The marathon course was recertified as a Boston Qualifier in 2010 and changed considerably from the first year. The marathon course is a 2 loop course with each loop consisting of 13.1 miles. The ½ marathon course is a one loop 13.1 mile route. This race may not be for all marathoners as there will not be large cheering crowds at every turn. The roads are a combination of hard dirt, clay, some gravel, and there is blacktop pavement. The race is approximately 60% hard dirt, clay gravel and 40% pavement. There will be natural beauty abound as you will experience the quiet peaceful environment of Beaver Island. You will view miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Font Lake, "sand dunes" and forests along the course. The course is not closed to traffic however on the Island the traffic is very light.