With its mixture of running on both paved backcountry roads and forest trails, the Pictured Rocks Road Race Half Marathon & 5K offers runners the chance to spend 13.1 miles -- or five kilometers -- crossing the hills and mountain ridges of Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Seashore, within sight of its birch forests, sand dunes, cliffs and the beautiful shoreline of Lake Superior.

One of the state's smaller road race events, the Pictured Rocks race saw just over 100 runners and walkers cross the finish line in both races combined in 2010.

Started in 1976 by local women's sports and running pioneer Norma Harger, the race originally was an 11-mile road race through Munising and the roads near the seashore, and was described as both challenging and forgiving, and tremendous fun for both participants and volunteers. It was nearly abandoned in the 1990s, however, but has since experienced something of a rebirth, and this year will celebrate its 10th anniversary with local nonprofit Harbor House as its organizing sponsor.

Today's half-marathon event begins in downtown Munising on East Varnum Street, and takes runners on an out-and-back course that traverses some very hilly and tough-going terrain, filled with hills and mountain trail switchbacks. Though it doesn't run along the Pictured Rocks National Seashore trail due to logistical reasons, the course does take runners along Munising Avenue downtown, within just a couple of blocks of the water's edge.

While the 5K is open to runners only, the half-marathon is open to both runners and walkers, who are permitted to start their race anytime before 7:30 AM (runners start at 8:00 AM). While you're in town, be sure to take in some of the natural beauty that Munising and the national seashore are known for -- plentiful waterfalls, rock formations and sand dunes along the shore, as well as historic Grand Island, which can be reached by ferry for hiking and bike riding on the island.


Race Weather & Climate

Situated at the southern tip of South Bay along the Lake Superior shoreline on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the town of Munising typically enjoys mild to moderately cool weather in the early weeks of summer, with occasional wet weather. In June, average monthly temperatures range between 68°F and 48°F, while rainfall amounts average around 3 inches for the month.


Fees

$30 for the half marathon, if registered by June 5, 2011
$40 between June 6 - 25
$50 on the day of the race


Registration

To reserve your spot in the summer 2011 running of the Pictured Rocks For For Shelter races, register online at the event website.


Website

www.picturedrocksroadrace.com



Course Map


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