Ok, finally! Here is the
Ok, finally! Here is the course description for each leg of the ultra. It also includes my comments on each section as I think I am the only fool they could find to test run the course on a beautiful, 90 degree August day. The course record (if you can call it that) is 13 hours 52 minutes. Since the weather in October shouldn't be anywhere near that hot and humid, I'm sure it will be lowered dramatically this year. If anyone has any questions about the course, just ask. I live about 10 miles from the trail, and run different sections of it quite often.
GAYLORD-MACKINAW CITY TRAIL (62.2 miles):
This is a multi-use rail-trail that has a ten foot wide packed crushed limestone surface.. From Gaylord the Trail heads north through Vanderbilt, Wolverine, Indian River, Topinabee and Cheboygan before heading west into Mackinaw City. It goes through varied terrain including rural agricultural areas, through Mackinaw State Forest, along the Sturgeon River and along the shores of Mullett Lake. There is an approximate 770 foot gradual elevation drop from Gaylord to Indian River. Trail segment descriptions are below:
GAYLORD TO VANDERBILT (7.6 miles):
This section of trail goes through rolling farmland with excellent rural views and through two trail tunnels on its way to the small village of Vanderbilt. Parking is available off Fairview Road in Gaylord at the Fairgrounds property or at the Soccer Fields or on Village streets in Vanderbilt.
Pat says: Since I ran the course in reverse order, this was the finish for me, making it a very welcome and exciting part of the course. Going north out of Gaylord will be a gradual downhill through small farms, and quiet rural neighborhoods. Reaching the second tunnel that takes you under Old 27 brings you on to a long, level straight stretch of the trail that brings you into the quiet town of Vanderbilt.
VANDERBILT TO WOLVERINE (10.9 miles):
This is the most remote section of trail including a four plus mile stretch with no road crossings or development. The trail goes through the Stewart’s Creek Marsh and crosses the Stewart’s Creek. This is an excellent wildlife viewing area in elk country. The trail crosses the Sturgeon River twice and the West Branch of the Sturgeon River once before arriving at the Wolverine Village Park with parking and facilities available.
Pat Says: This is the stretch that I was worried most about when running south, as there is a long portion of this trail that is very isolated. It can’t be reached by road. It begins when you cross Alexander Road, north of Vanderbilt, and is inaccessible until you reach Trowbridge Road, just south of Wolverine, so make sure you have all the supplies you want when you leave Vanderbilt.
This section also covers some of the most scenic and diverse landscapes of the entire race.
WOLVERINE TO INDIAN RIVER (9.6 miles):
The trail parallels the Sturgeon River with many outstanding river views and crosses the river once near the Rondo Access Site. The trail also goes through Haakwood State Forest Campground before arriving in Indian River. Burt Lake State Park is less than a mile from the trail at M-68. Parking is available along local streets or at the Township’s Marina Park Property
Pat Says: It was a hot August afternoon, with temperatures above 90 when I pushed through this stretch. There is a gradual up-hill leaving Wolverine, but as the race in on an old railroad bed, all the elevation changes are very manageable. This leg of the trail is situated between South Straits Highway (Old 27), and the West Branch of the Sturgeon River. There are plenty of small crossroads such as Scott, Rondo, and White roads, where crews, teammates, and spectators can offer encouragement. It the weather is right, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Sturgeon River at the Park off Rondo Road. Its one of my favorite spots on the whole trail…a great place to rejuvenate tired legs. If your in need of a calorie fix, the trail passes right in front of Indian River’s Burger King just before you reach the halfway point.
INDIAN RIVER TO TOPINABEE (5.6 miles):
The trail takes users through the heart of the small town of Indian River and then crosses the Indian River as it makes its way north. This short section of trail provides wonderful views of Mullett Lake and takes runners right into Topinabee. A Township Park near the former depot, now a library, has parking and facilities as well as a nice picnic area and swimming beach.
Pat Says: A wonderfully short leg that leaves the halfway point behind as it takes you under I-75 and cuts north east towards the Grandview Beach area of Mullet Lake. The trail drops away from Straits Highway for a couple of miles, before rejoining it just south of Topinabee.
TOPINABEE TO Cheboygan (11.9 miles):
This section takes you through historic resort areas along Mullett Lake and across Mullett Creek; there are many outstanding lake views and access points. Parking and lake access are available at Inverness Township Park in Mullett Village.This rural section takes you through farmland and forest. It crosses deep swales and passes by a buffalo farm before heading into the City of Cheboygan. A large trailhead facility is being built at the intersection of Lincoln and Taylor Streets and will have parking, bathrooms, and water available.
Pat Says: Gut check time. There is a small gain in elevation from Topinabee to the north end of Mullet Lake, and getting to the checkpoint in Cheboygan will seem a lot longer than the 11.9 miles on the map. Once you pass the Mullet Lake Country Club, then cross over Straits Highway, it feels like forever before you reach the checkpoint. There are several road crossings between Straits Highway and the trailhead where crews and teams may want to stop and encourage their runners. Cheboygan is also the only part of the trail where you have to pay attention to the signs, as there is an intersection on the trail that will take you north east towards the marina instead of northwest towards the finish.
CHEBOYGAN TO MACKINAW CITY (16.6 miles):
This long section of trail parallels US-23 through both cedar and upland forests. The trail takes you right by Mill Creek Historic State Park and an incredible view of the Mackinac Bridge. An MDOT roadside park across the highway from the trail has facilities and lake access. Parking is available at the Mackinaw City Trailhead of Shepler Driver.
Pat Says: Again, when I did this, Mackinaw is where I started. It was 6:30 in the morning, it was cold and rainy, and I had a new running companion, so we were still early into the story telling/getting to know one-another phase, so this part of the run just flew by. Once you leave Cheboygan, the trail is flat and tucked nicely in the pines along U.S. 23. It’s a fun leg, and a great way to finish, as your crews and teams will be able to see you from most any point on the highway. Again, there are many small crossroads that make meeting up with your crew easy and safe.
This section is a perfect example of what makes this trail ultra so unique. Most trail ultra’s are plunked down into the most miserable, unreachable terrain imaginable, making them a mental and physical challenge for the competitors, as well as spectators, fans and crews. This trail give you the sense of being miles out in the back country, while allowing crews, teammates, and fans a chance to actually watch you at more than just the checkpoints. I almost forgot to mention, the race ends right in front of The Mackinaw Crossings Mall.