Young runners provided a glowing beam of hope for the future of trail running at the 2025 Tahqua.  In the 25K, 15 year old Fenlynn Johnson of Rogers City, MI blazed the challenging Tahqua course in 2:29:35 to capture the overall women’s title.  Moreover, she finished third overall in a tough men’s field.  This was the third GLE event for Johnson in 2025.  She also captured the overall half marathon title at the Two Hearted Trail Run on June 21 and finished 2nd among the women in the highly competitive Grand Island Trail Marathon (4:02:58) on July 26.  In the 10K 14 year old Joshua Keillor of Boyne City, MI cruised (and hopped, skipped and jumped) from the Lower to the Upper Falls in 46:46, nearly two minutes ahead of his nearest competitor to capture the overall title. There were more runners in the 12-14 age group in 2025 than in the history of the Tahqua Trail Run. Keep in mind, the Tahqua 10K is considered the most challenging 10K in Michigan.  Watching these young trail runners was inspiring and bodes well for the future of the sport.  And at the same time the competitive field was beautifully bookended with veteran master 70+ runners including Barth Zurbuchen (70), Gerard Wilbrink (72) in the 25K and Robert Courtright (74) in the 10K. 

Fenlynn Johnson (Rogers City, MI) and Jeffrey (Kalamazoo, MI) overall winners of the 25K.  Their times were 2:14:59 and 2:29:35 respectively.

The 25K, considered one of the classic point to point courses in the Midwest saw Jeffrey Davis of Kalamazoo, MI jump out to early lead and he never looked back, finishing first in 2:14:59.  Five minutes back in 2nd was Sean Munro of Northville, MI (2:19:23).  Jeffrey Hicks of Coloma, MI completed the men’s podium, crossing the line in 2:40:50.  Fenlynn Johnson, with her bold and strong running style, earned the overall title (2:29:35).  Fiona Scott of Petoskey, MI also demonstrated remarkable trail running skill, finishing 2nd (2:42:52).  In an equally impressive finish, 60 year old Jean Seward, competing on par with the talented teenagers in front of her, completed the top trio of women, finishing in 2:57:09.  It is a notable achievement for any runner to complete the Tahqua 25K in under three hours. Joshua Keillor (Boyne City, MI) and Marissa Lobert (Sault Ste. Marie, ONT) , overall winners of the 10K trail run.  Their times were 46:46 and 57:42 respectively.

The 10K, which includes an abundance of roots, rocks, staircases and a net elevation gain, witnessed a impressive array of finishers.  As noted Joshua Keillor captured the overall title (46:46) while Samuel Ohland of Portage, MI followed in 48:48 to finish 2nd.   Leif Briggs-Lind of Bay City, MI rounded out the top trio of men’s runners, finishing in 52:08. Briggs-Lind had previous racing experience on the course, finishing 3rd in 2023, albeit his time this year was 5 minutes faster.   Marissa Lobert of Sault Ste. Marie, ONT earned the overall women’s title in the10K, crossing the line in 57:47.  Joining Lobert on the podium were Sarah Larson of Lake Odessa, MI  (1:09:34) and Jenna Briggs-Lind (1:12:30). 

Leif Briggs-Lind and Samuel Ohland, 3rd and 2nd overall in the men’s 10K recover and share stories at the GLE refreshment tent.

Perhaps more than any other race, the Tahqua exemplifies the welcoming and inclusive community that GLE works to build.  Many runners return every year for this experience, including the Lepard family, for whom the Tahqua has become an annual tradition.  Their graciousness and appreciation has been a hallmark of the Tahqua.  And Jennifer and Richard Hodge of Bay City, veterans of nearly all GLE trail races, whose relaxed approach to racing has so much to teach us all about the sport.  It has been a joy to watch and listen to the entire Tahqua crew of participants over its 18 years.

Enjoying the post race atmosphere (L to R): Juliette Barnhill (Columbus, OH), Kimberly Robinson (Columbus, OH), Sharonda Williams (San Antonio, TX), Donyell After (Ashland, OH), Kerri Allen (Kentwood, MI), and Lynette Dawson (Helotes, TX).

Thanks and gratitude go out to our wonderful volunteers, including the crew from the Tahquameon Area Pathways Association who worked the aid stations,  course monitors Roger and Diane Clark, the Luce County Amateur Radio Association, our medical crew including Peggy Moore, Amy Mayer and Pat Rowley and finish line crew members Aaron Deiter and Kent Walker.