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