Great Lakes Endurance, LLC

Course Descriptions

Marathon: (New Course) 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 head up the eastern shore of the island which treats runners to views of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The northern half of the island features 300ft colored Jacobsville sandstone cliffs and the remote and exotic North Beach. The return trail on the island’s western shore features remarkable vistas of Lake Superior. Much of the trail is shaded by lush hardwood forests. Exposed sections (atop cliffs) blanket runners with cool breezes off of Lake Superior. Trail includes single track, two track, and narrow dirt roads. The trail is primarily non-technical.

10 Km: (New Course) The 10 Km course is a scenic loop that takes runners northeast up along Murray Bay and Duck Lake and then heads inland to the heavily forested highlands of the island's interior. The last two miles are gradual downhill, finishing at William's Landing. Most of this course is narrow dirt road.

10 Km : The course starts in the grassy field overlooking Lake Fanny Hooe at Ft. Wilkins State Park. It follows a wide trail along the lake until crossing the Lake Manganese Rd and entering Clyde's Meadow which surrounds runners with wildflowers, ponds, and wild birds. Runners then enter a dense cedar forest and follow a winding trail before crossing a small stream. After crossing the main road into Copper Harbor, runners jump onto the exquisite single track of the Garden Brook Trail that winds its way up along the brook for several miles before recrossing the main road and entering the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge trail system. The trail remains narrow single track and winds gracefully through the rolling terrain and forests north and east of the lodge. The trail emerges from the forest at 5.9 miles. The last third of a mile takes runners over the soft grass of Fairway 9 to the finish behind the lodge.

2 Km Youth Trail Run (New Course): A super fun and scenic loop. Open grass and forest near the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. Views of Brockway Mtn Ridge. Parents may run with their kids.

Hill Climb: Runners start on the beach in Eagle Harbor. After a short section along the road, runners head up into the woods on a dirt trail. The trail winds through pine and aspen forest before crossing a creek. The trail then becomes steeper and more technical. Mixed white pine and oak greet runners along with plentiful conglomerate rock outcroppings that require close attention to foowork. Emerge from the forest at 5 Km to spectacular views before a descent into a wooded saddle. Another ascent brings runners out and up, up, up to the wide open summit. There are no trees at the summit, but runners will find blueberry bushes, sprawling Juniper, and rare Artic alpine plants. The latter require exceptional care and respect. Views of Lake Superior reach far into the horizon. A 360 degree spin reveals Mt. Horace Greeley, Lake Medora, the Gratiot Ridge, Mt. Bohemia, Mt Houghton, the East Ridge, Brockway Mtn, and Lake Bailey.

25 Km: Highly diverse trail winding through the rugged backcountry forests of northern Keweenaw County. The start is in a open grassy area with the North Face of Brockway Mtn in view. The remaining trail consists of a mix of both easy and technical single track along with narrow forest roads. There are several long climbs and long descents. The trail takes runners along the shores of Lake Manganese and Lake Fanny Hooe. In the last five kilometers, after a long section of dancing on winding single track through deep forest runners enjoy a thrilling crossing of French Annie Creek. Hearty breakfast made with organic and local foods served afterward.

25 Km: The course begins on the Tahqua Trail near Whitefish Bay in eastern Lake Superior. Runners follow a dirt forest road along the Tahquamenon River for several miles until they reach the North Country Trail (NCT). The single track NCT winds through spruce swale, pine ridges, lush bogs, Jack Pine savannah, and past the Camp 10 and Water Tank lakes, where the occasional moose can be spotted. Eleven miles in runners reach Lower Tahquamenon Falls. The NCT then merges with the River Trail which travels through dense hardwoods along Tahquamenon River. Runners hear the roar of the Upper Falls encouraging a strong finish near the top of this inspiring waterfall.

8 Km: Runners begin at the Lower Tahquamenon Falls campground and follow the River Trail as it winds along the banks of the Tahquamenon. The trail is shaded by old growth hemlock, yellow birch, and dense stands of sugar maple. The course finishes on the trail above the Upper Tahquamenon Falls.

2 Km Kid’s Run: A beautiful out and back course along the historic Emerson Trail. Trail travels through black spruce and wetlands similar to Canadian Boreal forests.

Last Updated

01/17/2008