Frequently Asked Questions...

What is the date of the race?
Saturday August 28th 2010

How old is this event?
This will be the 11th year.

What are the starting times?
Ultra - 7:30 am
Marathon - 8:00 am
1/2 Marathon - 9:00 am

Is there a course map?
Yes, click here.

What is the course like?
The course is a well marked 25 mile loop. There is an additional 1.2 mile section for the marathon runners and now a new course for the half marathon runners. The trail is a single-track hiking trail with enough hills to make for a challenging race. There is no high altitude to contend with, no rocks to jump over, and no stream crossings to wade through, just a beautiful forest with a few roots to remind you you’re not on pavement. Crews can attend to their runners at several points. We will provide specific driving directions the morning of the race.

Do you limit the number of runners in each race?
Yes, each event is limited to 200 participants and each event will most likely fill up fast.

Is there a cut-off time for the Ultra?
Yes, 15 hours is the time limit that we are giving this year...anything more than that and we will come pick you up, bring you to the finish line bbq and hand you a "good job" beer.

Can I have cell phones, friends, strollers, dogs on the course?
No, these things are not allowed on the course. Ultra participants may have teams at certain designated locations. Maps will be given the morning of the race.

Can I wear headphones?
Yes, but you MUST be aware of your surroundings at all times and this includes being able to hear any verbal warnings/instructions from course officials, or the sound of any other participants on the course.

Where are and what will you have at your aid stations?
There will be fully stocked aid stations at miles 3.9, 6.8, 10.2, 13.4, 17.1, 21.0, and 24.1. Fluids consist of water, Gatorade and defizzed Coke. Foods consist of pbj sandwiches, potatoes, bananas, cookies, candy, energy bars, GU gel, electrolyte capsules and potato chips. It’s recommended that each runner carry a water bottle, but we will have plenty of cups at the water stations as well. For pain relief we provide Vaseline, aspirin, band-aids, and toilet paper and Metro Health Sports Medicine to assist with any injuries.

Can I switch from the marathon to the Ultra or vise versa?
Yes, but you must decide prior to the start of the first race at 7:30am. 

What if I lose something either Saturday or Sunday of race weekend?
There will be a lost and found at the start/finish area. Other wise, we will do our best to get items back to their owners following the event. Clothing items left are donated to charity.

Are there showers available after the race?
No, only if you have rented a hotel room, cabin, or made space with the fish in the local streams.

When does registration open?
Now and will end 15 minutes prior to each race time (no exceptions)! If we will fill-up or are close to filling up we will notify everyone via the website and email.

I am injured, pregnant or unexpectedly out of town, can I get a refund?
Entry fees are non-refundable and entries are non-transferable. This means once you have registered, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, and you may not give or sell your number to anyone else. You also may not defer your entry to the next year.

Can I give/sell my number to another runner?
Entries are non-transferable. Most importantly, this is for the safety of the runner. If a runner collapses or is otherwise injured during the race and is running as someone else, we do not have any idea who that person is and whom to notify, nor is this fair to all of the people who tried to get in legitimately and could not.

Why haven’t I received an email confirmation?
Usually the problem is that your computer’s spam filter has erased or blocked the email confirmation that was sent to you. Please make sure that you check your spam filter.

How can I see if I’m registered?
Registration Confirmation is sent via email or you can always email info@mirunning.com and ask for your confirmation.

Where does my registration fee go?
Your registration fees help to pay for the necessary permits, infrastructure, supplies, and personnel to put on the marathon on related events.  In addition a portion of your registration will go to Training for Kids, which is an organization created by the race to help children of all ages find coaches to help them on the right track from day number one.

Will I receive an award if I place in my age group?
Yes, places awards will be given 3 deep in each age category and each gender. In addition, crystal awards will be given to the top overall male and female and overall male and female masters in event.

Age Groups:
(14-17), 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & over
* 14-17 age group only applies to half-marathon. Marathon and Ultra you must be 18 years or older to participate.

When is packet pick-up?
Packet pick-up for the marathon and ultra will be held Friday, August 27th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 28th from 6:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at Big “M” at the Manistee National Forest.

What do I need to bring with me to pick up my packet?
Your photo ID

Can I authorize another person to pick up my race packet?
Yes.

Official time – gun time?
Your official time is from the gun (horn) until you cross the finish line. Times will be posted continuously on the digital display at the race site.

Is there a place to drop bags at the start line?
Yes, there are actually three locations you may drop bags for your race. We will provide maps the morning of for yourself or your team, in addition to the location at the start line. Barring a medical emergency that calls our volunteer(s) away from an end of the course, we plan to have someone watching the drop bags for the duration of the race. In the event of a rainstorm, that person can protect them from the elements by moving them into a vehicle or under a tarp.

Where should I park on Race Day?
Parking is available on the streets and in public lot. Parking at the finish line is on a first-come first-served basis for. We ask that you please be respectful of non-parking areas.

Where does the race start and finish?
At Big “M” in the Manistee National ForestGPS coordinates N44 11.570, W086 04.011

FROM MANISTEE: Go east on M-55 about 14 miles to Udell Hills Road, and go south approximately 3 miles.

FROM LUDINGTON: Go East on US10&31 about 5 miles to Scottville. At Scottville go North on US31 for 10.5 miles to Freesoil Road. Go East on Freesoil Road about 7.3 miles to Campbell Road. On Campbell go north about 5.5 miles to Udell Hills Road. Turn East on Udell Hills and go about 2.5 miles to the main entrance. (see map here)

What is the time limit for the half, marathon and ultra?
As long as you are done with your event by 10:00pm you will not be left alone with the other animals (that allows you a 15 hour time limit).

What is not allowed on the course?
Many things are not allowed on the course: Runners going backward, runners not wearing a race number, electronic devices capable of two-way communication (ie. cell phones), animals, bicycles, baby joggers, strollers, roller skates, roller blades, hand-crank chairs and wheeled vehicles.

Where would be the best place to fly into?
The nearest major airport is Gerald R. Ford International in Grand Rapids Michigan. Additional airports are in Muskegon, MI and Traverse City Michigan.

Do you recommend any places to stay?
The lodging nearest to the start/finish will either be campgrounds or the local hotels which you can find here:

Is there any place where I could sleep in my vehicle for a few hours before the race?
At the start/finish area, just no sleeping nude J.

What are the average temps that time of year?
The daytime high temperatures are usually in the range of 60 to 70 F. At night, it generally drops about 15 to 30 degrees from what it was during the day. Clear nights are usually cooler than cloudy ones.

Are there any facilities anywhere along the course?
Port a potties will be available at the start/finish area which is also the start of the second and final loop for the ultra.

Is the trail pretty smooth, or do you recommend trail shoes?
For the most part, lightweight trail shoes are recommended for most runners.

Will medical personnel be on hand?
Physicians from Metro Health Sports Medicine will be on hand through the entire event for your safety, in case of an emergency.