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- Rock River Canyon
- Race Information
Rock River Canyon 50K
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The Rock River Canyon 50K is a magnificent route through high country and remote river valleys south of Munising. The course begins at the Valley Spur Lodge south of Munising and follows a rarely followed section of the North Country Trail to AuTrain and then on to the Rock River Canyon Wilderness. Runners then turn back for an eastward retrace back to Valley Spur. Single track comprises 26 miles of the route while dirt forest road makes up the remaining 5. Runners who want to immerse themselves in the wild backcountry of the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Zen quality single track have now found their experience. With 4390 ft of elevation change over 31 miles runners will enjoy frequent but not overwhelming ascents and descents. I would describe it as highly runable and even a fast course for the experienced ultra runner. It's moderate, non-technical terrain make it an ideal step up for the marathoner wishing to try their first ultra.
2025 Rock River Canyon Trail Run Event Schedule
Event |
Day & Date |
Location |
Start Time |
Registration |
50K |
Saturday, 6/7/2025 |
Valley Spur Lodge, |
8:00 a.m. |  |
27K |
Saturday, 6/7/2025 |
Valley Spur Lodge, |
9:00 a.m. | |
Registration
Opens November 23, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.
Deadline: June 6, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. or when event fills to capacity. *Register by May 10 to guarantee a t-shirt.
Participant Limits: 100
Travel & Lodging
Nearest Airport: Marquette, MI (also know as KI Sawyer International) one hour drive time.
Host Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Lakeview, Munising, MI (overlooking Lake Superior).
Reservations recommended: 906.387.4800
Chamber of Commerce: 906.387.2138
Chamber of Commerce Website: www.algercounty.org
The drive from Detroit Metro to Munising is at least seven (7) hours.
Packet Pick Up
Where: Valley Spur Lodge, M94, Munising, MI
When: Friday, June 7 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. or race day from 7:00 - 8:45 am.
Course
Out and back course from Valley Spur to the Rock River Canyon Wilderness and back via the North Country Trail. The route features 26 miles of single track and 5 miles of dirt forest road. There is 4390 ft of ascent and descent over the 31 mile route. The 27K is 100% single track, with runners turning around at the 2nd Aid Station (AuTrain). Map
Aid Stations
There are six aid stations located 4-5.4 miles apart: 4, 8.4, 12.8, 18.2, 22.6, and 27 miles. Aid stations are accessible by vehicle and are great locations for spectators to view the race. Runners are required to carry a 20oz water bottle or functional hydration system that can be refilled. Volunteers will have large pitchers with cold water and cold Gnarly Fuel2O energy drink with electrolytes to quickly refill your water bottle or hydration system. Hammer Energy Gels and Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes will be available at each aid station.
50K Aid Station Closing Times
| Station | 4.0 Mile | 8.4 Mile | 12.8 Mile | 18.2 Mile | 22.6 Mile | 27.0 Mile | 31.0 Mile |
| Distance Between | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 5.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.0 |
| Cut Off | 9:00 am | 10:10 am | 11:20 am | 12:50 pm | 2:00 pm | 3:10 pm | 4:30 pm |
Time Limits
There is a 8.5 hour time limit for the 50K. Aid stations will close at the times listed in the table above. Runners who decide to drop out of the race are advised to drop out at an aid station where they will be transported back to Valley Spur/finish area. A sweep will follow the last runner, thus closing the race course.
Race Fees
| Event | Until 11:00 p.m. February 1, 2025 | Until 11:00 p.m. April 12, 2025 | Until 8:00 p.m. June 6, 2025 |
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| 50K |
$95
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$105
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$115
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| 27K |
$80
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$85
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$90
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Race fees include:
- Round trip bus transportation to the start.
- Custom race shirt by deadline.
- Post race refreshments.
- Custom hardwood engraved finisher medallion.
Refund & Transfer Policy
Refunds: There are no refunds. However, Active.com offers entry fee insurance.
Participant transfers: You may transfer your entry to another person for a $10 transfer fee. You can manage your transfer using your Active.com account.
Distance changes: You can change your race distances by using your Active.com account. However, there are no refunds for entry fee differences between events.
Parking & Bus Transportation
This year their is sufficient parking at Valley Spur. All runners may park at Valley Spur. We still encourage runners to car pool if possible.
Age Groups
15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Awards
| Top Three in Each Age Group | All Runners |
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Mass Farms Maple Syrup
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Custom Finisher Medallion |
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in the start/finish area but not on the race course. Please pick up animal waste.
