Marathon at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

The Department of Natural Resources today announced that the remote and rugged terrain of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Silver City, Mich., will be the venue for the 2013 Porcupine Mountains Trail Marathon set for Saturday, Oct. 5. The event is sponsored by Great Lakes Endurance and Patagonia Footwear. In addition to the trail marathon, the day includes a half-marathon, a 5K and a kids’ 2K race.

“The Porcupine Mountains, one of the largest tracts of wilderness east of the Mississippi River, provide stunning views along the single-track marathon course,” said Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park manager William Doan. “The park offers a uniquely natural setting that pairs perfectly with Great Lakes Endurance’s focus on the sustainability, protection and awareness of the environment.”

The marathon is limited to 200 runners, and the half-marathon is limited to 300 runners. Registration is available online only, and will be turned off when events reach capacity. Participants can register online at http://www.active.com/marathon/silver-city-mi/porcupine-mountains-trail-marathon-2013.

All events begin at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Winter Sports Complex, ski chalet. The marathon kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will following cross-country ski trails past Trap Falls and the stunning views of Lake of the Clouds before the route descends to the panoramic vistas of Carp River Valley and then returns to the chalet. The marathon will have a six-hour time limit that will be strictly enforced.

The half-marathon begins at 8:30 a.m. and will traverses cross-country ski trails along the Carp River and into the scenic Carp River Valley before heading east via the Overlook Trail and back to the chalet.

The 5K race starts at 9 a.m. at the chalet and follows a scenic loop on the cross-country trail system that finishes back at the chalet.

The kids’ 2K that begins at 10 a.m. at the chalet is open to children ages 3 to 12 years old. Parents may run with their children. The course follows a scenic loop on the cross-country ski trail system.

Online registration for all events concludes at midnight, Thursday, Oct. 3. Entry fees include eco-technical race shirts, post-race refreshments and finisher medallions for marathon and half-marathon participants. Runners must register by Sept. 21 to be eligible to receive a shirt.

Fees for the races vary according to the dates racers submit their registrations:

• Marathon fees are $85 until midnight June 1; $90 until midnight Aug. 1; and $95 until midnight Oct. 3.
• Half-marathon fees are $60 until midnight June 1; $65 until midnight Aug. 1; and $70 until midnight Oct. 3.
• 5K registration is $25 until midnight June 1; $30 until midnight Aug. 1; and $35 until midnight Oct. 3. Youth race fees for the 2K are $12 until midnight June 1; $15 until midnight Aug. 1; and $18 until midnight Oct. 3.

The races are scheduled during the peak of fall foliage season in the Upper Peninsula. Early lodging reservations are highly recommended. For detailed information on the race including tips on travel and lodging, age groups, awards and prizes, and race rules and regulations, visit www.greatlakesendurance.com.