Both of our Tahquamenon Falls trail races in 2024 provided runners with refreshing rain on the trail.  In both cases, Two Hearted and the classic Tahqua, held on August 10, the rain helped runners earn faster times.  Complete results for the Tahqua are available for viewing. 

In the 25K Peter Shambaugh of Ontonagon, MI blazed through the course in 2:13:57.  Andrew Jones of Boulder, CO was a little more than 5 minutes back n 2:19:16, while Jacob Koopman captured the third podium spot, crossing the line 2:24:44.  In the women’s race it was 17 year old Emily Rather of Laingsburg, MI, demonstrating trail skills far beyond her age, winning the women’s race in 2:31:59.  Showing the true skill of a master trail runner, Julia Lewis of Fort Collins, CO was second overall in 2:38:28, while also capturing the 50-59 age group title.  A remarkable performance by 14 year old Fenlynn Johnson of Rogers City, MI,  earned the third podium spot for the women, crossing the finish in 2:40:41.

Giant pines and single track, one mile from the finish at the Tahqua Trail Run (Scott Lawrence, photo).

The Tahqua 10K is considered the most challenging 10K in the midwest, but Evan Shambaugh of Sault Ste. Marie, MI navigated the roots, rocks and staircases in skillful fashion, winning in 51:48.  High school runner David Mann of Sterling Heights, MI captured the second spot in 55:07 while Travis Sigman of Alanson, MI earned the third podium spot, finishing in 56:37.  Amanda Wojan, a veteran of our Treetops Trifecta, captured the women’s 10K title in 1:02:46.  Carrie Merrithew of Traverse City, MI was only 4 seconds back in 1:02:50, good for second overall.  Olivia Weenum of Grandville, MI finished third overall in 1:03:59.

We are grateful to our aid station volunteers from the Tahquamenon Area Pathways Association, the Luce County Amateur Radio Association for communications and Roger & Diane Clark and  Kent Walker for their help on the trail and finish line.