Marquette Trail 50
Marquette Trail 50 2021 is a challenging, scenic, and well-organized trail race featuring 50K, 50M, kids 1M Run, and Fundraiser 5M that raise funds for NMU Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field Teams.
Join the 13th edition of the Marquette Trail 50 Ultramarathon and test your endurance. But, first, let’s give you quick know-how about the Event.
So, starting with the what, Marquette Trail 50 is an event at August-end (August 21 & )every year. The marathons ( 50k and 50mile run) are starting and finishing from the NTN Forestville Trailhead. These Ultra marathons are very popular among the runners all along the Upper peninsula, so the slots are filled up very quickly. Unfortunately, due to the Pandemic situation, they limited the slots to 20 entries in the 50miles trail and 50 entries for the 50k trail initially. Still, you can register yourself on the waitlist for additional future spaces till August 14, 2021.
About the Trail
The trail consists of two loops:
- 11-mile loop South of the Start/Finish area
- 20-mile loop North of the Start/Finish area
50K runners start with the small loop, then run the bigger loop. There are five aid stations located along the 50K track. The time limit to complete the 50K is 12 hours. The elevation gain for the 50K race is about 3,237 feet.
50M runners start with the small loop, then run the big loop twice (in a loop). There are nine aid stations located along the 50M course. The time limit to complete the 50M is 15 hours, with several cutoffs strictly enforced. The elevation gain for the 50M race is about 5,520 feet.
The trail is primarily single-track, climbing the picturesque four peaks around Harlow Lake and Little Presque Isle: Sugarloaf, Top-of-the-World, Bareback, and Hogback. Enjoy Marquette’s wildlife and nature as you move along the track, Lake superior being the most of it, but as the race starts early in the morning, you won’t be able to enjoy the morning views. The great length of the trail consists of moderate to rugged terrain with significant climbs. Thus, the track is sometimes Hilly and rocks, roots, and ruts the other. Watch out for the orange marks to stay on the right track all along.
Trailmaps for 50K and 50M
What’s exciting about the Event?
Station Aids
Station aids present after every 5-6 miles of track for a quick halt, bottle refill, and to have or pick up some pocket snacks and energy bars, beverages, pretzels, etc. But this must not slow you down.
Volunteers
The race directors make the races happen, but they cannot do it without a team of volunteers. Also, volunteers cheering for you boost your energy to go the extra mile and positively motivate you throughout the track.
Post-Race Party
Border Grill (Marquette’s Mexican restaurant) will be sponsoring the Post Race Party at the Start/Finish area. From 11 AM to 9 PM for Chicken and Vegan Burritos, Rice and Beans, and Homemade Chips and Salsa. Food provided at the post-race party is for racers only.
What to carry/wear to be well-prepared for the long run?
Clothing
Compression shorts, toe-socks (so you don’t get blisters when running long distances), arm warmers, synthetic T-shirt.
Jacket and pants(waterproof), gloves
To deal with sudden weather changes.
Mini first aid kit
Carry general medications and bandaids
Waterproof bag
Waterproof bag to carry your phone cables or power bank
How to get to Forestville trailhead from Superior Stay?
Forestville trailhead is just 10mins away from the Superior Stay Hotel. Take W Fair Ave to Presque Isle Ave. Continue on Presque Isle Ave for 1 mile, drive from Big Bay Rd to Marquette Township and turn left to go straight on Forestville Rd for 0.3 miles.
Parking Facilities
Preference is given to the 50M racer for parking. Keep your registration email as proof to park at the Forestville trailhead. A race day shuttle is also available for all the racers and their families, which will start loading at the North lot of Peninsula Medical Center at 4.00 AM. Minimal parking is available for the families at the trailhead; also, you’ll have to walk about 0.25 to 0.50 miles to start.
Stay at Superior Stay Hotel in Marquette
The Peninsula Medical Center is just a 5-minute drive from Superior Stay Hotel, where the families and the racers have to reach for shuttle service to the Forestville Trailhead. So, let us know that you are coming for the Marquette Trail 50 run, and we’ll be ready with your pre-race protein-rich breakfast before you depart; you can grab some pocket snacks, energy bars, too. As a small boutique hotel, we take pride in providing you personalized service.
