Runners in the 19th edition of the Grand Island Trail Run enjoyed a spectacular sunrise over Trout Bay or the East Channel, depending on their start time. Participants arrived from 33 states and 3 countries to race the alluring trails of this Lake Superior island. Complete results are available for viewing. Images from the race were captured by photographer Scott Lawrence, including captivating drone shots featuring the island’s cliffs, sand beaches and lush forests. A slideshow of Lawrence’s images is available for viewing.
Crusing at a sub 8 minute per mile on the island’s demanding terrain, 19 year old Tyler Stark of Duluth, MN captured the 50K overall title. Stark and runner up James Lilly of nearby Trenary, MI ran in tandem, pushing the pace on the Trout Bay Beach and both beach to cliff ascents (East Rim at 8.5 miles and West Rim at 16 miles), however it was long flat stretch though a dense maple hardwood forest at 20 miles where Stark put the hammer down and built his lead. Stark finished in 3:56:04, the only runner to crack the 4 hour barrier. Lilly crossed the line in 4:10:18. Lilly had previously won the Rock River Canyon 50K in early June and finished second at the demanding Two Hearted 50K in late June. David Kirby of Huntington Woods, MI completed the men’s 50K podium, 3 minutes behind Lilly in 4:13:40. Natalie Anderson of Menominee, MI won the women’s 50K with a remarkable 4:21:22 performance. Katy-Jane Shanak of Wausau, WI crossed the line 30 minutes later in 4:51:04, good for second overall. Capturing 3rd overall, Lucy Campbell of Superior, WI covered the 31 mile course in 4:54:45. A total of 4 women and 11 men finished the 50K in under 5 hours.
Catherine Austin of Crystal Falls, MI at mile 21, enroute to a 5:14:08 finish in the 50K. (Photo: Scott Lawrence, Upper Productions)
Noah Krzan of Kalamazoo, MI was the top finisher in the men’s marathon, crossing the line in 3:17:42. Duluth’s Colin Willemsen was less than 8 minutes back in 3:25:14. The third podium spot went to Charlie Trense of New York, NY in 3:40:20. In the women’s race, Abigail Irvine, who hails from just down the southern coast of Lake Superior in Grand Marais, MI, captured the women’s title in 3:42:35, also good for 5th overall. Following Irvine was Gina Honkala of Calumet, MI (3:48:52). Completing and all Lake Superior watershed trio, Melinda Loubser of Marquette, MI earned the third spot on the women’s marathon podium (3:50:31).
Hailing from Vashon Island, WA, 16 year old Bodie Thomas captured the half marathon title in 1:30:28. Nearly 10 minutes back but 4 decades older than Thomas, Benedikt Schorner of Kentwood, MI finished 2nd (1:40:40) while William Wagner of Detroit, MI (1:41:32) completed the 3rd spot on the podium for the men. Kareena Clendening of Apple Valley, MN captured the women’s half marathon title in 1:43:07. Sophia Huber of Urbandale, IA (1:44:25) and Kelly Goodwin of Dover, NH (1:48:59) earned 2nd and 3rd spots on the women’s podium, respectively.
Mark your calendars. Big plans are being made for the 20th edition of the Grand Island Trail Run, set for July 26, 2025. Registration will open in November, 2023.