Race morning was cool with temperatures in the low 40s but abundant sunshine warmed the air to the low 70s by race finish.  Runners from ten states assembled for the start for both the 50K and 27K races.  The gently rolling single track featured over 4000 ft of vertical in the 50K distance.  Race results are now available for viewing. 

Ryan Smith looking strong crossing the finish of the 27K in 2:28:33.

Kaleb Klopfenstein of Florissant, CO led from start to finish in the 50K and was the only runner to dip under five hours on the deceptively challenging Rock River Canyon course.   Klopfenstein who lives at 9000 ft in Colorado certainly had the altitude training to excel on the Rock River course. Jennifer Zettner of Detroit captured the women’s 50K title in an outstanding  time of 5:15:57.  It was Zettner’s first 50K and prepared her well for an upcoming 50K in Slovenia.  Joining Klopfenstein on the podium for the men’s race were Mika Byer of Marquette, MI (5:12:12) and Levi Latulip of Negaunee, MI (5:23:49).  Latulip ran most of the race with the 2024 winner, James Lilly of Trenary, MI before just edging him at the finish.  In the women’s race, Zettner was followed by Liz Armstrong (5:50:59) and Lynn Marowske (6:18:53), both of Marquette, MI. 

Catherine Zettner and Kaleb Klopfenstein, winners of the 50K. 

Ryan Smith of Dexter, MI ran solo from the start to capture the men’s 27K title in 2:28:33, 30 minutes faster than his victory in the event two years ago.  Kate Kuntze of Cedar River, MI finished 2nd overall and 1st in the women’s race (3:05:04).  Kuntze was the 2024 50K winner, but dropped down to the 27K for this year’s race.  Joe Jankowski (3:07:04) of McMillan, MI and Tom Hayward (3:10:10) of Negaunee, MI joined Smith on the men’s podium. Evie Rosen Cushman (3:27:03) of Alanson, MI and Anna Bertram (3:33:38) of Wixom, MI completed the top three positions in the women’s 27K. 

Ryan Smith and Kate Kuntze, winners of the 27K. 

Much appreciation goes to athletes from Superior Central High School who staffed the aid stations and to the Alger Amateur Radio Association who provided communications during the event.