Over 150 runners from 21 states and 3 countries competed in the 2024 Waugoshance Trail Run, which included 50K, Marathon and Half Marathon distances.  Complete results are now available for viewing.

The vast majority of the Waugoshance Trail Run travels through Wilderness State Park with its large, contiguous and diverse forests along Lake Michigan.  That rich habitat provided runners a symphony of bird song.  Joelle Gehring, who competed in the marathon, heard 27 different species along the way including the uncommon and beautiful Black throated blue warbler. Trail running brings many rewards and the experience of listening and seeing wildlife are among the best. 

Nick Gapp of Highland, MI captured the overall 50K title in 4:01:22.  The women’s victor was Margaret Retsema of Grand Haven, MI (4:56:21).  In the men’s race Gapp was followed by Sean Munro of Northville, MI n(4:22:44) and Mitchell Vermet of Royal Oak, MI (4:32:33).  Also achieving podium spots for the women were Shannon McNammara-Smith of Sterling, IL (5:00:34) and Roxanne Carr of Rochester, MI (5:16:52).

In the marathon it was Jackson Fowler of Lowell, MI who crossed the line in first in 3:24:12).  He was the only runner to crack the 4 hour barrier.  The women’s champ, and second overall was Salena Clohisy of Negaunee, MI (4:00:27).  Michael Nelson of Grand Rapids, MI (4:24:37) and Zachary Rodgers of Beacon, NY (4:43:31) finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.  Among the women marathoners, Trisha Berry of Grand Ledge, MI (4:38:09) and Joie Falcon of Columbia, SC (5:38:20) completed the top finish trio. 

Consistent with a long tradition at Waugoshance, a high school cross country star earned the overall title.  Caden Hostetler captured the lead early and never looked back, crossing the line in 1:35:45.  More than 10 minutes back in 2nd was Nathan Koch of Eagle River, WI (1:46:27).  Koch was more than two decades older, however. Parker Ethridge of Manhattan, IL completed the half marathon podium in 1:51:34.  In the women’s race it was Amanda George of Davison, MI leading the way in 1:54:54, the only woman to break 2 hours on the challenging half marathon course. Emily Scott of Lansing, MI captured the runner up spot in 2:00:18.  Traci Ethridge of Manhattan, IL earned the 3rd podium spot with her 2:03:43.

Amanda George, women's half marathon winner crosses the finish in Mackinaw City (Photo:  Connor Corgard)

We thank our volunteers including the Mackinaw City High School students and parents who staffed the aid stations, the Carp Lake Fire Department who provided medical and radio communications, Jim Engel who assisted with course marking and our finish line crew of Kent Walker, Larry Grow, Paul and Julie Hartman and Connor Corgard.