A Bucket List Race: The Rock River Canyon 50K

The Rock River Canyon Trail Race is described as a race for runners who want to “immerse themselves in the wild backcountry of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Zen quality single track.”

No race that I have participated in has a truer description.

Almost entirely trail, the Rock River Canyon Trail Race follows the beautiful North Country Trail through heavy, secluded forest. It is one of my favorite 50K races so far.

The Rock River Canyon 50K Course

The Rock River Canyon Trail Race consists of two distances – the 27K and the 50K. Both are out-and-back and follow the same route. The 27K is 100% on single-track and has an aid station turn around point. The 50K is almost entirely on single-track with limited time on road. This was my second time completing the 50K and I suspect it won’t be the last.

Both distances start and finish at Valley Spur Lodge near Munising, Michigan. Thirty-two runners started the 50K and twenty-nine finished (thirty, including the sweeper). This is one of the smaller races that I have participated in, which I enjoyed but it also came with a different set of challenges.

From the start, we were on single-track on the North Country Trail. Typically the conga line becomes an issue with these kinds of races. However, because the race is so small, I didn’t encounter this issue. Everyone spread out quickly and when I did have to pass someone, they quickly stepped aside.

Also with the smaller number of participants, within a few miles I had found myself alone on the trail.

Around the 13.5 mile mark, we left the North Country Trail and ran on a dirt road to the turnaround point. It was about 4 to 5 miles total, and included an aid station.

Overall the trail was well groomed with a few rocks and tree roots. Despite having lots of rain the days prior, there were only a few patches of mud. The course isn’t very technical and makes it a great option for a first 50K.

Boasting over 4,000 feet of elevation climb and descent, the Rock River Canyon 50K had plenty of ups and downs. Almost immediately, we encountered hills and they remained constant throughout the entire race. However, there were plenty of flat areas too.

There were three aid stations along the 50K that we passed twice. They were at miles 4.5/26.5, 8.9/22.1, and 14/17. The easiest ones for my crew to get to where at miles 8.9/22.1 and 14/17. Both of these were on easily accessible roads. Along with Gnarly Fuel 2.0 (my fuel of choice) the aid stations had Hammer gels (I think) and offered bug spray, which was very much needed.

The Goodies

All registrants received a t-shirt made from recyclable material. I love these shirts. I have a total of 6 now from all of the Great Lakes Endurance events that I’ve participated in. They are fantastic for training in or just wearing everyday. They are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.

All finishers receive a really cool Rock River Canyon 50K wood medal.

Finishers in the top of their age group get rewarded with a bottle of very tasty maple syrup. I love this as an age group award. I especially like the next morning where I make pancakes or waffles and get to enjoy my accomplishment yet again.

The Organization

Great Lakes Endurance is a fantastic organization that really focuses on the essence of trail running – getting people connected with nature. The races tend to be smaller and elimate all of the bells and whistles. It is about doing hard things, enjoying the nature, and respecting the world around us.

I love their events. My goal is to participate at least once in all of their trail runs. I have completed so far the Two Hearted 50K, Treetop Trifecta, and the Rock River Canyon 50K. This summer I will also be running the Tahqua 25K. If you love trail running, I highly recommend participating in one of thier races. If ultra’s aren’t your thing, they do offer shorter distances for all their races.

Overall

There is nothing I love more than spending a day in the woods. The Rock River Canyon 50K delivers just that. It is a quiet and peaceful race that allows you to turn inward and rely on your own strength to get through it.