The course follows the perimeter trail of the island counterclockwise up past Murray Bay and Duck Lake.  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  remote and exquisitely beautiful North Beach.   The return trail on the island’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’s summit.  This five mile section features relatively fast dirt forest roads.  Runners in the 50K return to the Western Coastal Trail at mile 27.  Much of the trail is shaded by lush hardwood forests.  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.  The course is well marked with colored flags, directional arrows, and mile markers.

Event details and schedule

Friday, July 26 2024

3:00 - 9:00 p.m. Packet Pick Up at the Holiday Inn Express Lakeview, Munising 

Saturday, July 27, 2024

50K + Early Marathon Start at 6:00 a.m.,  Williams Landing, Grand Island

Marathon Start at 7:00 a.m.,  Williams Landing, Grand Island

Half Marathon Start at 8:00 a.m.,  Williams Landing, Grand Island