Grand Island Trail Marathon

Event details

The Grand Island Trail Runs take place on Grand Island, offshore from Munising, Michigan, on July 25, 2026. Distances offered are:

• 50K
• Marathon
• Half Marathon

Total combined entrant limit is 500. Registration opens September 5, 2025 and closes July 20, 2026. Race fees include roundtrip bus and ferry transportation, a custom race shirt if ordered by the deadline, a finisher medallion, and post-race refreshments. Awards are given by age group and all finishers receive a medallion.

Course and logistics

All courses follow island trails that include singletrack, two-track, narrow dirt roads and sandy beach. Notable features along the perimeter route include Murray Bay, Duck Lake, the island tombolo, Trout Bay, eastern cliffs with views of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, 300 ft Jacobsville sandstone cliffs, and North Beach. Terrain is largely shaded hardwood forest with exposed cliff sections and coastal views.

Key course statistics:

• 50K - 31.8 miles; total elevation gain 1,891 ft; max elevation 938 ft; time limit 8.5 hours.
• Marathon - 27 miles; total elevation gain 1,505 ft; max elevation 823 ft; time limit 7 hours.
• Half Marathon - 14.64 miles; total elevation gain 415 ft; time limit 4 hours.

Aid stations are located at mile marks 4, 7, 11, 16, 22 and 27 for the 50K, with the marathon sharing those except mile 27. The half marathon has aid at 4 and 9 miles. All participants are required to carry a 20 oz water bottle or other functional hydration system for refilling at aid stations. Transportation to the ferry dock is by shuttle; the ferry crossing takes about 10 minutes. Extra ferry tickets are available for purchase. Dogs are allowed at the shuttle, ferry and start/finish area but are not permitted on the race course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.