:00 a.m.  50K Race Start 

9:00 a.m. - 27K Race Start

11:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.  Bus Service back to Holiday Inn Express and Eden Evangelical Lutheran Church

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