Located in the remote, wild northeastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Two Hearted River captured the imagination of Ernest Hemingway in his novel “The Big Two Hearted River.” In addition to world class trout fishing this region features one of the most remarkable stretches of shoreline in the entire Lake Superior basin. Runners in the 50K and Marathon will experience this rugged coastline first hand via single track on high bluffs and more intimate shoreline forests. In addition, the race course winds inland along the shores of Culhane Lake and the Little Two Hearted River. The course is 80% single track and 20% dirt forest road or two track. This course has the capacity to transform the way you see nature and the world. The half marathon is a challenging loop that takes runners through old growth white pine forest and along the much loved ridge on the southern shore of Clark Lake. All races finish at the Upper Tahquamenon Falls, second highest east of the Mississippi. Camp 33 Brew Pub is located 200 meters from the finish.

2025 Two Hearted Trail Run Event Schedule

Registration

Online only.
Deadline: June 20, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. * Register by June 1 to guarantee a t-shirt.
Participant Limits: 50K (100), Marathon (100), Half Marathon (200)
Current Registration Status: Open on November 23, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

Travel & Lodging

Nearest Airport: Sault Ste. Marie (also known as Kincheloe International) 60 minutes away
Camping at Tahquamenon Falls State Park: (906) 492-3415
Camping Reservations at Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Lodging & Camping Info: (906) 492-3219
Newberry Chamber Website: http://www.newberrychamber.net/
Paradise Tourism Website: www.paradisemichigan.org

Runner Check In

Where: Magnusson Grand Hotel Lakefront, 8112 N M-123, Paradise, MI 49768
When: Friday, June 20, 3:00PM to 8:00PM *If you are not able to make it to packet pick up (and have signed your waiver) someone else may pick up your packet for you. 

Events

50K & Marathon

Both routes are a stunning tour through the rugged and remote Two Hearted River wilderness. The 50K starts on the Reed & Green Road (CR 410), turning right on to 376 before arriving at the first aid station at the Reed & Green Campground. The next 5 miles takes runners on spectacular section of Lake Superior coastline, with some ascents of high ridges with far reaching views out into the world’s largest freshwater lake. The next aid station is located at the mouth of the Two Hearted River. Runners cross a cabled foot bridge over the river before reaching the aid station. The course then continues along Lake Superior before heading inland through a beautiful region scorched by fire 14 years ago that is now lush and green with ferns and shoulder high trees. Runners then enter a pine forest before reaching aid station #3 at Culhane Lake Campground. Runners follow the southern shoreline of the lake before heading southwest. This forested section is the most remote and wild on the entire course. The next aid station is located when the trail crosses Country Road 414 east of Pike Lake. The route continues on two track and lovely single track along the Little Two Hearted River until runners reach Country Road 500. Here runners reach their last aid station before heading toward Betsy Lake. The trail here is single track along several ridges overlooking tamarack bogs. The route then joins the Giant Pines Trail, where runners will encounter 300-400 year old white pines. The course finishes near the Upper Tahquamenon Falls, approximately 200 meters from the Camp 33 Brew Pub. Runners registering for the 50K must have run a marathon or ultra event previously. The route is well marked with colored flags, directional arrows, and mile markers. Runners are bused to the start from the Upper Tahquamenon Falls (site of the finish). Buses depart at 5:30 a.m. Gear bags will be transported back to the finish.
50K Start: 7:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, Reed & Green Rd near Connor Lakes.  Map
Marathon Start: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, County Road 414 half mile West of 423 Junction Map

Half Marathon

The half marathon starts and finishes at the Upper Tahquamenon Falls. The course follows the Giant Pines, Clark Lake and Wilderness Loop single track north of Tahquamenon Falls. It is a challenging and beautiful trail that includes old growth white pine forest and the much loved southern ridge overlooking Clark Lake.
Half Marathon Start: 8:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, Upper Tahquamenon Falls.  Map

Aid Stations

Aid stations are located 5-7 miles apart. 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 hydration system. Hammer Nutrition Energy Gels, Fizz and Endurolytes will also be available at each aid station.

50K & Marathon Aid Station Closing Times

Time Limits

There is a 8.5 hour time limit for the 50K, 6.5 hour time limit for the marathon and 4 hour time limit for the half marathon.  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 transportation back to Upper Tahquamenon Falls/finish line will be available. A sweep will follow the last runner, thus closing the race course.

Race Fees

Race fees include:

1. Bus transportation to the start (50K & Marathon).
2. Custom race shirt by deadline. 
3. Post race refreshments.
4. 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.

Bus Transportation

Age Groups

Awards

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in the start/finish area but not on the race course.  Please pick up animal waste.