Saturday, July 15, 2023 • Mackinaw City, MI • Course Map
Set for its 11th annual running this year, the Waugoshance Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay takes runners along the trails that wind through Wilderness State Park, a 10,512-acre park on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, along a point-to-point route that starts inside the park and finishes in nearby Mackinaw City.
The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the need to preserve wild habitat in the area, as an abundance of wildlife including American black bears, beavers, bobcats, otters, and mink call Wilderness State Park home.
Proceeds will help support environmental education efforts that focus on land preservation and knowledge of local flora and fauna. Runners will have an opportunity to get in touch with nature as they race along the North Country Trail and other trails.
Given their ongoing efforts to minimize waste and the race’s impact on the park, the race directors have limited the half marathon to 200 entrants. All racers are required to carry either a 20-ounce bottle or functional hydration system and can refill their bottles at the aid stations placed every 5 to 6 miles along the course.
Runners will start their race in the park and follow the second half of the full marathon course. They will start by heading east and travel past Canada Goose Pond, nestled within the grounds of Wilderness State Park.
From the Cecil Bay area, runners will take the course north and begin to near Trail End Bay and French Farm Lake. On the left side runners will pass the Trail End Bay. Lying on Lake Michigan, it offers a more secluded space for visitors to the Mackinaw area. Located on the right side of the course, the French Farm Lake spans over 800 acres and is a popular area for fishing and boating.
At the end of the course, runners will take an old rail grade into Mackinaw City.
Race Weather & Climate
Temperatures along northern Lake Michigan are expected to be pleasant for a mid-June race. Monthly average highs are in the 70s and lows are in the mid-50s, while rainfall totals average just over 2 inches, making July one of the area’s driest months of the year.
Past Results
- 2022 Results
- 2019 Waugoshance Trail Half Marathon Results
- 2018 Waugoshance Trail Half Marathon Results
- 2017 Waugoshance Trail Half Marathon Results
- 2016 Waugoshance Trail Half Marathon Results
- 2015 Waugoshance Trail Half Marathon Results
- 2014 Waugoshance Trail Half Marathon Results
- 2013 Waugoshance Trail Half Marathon Results
- 2012 Waugoshance Trail Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Waugoshance Trail Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
- 7:00 AM – full marathon, 50K
- 8:00 AM – half marathon
Fees
- $70 and up – half marathon
- $85 and up – full marathon
- $95 and up – 50K
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of the Waugoshance Trail Marathon, Half Marathon or Relay, register online at Active.com here.
Official Race Website
Comments
Ever run in the Waugoshance Trail Run? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.
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