The gracious words of 25K runner Amy Dykouse said it all, “As for the scenery and trail, it was simply soul restoring.”  The Tahqua course, since the race’s inception 17 years ago, has had a profound effect on runners.  You can see it in the faces of runners at the finish line.  It changes you.

The 2023 edition sustained that ethos, with 120 runners from 11 U.S states and Canada participating.  Filtered beams of sunlight alternated with light mist and wind creating ideal racing weather.   Complete results are now available for viewing.  

Anthony Barbera of Macomb, MI defended his overall title in the 10K, improving his time by over two minutes from his 2022 performance, crossing the line in 56:30.  Tony Trzaskos of New Hudson was not far behind, reaching the Upper Falls in 56:57.  Chasing Trzaskos was 13 year old Leif Briggs-Lind (Bay City, MI), who also ran sub 1 hour in 57:17.  Leif improved his time by 12 minutes over his 2022 performance.  Casey Wohlschlegel (Gladwin, MI) was the only other runner to crack 1 hour on the demanding Tahqua course.  However, Morgan Kuhns of Rockford, MI was close, winning the women's 10K title in 1:00:40.  She was followed by Tessa Wohlschlegel (Gladwin, MI) in 1:07:23.  Completing the women's podium was Lily Sargent of Gaylord, MI (1:08:52).

Josoph Kozikowski of Kimberly, WI covered the 25K course in 2:20:18, overtaking Steven Sutters of Grandview, OH in the last several miles.  Sutters had led the field through most of the race and it took a sustained charge to catch him.  Sutters finished only 6 seconds back in 2:20:24.  Matthew McGlinch of Livonia, MI completed the men's 25K podium, crossing the line in 2:29:56.  Finishing 5th overall and winning the women's 25K title was Chelsey Attebery of Munising, MI (2:38:10).  Grace Koopman of Nunica, MI had a strong race this year, covering the 25K course in 2:45:50, nine minutes faster than her 2022 performance. Completing the women's 25K podium was Brook Owens of Laramie, WY with a time of 2:47:51.

Providing hope and inspiration for a different type of endurance in the 25K were 70 year old Gerard Wilbrink of Okemos, MI 3:18:05 and 71 year old Terri Veldman of Gowen, MI (4:09:49).

Abundant gratitude goes to our course sweeper, Jason Merrithew, the students and parents from the Whitefish Township School who provided aid at our three aid stations, our medics Peggy Moore and Judy Griebel from Paradise EMS and Matt Lepard who assisted with finish line timing.