Michigan running races are glorious events, as you can find distances for everyone. From the largest Ultramarathon in the USA to smaller races with scenic views.
1. Grand Island Trail Marathon
Jul 30, 2022 – Saturday
50K, 26.2M, 13.1M trail run
Munising, MI
The Grand Island Trail Marathon is a trail through the island counterclockwise up past Murray Bay and Duck Lake. At 3 miles, the route heads eastward into the Tombolo, up into the island’s thumb, and then back across Trout Bay, where athletes can enjoy one of the most scenic stretches of shoreline in the Great Lakes.
Runners then go up the eastern cliffs, where athletes can view the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The return trail on the island’s western shore features picturesque vistas of Lake Superior. The 50K heads inland at mile 22 up to Echo Lake and up to the island’s summit. This 5-mile stretch features relatively fast forest roads. Participants in the 50K return to the Western Coastal Trail at mile 27. The main part of the trail is shaded by lush forests. Atop cliffs blanket runners with breezes off of Lake Superior.
The half marathon route features the first 4 miles of the 50K/Marathon but then goes towards Trout Bay and traverses the island’s highland forests before reconnecting the long route on the west coast of the island. The race includes single-track, two-track, and narrow dirt roads.
Simply put, the Grand Island Trail Marathon is one of the most scenic Michigan running races.
Event details and schedule
Friday, July 29, 2022
3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Packet Pick Up at the Holiday Inn Express Lakeview, Munising
Saturday, July 30, 2022
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
2. Kensington Marathon
Milford, MI
Jul 31, 2022 – Sunday
50K, 26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run
The 9th Annual Kensington Marathon event features runs in Michigan for everyone: 26.2k – 50k – 13.1k – 10k – 5k.
As a runner, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Metropark in Kensington is an 8.5-mile long run/walk/bike trail that circles Kent Lake. A lot of area runners train regularly here. In the park, you can also find a small farm, an equestrian area, a nature center, boat rentals, a frisbee golf course, an 18-hole golf course, a water park, and more.
Race organizers encourage runners to pick up their race packets prior to race day. They are working with the park to finalize packet pick-up times and locations. And due to Covid, they are asking participants to maintain 6′ social distancing at packet pick-up.
Staggered Race Start Times
5:00 am: Early, Early Start- Marathon & 50k
6:00 am: Early Start – Marathon & 50k
7:00 am: Start – Marathon & 50k
7:15 am: Early Start – Half-Marathon
8:00 am: Start – Half-Marathon
8:30 am: Start – 10k & 5k
Start Line – Small Group Waves
The marathon will start in waves of 5-10 runners at 5-10 second intervals.
This will help make it easier to pass in both directions.
3. Riley Trails Marathon
Aug 6, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K trail run | 26.2M relay
Holland, MI
The 5th Riley Trails Marathon event will be held on Saturday, August 6th, 2022.
It features a Marathon, Half Marathon, arguably the best 10k race in Michigan, and a 4 Person Relay!
All runs will start at 8:00 AM this year!
There is an 8 – Hour cut-off time for All events at 4:00 pm.
Awards and Prizes
Every finisher will receive a Riley Trails Marathon Pint Glass and Egress Endurance Decal Sticker.
The Top-25 Finishers of the Marathon and Half Marathon will also receive a Riley Trails Marathon Dog Tag.
The Top-3 Male and Female Finishers of the 10K, 1/2 Marathon, and Full Marathon will be awarded!
Chip timing is offered for all events.
The course starts and finishes at Benjamin’s Hope.
Benjamin Hope is a Charity Partner.
Marathon Runners: 5.5 loops at Riley
1/2 Marathon Runners: 2.5 Loops at Riley
10K and 4-person relay: 1 full loop.
4. North Country Trail Run
Aug 27, 2022 – Saturday
50M, 26.2M, 13.1M trail run
Aug 28, 2022 – Sunday
13.1M trail run
Manistee, MI
The 23rd Annual North Country Trail Run features distances for everyone. It is one of the largest half marathons and ultra-marathons in the USA and the 3rd largest marathon in the country.
The North Country half marathon starts out and heads up 1/2 mile Hill (at approximately 2.4 miles). It provides a rewarding challenge with great twists and turns and exciting ups and downs with scenic views the whole way. The next 13 miles include a variety of terrain, from beach sand to pine needles and tall grass to gravel and even roots.
26.2 Mile Marathon | Elevation Gain: 4,322 ft
Running the full marathon will give you a chance to enjoy the different areas of the trail. You start with a serpentine trail to about mile 4 where you find “half-mile” hill, a moderate climb that is not so hard. The route is beautiful and flat with a lot of pines and pine needles until the back half. At mile 15, there is another climb, and even the best runners are walking by the time they reach the top. You’ll find more climbs in the dark woods at around miles 20 thru 24. After, it is a nice sandy downhill to the finish line.
50 Mile Ultra Marathon | Elevation Gain: 6,968 ft
Running a 50-mile Ultra is for experienced runners, and the North Country Trail Run will not disappoint them. This course is full of scenic views and is challenging, making it one of the best runs in Michigan.
You will start the run on flat single trails, and around mile 4, you will get your first big climb, just remember it’s normal to hike this one; it would be too early to waste too much energy.
The course will then give you a few miles of rolling trails, eventually giving way to a relatively flat surface, but don’t worry, the hills will return. After each aid station, starting at mile 14, you’ll hit a decent climb. The hills will come fast and furious.
As you approach the end of the loop, take a quick peek at the top of the hill. As you pass through the start/finish area, you’ll find an Aid Station, your drop bag, and many well-wishers encouraging you to continue for the second half.
The second loop, though the same as the first, can seem even longer and will exhaust you. But continual forward motion will get you to the next aid station and eventually to the finish line!
5. The Twin Cities Turkey Trot
November 26, 9 am
5K/10K
Benton Harbor, MI
The 5th Twin Cities Turkey Trot 5K/10K at Benton Harbor is hosted by SWMI RACERS to help the Benton Harbor Parks Conservancy Union Park renovation project. Athletes can run or walk a 5K or run a 10K and be at home by 11 am!
Courses for both distances start and finish at the City Center Park in Benton Harbor. The 5K run is stroller-friendly, and post-race refreshments are provided at the finish line.
Male and female finishers in the running and walking divisions will receive individual awards. The top 3 male and female age group finishers and top 10 men & women walkers in the 5K run will get medals.
