Grand Island Trail Runs

Grand Island Trail Runs

Our flagship race on Grand Island in Lake Superior! The course follows the perimeter trail of the island counterclockwise up past Murray Bay and Duck Lake. At three miles the course heads eastward into the Tombolo, up into the island's thumb and then back along Trout Bay where runners can enjoy one of the most spectacular stretches of shoreline anywhere in the Great Lakes. Runners then ascend up the eastern cliffs of the island which treat runners to views of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The northern half of the island features 300ft colored Jacobsville sandstone cliffs and the remote and exquisitely beautiful North Beach. The return trail on the island's western shore features remarkable vistas of Lake Superior. Much of the trail is shaded by lush hardwood forests. Exposed sections (atop cliffs) blanket runners with cool breezes off of Lake Superior. Trail includes single track, two track, and narrow dirt roads.

Great Lakes Endurance operates trail running events in the Great Lakes Region since 2000. Founded by local trail runner Jeff Crumbaugh, as of the 2026 season, the events will be operated by Aravaipa Running. We hope you'll join us for some spectacular and wild trail running races in Michigan!

Start Times

• 50K: 6:00 AM
• Marathon: 7:00 AM
• 1/2 Marathon: 8:00 AM