Runners hit the trail for ultramarathon

MARQUETTE — The Marquette Trail 50 took off from the starting line earlier today at the Noquemanon Trail Network Forestville Trailhead.

The event holds kids races, a team relay, as well as solo ultramarathons of 50 miles, 50k and 100k. Each race contains their own challenges and require extreme determination to complete.

“An ultramarathon really tests your limits, there’s going to be a lot of suffering,” said Race Coordinator Andrew Grosvenor, “you’re going to be out there for a long time. You need to drink a lot, eat a lot. The fastest people will finish the 50k in 4 hours and that’s a long time. The 100k people, they may be out there up to 20 hours.”

A lot of the runners have stories behind their team names, including Amy’s Army who ran for their friend with cancer.

“Amy’s Army is essentially just a group of friends of hers and family that are in support of her,” said Mackenzie Kuhl “and thinking about her all the time, hoping the best, wishing the best for her.”

Over 500 runners will partake throughout the weekend. All of the money raised will be donated to the Noquemanon Trail Network, North Country Trail Association, NMU Women’s Cross–Country Team, and other local charities.