Runners at Rock River Canyon enjoyed miles of flowing single track in the beach and pine forests from Valley Spur to the Rock River Canyon in the 5th edition of the race.  They were greeted with a wide range of weather including breezy winds, intermittant clouds and sunshine, and a few fast moving rain cells that flew over the course.  With start temps in the high 40s and finish temps in the low 60s conditions were ideal for trail racing. 

Complete results are now available for viewing.  

Caleb Jay of Gwinn, Michigan crosses Buck Bay Creek on his way to a 6:03:31 performance in the 50K.  Photo:  Scott Lawrence

A total of 64 racers registered for this year's Rock River Canyon Trail Run, hailing from 12 states and Ontario.  The race had a remarkable age range for the participants, form 17 year old Natalie Schetter in the 27K to 72 year old Steven Borcherding in the 50K.

Andrew Phillips of Howell, MI raced to victory in the Men's 27K, finishing in under three hours (2:56:54).  Second overall and the first female was Chelsea Atterbery of Munising (3:03:44).

In the 50K Cory Fries of Blufton, SC was the first to cross the line (4:56:04) and was the official winner, however, James Lilly of nearby Trenary, who started the race late, actually had the fastest time (4:50:08).  Fries and Lilly were the only two racers to finish in under 5 hours. Fries was also the 2023 overall winner (4:31:24).   Kate Kuntze of Cedar River, MI was the female winner, crossing the line in 5:26:16.