The Porcupine Mountains are one of the largest tracts of wilderness east of the Mississippi River. The Porcupine Mts overlook Lake Superior, the largest fresh water lake on Earth.

The coastline is remote and rugged. The marathon course includes some of the most remarkable single track in the midwest and takes runners past tranquil and remote Mirror Lake and along the classic Escarpment Trail where you can almost reach out and touch soaring hawks as you overlook Lake of the Clouds.

This event completes a trio of deeply inspiring trail marathon hosted by Great Lakes Endurance (Waugoshance, Grand Island, and Porcupine Mtns) offering runners the best of what Michigan and the Upper Great Lakes have to offer.

Marathon

The marathon starts in front of the Porcupine Mtns Ski Lodge and ascends the mountain via cross country ski trails. The course then travels on mostly single track through the rugged highlands surrounding the remarkable Carp River Valley. Runners will enjoy world class scenic vistas. There is one river crossing. The course is well marked with colored flags, directional arrows, and mile markers. In 2013 rain produced treacherous conditions on portions of the trail that required a re-route. In case of similar conditions the re-route will be employed.

Marathon Start: 8:00 a.m. Saturday, September 18, 2015, Porcupine Mtn Ski Lodge. Map

Half Marathon

The marathon starts in front of the Porcupine Mtns Ski Lodge and ascends the mountain via cross country ski trails to the Log Camp Aid Station 1 (3 miles). Runners head west to Union Spring and then takes runners up and over ridge before crossing the Carp River. Runners then turn north, following and elegant trail that descends along the Carp River before reaching the Cuyahoga Creek Aid Station (7.5 mi). The trail then ascends through a old growth hemlock forest to West Vista where runners will enjoy a panaoramic vista of Lake Superior and the valley below. Runners then follow XC ski trails along the ridge before returning to the Log Camp Aid Station (mile 10). The last three miles follow a gradual 3 mile downhill course back to the ski lodge. The course is well marked with colored flags, directional arrows, and mile markers.

Half Marathon Start: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2015 Porcupine Mtn Ski Lodge. Map

5K

The race starts and finishes at the Porcupine Mtns Ski Lodge and follows a scenic loop on the cross country ski trail system.

5K Start: 9:00 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2015. Porcupine Mtn Ski Lodge.

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