The “world’s most perfect little trail race” began at sunrise.
With the sound of a buzzer, the Hungerford Games Trail Race started. I was happily on my way to completing my first 50-mile ultramarathon.
The Hungerford Games consists of 3 different race distances – 50 miles, 45K, and 15 miles – occurring near Big Rapids, Michigan. Runners participating traverse over a variety of terrain as they make their way through the Manistee National Forest.
The Hungerford Games Course
The course was beautiful. We ran through areas filled with towering red pines and sections tunneled by large maple trees. The ever-changing terrain helped keep things interesting.
The race started on pavement and continued for about a mile and a half before dropping to a dirt road.
At mile 3, we reached the first aid station and entered the loop. Each section of the loop was different. We ran on sandy two tracks, dirt roads, forested trails, and sandy trails that followed powerline cuts. Whenever I started getting comfortable (or annoyed) with one terrain, I would soon be on to something else.
Between 2 and 6 miles, we found well-stocked aid stations armed with extremely friendly and welcoming volunteers. Each aid station seemed to have something different to offer for food and expertise.
After completing the second loop, we took the 3-mile trek back to the starting area and ended the race at the infamous “Hungerford Finish” sign where we received our hefty and very cool wooden medals.
Runners who completed the route before sunset (12 hours) also received a coveted wooden hiking stick.
Overall
I thoroughly enjoyed this course and race. I found it easy to navigate with limited elevation climb and mostly runnable surfaces. It was not technical and made for an excellent first 50-mile run.
The race directors and volunteers were all wonderful and encouraging. They were eager to help, share their knowledge, and cheer everyone on. The other runners were also amazing. Kind, caring, and supportive. I certainly made some new friends on this run!
I have already signed up to run the 2023 race. That alone should say how much I enjoyed it.
Now that I am familiar with the course and know that I can complete a 50-mile race, I’m hoping to take home one of those hiking sticks!
For more information or to register, visit The Hungerford Games.