Grand Island Trail Marathon

Grand Island Trail Marathon

Great Lakes Endurance hosts a trail race on Grand Island near Munising, Michigan, with three distance options:

• 50K
• Marathon
• Half Marathon

Courses run primarily on the island perimeter and interior trails and include single track, two track, and narrow dirt roads. Runners pass shoreline sections such as Trout Bay, ascents to eastern cliffs with views toward Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, 300 foot Jacobsville sandstone cliffs, and North Beach. The 50K leaves the western coastal trail to reach Echo Lake and the island summit on a roughly five mile section of faster dirt forest roads. Much of the route is shaded by hardwood forest and the course is marked with colored flags, directional arrows, and mile markers.

Aid stations are located at specific mile points on each course; the 50K and marathon share most stations while the half has two stations. All runners must carry a 20 oz water bottle or other functional hydration system and may refill at aid stations. Nutrition at aid stations includes cold water, an electrolyte drink, and select gels and electrolyte tablets.

Logistics include roundtrip shuttle bus and ferry transport to the island, with race number serving as bus and ferry pass and limited parking at the ferry. Registration opens September 5, 2025 and closes July 20, 2026 with a combined event cap of 500 participants. A gear storage tent is provided near the start and finish. Dogs are allowed on shuttle and ferry and at the start/finish area but are not permitted on the race course.

Age group awards and a finisher medallion are given to finishers. Time limits apply to each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.