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Michigan > Betsie Valley Run Half Marathon & 10K
Thompsonville, MI

Date

Sunday, October 4, 2009


 
Event Details

Now approaching its third annual running of the combination of flat stretches and occasionally steep and challenging hills along the Betsie Valley Trail in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, the Betsie Valley Run -- which also includes a 10K for runners and walkers -- shows off some of the state's most scenic areas at the height of the fall season, when the gorgeous autumn leaves are making their transition to the full spectrum of red, yellow and orange.

The 13.1-mile half marathon stars and finishes at Crystal Mountain Resort, a ski and golf resort that lies about three miles to the west of Thompsonville, and takes participants on an out-and-back loop route from the resort through Thompsonville and out onto several miles of the 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail. Once it reaches Pioneer Road, the course turns sharply southward and then begins the long, steady stretch back to the finish line near the resort.

Designed for hiking, walking, running and biking, the Betsie Valley Trail is part of a rails-to-trails initiative that converted the former Ann Arbor Railroad into a trail that runs from Thompsonville all the way to the shores of Lake Michigan, ending near the towns of Frankfort and Elberta, Mich. Along the way, runners and walkers cross a combination of paved/asphalt and compacted stone trails, as well as several wooden bridges over the numerous streams and creeks along the trail.

Those thinking of taking part in the race should be ready for at least a few significant hills in this race, particularly in the last few miles -- there are two steep hills that rise up between the 10- and 12-mile markers, rising and quickly falling about 50 feet in elevation each. The last mile of the course (thankfully!) is a long, flat stretch toward the finish.


Race Weather & Climate

Nestled among the mountainous areas of the western edge of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, the town of Thompsonville generally experiences mild to cool and sometimes cold weather conditions in the early fall, and the occasional rain shower or storm. In October, average monthly temperatures range between 57°F and 42°F, while precipitation amounts average around 3.26 inches for the month.


Fees

N/A


Registration

To reserve your spot in the fall 2009 running of Thompsonville's Betsie Valley Run Half Marathon or 10K, register online at the event website.


Websites

www.betsievalleyrun.com

Betsie Valley Trail

View photos of the 2007 Betsie Valley race


Course Map


View Larger Map



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Ever run in Thompsonville's annual Betsie Valley Run? Share your impressions and read fellow runners' stories and tips for the event.

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