About This Race
The Grand Island Trail Run is a breathtaking ultramarathon held on a remote wilderness island in Michigan's Lake Superior, featuring a 50K course that circles the island's rugged perimeter. Runners encounter a stunning variety of terrain, from 300-foot sandstone cliffs and white sand beaches to dense old-growth hardwood forests with views of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
What Makes It Unique
- Island Access Logistics: The race takes place on a non-motorized island reachable only by ferry, creating a secluded and immersive wilderness experience for a limited field of 500 runners.
- Dramatic Coastal Views: Much of the course is perched atop 300-foot-high Jacobsville sandstone cliffs, offering participants constant, wide-angle views of the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior.
- Eco-Sustainable Design: As a cupless and eco-conscious event, the race mandates that runners carry their own hydration systems to protect the island's pristine ecosystem while navigating through its diverse inland and coastal trails.