We often spend our miles chasing the “next big experience”. Whether that’s new trails, new races, or unfamiliar horizons. But every so often, there’s a race that comes along that feels less like a challenge to conquer and more like a tradition to keep. The Trail Weekend 50K is that race for me. Returning to these woods wasn’t just a matter of checking a box on my training calendar (although it did fit nicely this year), it was about revisiting a course that has left an impression on me.
Trail Weekend 50K occurs annually in Pinckney Recreation Area in southeast Michigan. It is almost entirely a trail race, another reason why I love it, offering varying distances for all trail lovers. Race distances include:
- 5 mile
- 13.1 mile
- 26.2 mile
- 50K
All 4 distances have one thing in common. Hills. Whether you’re tackling the 5-mile or the 50K, expect to climb.
Cutoff times are generous, too. Making this race not only great for runners of all levels but also hiker-friendly for most distances.
Trail Weekend Course
The 50K course was made up of two loops: the pink loop and the blue loop. The pink loop was approximately 13.1 miles and was completed twice, while the blue loop was approximately 5 miles and served as the final stretch of the day.
The half-marathon, marathon, and 50K distances all started at the same time near the beach at Silver Lake. The course immediately took us up a hill and onto a single-track trail. There was a lot of congestion for the first half-mile, but the course briefly opened up to a short road section afterward. This allowed everyone to spread out and pass slower runners before we got onto the Potawatomi Trail.
The next 12 miles were spent climbing up and going down hills, navigating over roots and rocks, and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Pinckney Recreation Area. My favorite section was around the 6/19-mile mark, where we climbed up a ridgeline and looked down at Blind Lake.
The final half-mile of the pink loop followed the shoreline of Silver Lake. There’s nothing better than coming around that corner and seeing the lake, knowing you’re “almost there”.
After popping out of the woods and running across a short grassy section, we reached the start/finish line and the end of the loop. There was an aid station here as well that had drop bags for those who wanted them. For me, it was the perfect spot for my crew to meet up with me before I headed off to the next loop.
After a brief moment of getting supplies, the marathon and 50K distances head back out to repeat the loop.
After completing the pink loop for a second time, those of us running the 50K left the aid station for the final time and started on the blue loop. The blue loop took us through the parking lot, across the main road, and onto a dirt road. We ran along this road for a short distance (roughly half a mile, maybe), before turning and hopping onto the Crooked Lake Trail.
Almost immediately, we started climbing a very large, steep hill. And then a second one. Eventually, the trail leveled out, giving us an opportunity to stretch out our legs (what was left of them) and run on flat, smooth trail.
This section was beautiful. It took us past another lake and through a forest filled with spring wildflowers. It was so peaceful.
At around the 3-mile mark, the pink and blue trails joined, and the terrain turned hilly once again. Getting back to familiar territory gave me the mental boost of knowing exactly what was to come, and it was time for the final push to the finish.
Aid Stations
Aid stations were 3-4 miles apart on the pink loop. They offered water and gaterode, as well as a variety of food options. I hardly ever use aid stations other than for water refills, but I did stop at one and snag some Pringles!
The 5-mile loop doesn’t have any aid stations.
The Goodies
All finishers receive a finisher’s medal, a coupon for a slice of Little Caeser’s pizza and a ticket into the beer tent, post-race, with their bibs. Optional add-ons are also available, such as t-shirts and hats.
And of course, all participants gain the accomplishment of completing one of lower Michigan’s most challenging races.
The Race Organization – RF Events
RF Events hosts everything from road races to trail ultras. They focus on creating well-crafted courses, welcoming atmospheres, and memorable moments. Most of their events are in Michigan, specifically southeast Michigan. I have participated in a few of their events, including The Legend (retired), Run Woodstock, and Bonfyre Trail Fest.
In addition to running, they also have a couple Triathlon & Dualthlon events. You can check out their event calendar at RF Events Calendar.
Overall
I love this race. I love the course, the challenge, the people, and the accomplishment. It is well organized, and a wonderful way to spend an enjoyable day in the woods with great people. It is hard to find a better trail race in South Michigan.
For more information, visit Trail Weekend.
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