Tahqua Trail Marathon

Events
25 Km:

The course begins on the Tahqua Trail 4.3 miles west of Whitefish Bay in eastern Lake Superior. Runners follow a dirt forest road along the Tahquamenon River for one quarter mile until they reach the North Country Trail (NCT). The single track NCT winds through spruce swale, pine ridges, lush bogs, Jack Pine savannah, and past the Camp 10 and Water Tank lakes, where the occasional moose can be spotted. Nine and one half miles in runners reach Lower Tahquamenon Falls. The NCT then transitions into the heavily forested Lower Falls trails. One mile later the course merges with the River Trail which travels along the Tahquamenon River. The River Trail features old growth hemlock and yellow birch. Runners hear the roar of the Upper Falls encouraging a strong finish near the top of the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. Runners bused to start from your choice of the Upper Falls Parking Lot (Finish Area) or downtown Paradise (at the Whitefish Township School). Bus schedule will be available two weeks before the race. Aid stations stocked with cold water, cold HEED (Hammer High Energy & Electrolyte Drink), and Hammer Gel are located at 3.5, 7,

9.5 miles. Runners are required to carry a 20 oz water bottle or other functional hydration system which can be refilled at each station with water or HEED. Volunteers with pitchers will quickly refill your water bottle or hydration system with the fluid of your choice.Start: 8:00 AM. Sunday, August 15, Tahqua Road, 4.3 miles west of Whitefish Bay. Map

10 Km:

Runners begin at the Lower Tahquamenon Falls, in the grassy are behind the gift shop. After a 1.7 mile loop up into the forested highlands above the falls the course descends and joins the River Trail as it winds along the banks of the Tahquamenon River. The trail is shaded by old growth hemlock,yellow birch, and dense stands of sugar maple. The course finishes on the trail above the Upper Tahquamenon Falls. Runners bused to start from your choice of the Upper Falls Parking Lot (Finish Area) or downtown Paradise (at the Whitefish Township School). Bus schedule will be available two weeks before the race. Due to the remote nature of the River Trail, runners must be self supported by carrying a 20 oz water bottle or other functional hydration system.Start: 8:30 AM. Sunday, August 15, Lower Tahquamenon Falls Campground. Map

2 Km Kidʼs Run:

A beautiful out and back course along the southern banks Tahquamenon River. The trail is wide and covered with pine needles. Parents may run with their children. The trail starts near the group campground in the southwest corner of the Rivermouth Campground. Cold water available to youth racers after the event. Starts 5:00 PM, Saturday, southwest corner of the Rivermouth Campground. Map

Natural History of Tahquamenon:

In addition to its spectacular beauty, the Tahquamenon watershed is a remarkably diverse ecological region with a fascinating geological and cultural history. A Tahquamenon Falls State Park Naturalist will provide interpretive programs on Friday afternoon at the pasta dinner at the Whitefish Township School in Paradise at 6:15 pm Saturday, August 14, 2010.

Pasta Dinner Friday Night! Menu: Lasagna (both meat & vegetarian), mixed green salad, garlic bread, cookies & brownies, lemonade iced tea, & coffee. Location: Whitefish Township School, Paradise When: 5:30 -8:00 PM on Friday, August 15, 2010. Cost: $10 (Available for purchase at the door)

Race Fees

Race fees include: 1) Bus transportation from Upper Tahquamenon Falls (Finish Area) or Whitefish Township School to race start. 2 ) Custom printed Organic Cotton Race Shirt (Guaranteed only if registered by August 1). 3) Wild Blueberry Pastries, Cherry Juice, and Iced Organic Coffee at Finish Line.

2009 Tahqua Trail Run Fee Schedule

No refunds or participant transfers. This means that once you register we will not refund your entry nor can you transfer your entry to another runner. You may transfer events up to an including August

14. $25 charge for cancelled and NSF checks.

Post Race Refreshments

The Tahquamenon region is recognized nationally for its abundant wild blueberries. Runners will be treated to a wide assortment of locally made wild blueberry pastries, cherry juice, and iced organiccoffee after the race.

Awards

All runners will receive a custom printed organic cotton t-shirt. Age group winners in each race will receive a hand crafted ceramic bowl from Open Wings Pottery of Munising, Michigan. Second and third place age group winners in each race will receive Smartwool socks.

Age Groups

25 Km: 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-69, 70+ 10 Km: 12-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ 2 Km: Under 8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14

Lodging & Camping Info: (906) 492-3219 Tourism Website: www.paradisemichigan.org

Environmental Measures

1. Race shirts made of organic cotton
2. Dinnerware at lasagna dinner made of biocompostable bagasse fibers
3. Race proceeds support environmental education at the Whitefish Township School.
4. Smartwool socks made with merino wool sourced from ecological farms
5. Ceramic bowls sourced from local artist Thomas Baugnet.
6. Course marked with reusable flags, removed directly after the event.

Runner Pre-Race Information & Bus Schedule

Please view and download critical pre-race information. This will make your experience much smoother and more enjoyable. Also, please view, study, and download the transportation to race start information.