Grand Island in the Fall features exceptional and rare beauty. The deep blue and aqua green of Lake Superior frames the brilliant red and yellow of the island’s abundant maple and beach forests. Half marathoners take the classic tour up past Murray Bay and into the dense Hemlock forest near Duck Lake. The course then heads into the Tombolo and then out onto Trout Bay Beach to a 1 mile wide beach, framed by amber sandstone cliffs, facing north to an infinite horizon. A steady climb up into the heavily forested island interior is then rewarded with a 2 mile gradual descent on dirt roads to Mather Beach on the island’s west coast. The last four miles hug the cliffs and shoreline of Lake Superior, before heading east to the finish at Williams Landing. The 10K follows a new route, similar to the half, but without the Tombolo and Trout Bay Beach loop. The 10K course follows a dirt road down the spine of the island past the fabled wildflower fields and on to the finish at Williams Landing.
La Demi Grand Half Marathon & 10k
Date
Sep 16, 2023
Starting Time
9:00 AM
Course
Trail
Fees
$90+
Location
Munising
Participants
1-100
Terrain
Challenging
Environment
Urban
Temperature
High: 64°
/ Low: 53°
Overview
Course Description
Experience the extraordinary beauty of Grand Island in the Fall during this enchanting event. The half marathon unveils the island’s rich palette, where the deep blues and greens of Lake Superior complement the vibrant reds and yellows of maple and beach forests. The course embarks on a classic tour, leading half marathoners past Murray Bay and through the dense Hemlock forest near Duck Lake. The journey continues into the Tombolo and onto Trout Bay Beach, a 1-mile wide stretch with amber sandstone cliffs and an endless northern horizon.
A steady climb into the island’s interior is met with a rewarding 2-mile gradual descent on dirt roads, culminating at Mather Beach on the west coast. The final stretch hugs the cliffs of Lake Superior, offering breathtaking views before heading east to the finish at Williams Landing. For the 10K participants, a new route mirrors the half marathon’s beauty, excluding the Tombolo and Trout Bay Beach loop. Traverse a dirt road down the island’s spine, passing wildflower fields, and conclude your journey at Williams Landing. Immerse yourself in the rare and captivating allure of Grand Island’s autumnal landscape.
Past Results
Visit the race website for an up to date course map.
