Nov 5, 2024

☰

Premium Listings

Verified Accounts

Free Race Organizer Account

Become An Advertiser

Marathon Details - Trail Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MI > Pinckney > Trail Marathon

Trail Marathon

Trail Marathon & 5M, 13.1M, 50K

Pinckney, MI USA

April 26, 2025

http://www.trailmarathon.com

News

Marathon Results

By Year:

2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Tackle the Potowatami & Crooked Lake Trails with us as we celebrate 37 years of trail! The course is neither flat nor fast, but it is a beautiful loop with constant hills through Michigan's Pinckney State Recreation Area. A portion of each entry fee will be donated to the John Rogucki Memorial Fund.

All entries include a finisher's woodallion with leatherette cord, slice of pizza, a beer, and a fun post-race party with bonfires and music!

Contact Information

Name:	Randy Step
Address:	5700 Jackson Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone Number:	734.929.9027
Email:	Email the organizers

More Information

These details were last updated by the race director on 1/20/24 and may be out of date.
Number of Runners:	800
Fees & Deadlines:	See website for details
Start Time:	7:30 AM
Course Highlights:	The Course is a 13.1-mile single-track loop through Lower Michigan wilderness. Runners will experience constant hills and exquisite beauty including views of 10 lakes. It's a wide, well used trail with opportunity to pass. Marathon does 2 loops.
Course Refreshments:	See website for details
Race Day Registration:	No
Online Registration:	Yes
Packet Pickup Info:	See website for details
Marathon Ratings:	Course Scenery/Beauty/Interest: Good for First Timers: Crowd Support: Course Speed:

Runner Reviews (35)

Course 4.8

Organization 4.7

Spectators 3.4

Write a review

Number of comments: 35 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan (10/25/2020) "Ruts, Rocks & Roots" (about: 2020) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Okay, there is lots to day about this relatively small race. To begin with, this is an April marathon event that got postponed to autumn. Even in the weeks leading up to the race, it was uncertain if they would be able to host the event this year. But everything worked out in favor of a group of marathoners coming together to run. Second, this is listed here on marathonguide.com as October 25th. Actually the event date was set for October 24th - so we ran on Saturday - and not Sunday. Don't know why the change, but it worked out better for me that way. Randy is the official that I e-mailed with earlier, and after I registered, the e-mails from headquarters kept coming, and kept runners informed of exactly what needed to be done (masks - when and where, water stops and refreshments, parking, where to stay, and the like). Also, these hosts got their ducks in a row with health and safety officials to make sure everything was 'legal'. The race was to start at 7:30 a.m. and that was supposed to be when it got light outside. People seemed to start arriving in the parking area about an hour before that. Still dark with no area lights, and most of the stars still shinning, it was not clear where we were supposed to congregate. But in the distance was a tent that was well lit up. That is where we had to go to get our SWAG bag. Right adjacent to the tent was the start/finish line. Bathrooms were right there too. When it was time to run, we were pointed in the right direction, and the marathon began. We followed flags through the grass connecting us to the trail. One other thing I want to say before I proceed. Randy gave a textual description of the trail and turns, etc. It made no sense to me. Then he said, the course is well marked and if you follow the markings, you will not get lost. I agree. The course was extremely well marked and with all the twists and turns, staying on course was easy. I wondered how the guy marking the course stayed on track. Much of it looked like an arbitrary path thru the leaf-covered forest floor and not a path or trail. So, well done. This was a double loop closed course. Pink flag markers mapped out the marathon course; blue flags were for the 50-K. For at least part of the course, both flag colors were present. We had to run the circuit twice for the marathon distance. There were two aid stations on the course. I think they were just past mile post four and nine; so we saw those people again at about MP 17 and 22. There were no cups on the course (a great choice) so volunteers would refill water/hydration bottles from a pitcher, while we held the bottle. Also, all the food was individually packaged - so each runner got a small bag of whatever item he/she chose (chips, M&Ms, cookies, etc.) It worked great. There were refreshments at the start/finish line too. We were admonished to not liter the trail. Provisions were made with litter receptacles, but some arrogant folks still threw their trash on the path. They spoil it for the rest of us. This was a trail marathon and advertised as a course that would 'kick your butt'. It was not as bad and I anticipated. Old Farts in Fallasburg was worse (ropes were required for the hills). North Country Trail in Manistee, Devil's Lake in Wisconsin, and Tecumseh Trail in Indiana all seemed more difficult. But I had a good challenge, and I welcomed the opportunity to run; especially this year of 2020 when so many races were just cancelled. The course was billed as a trail marathon; not a crushed gravel railroad bed that is flat, fast, and smooth. It was a lot of up and down, but no steep aggressive hills. Lots of it was single path passage. There were excessive roots and rocks in the path, many places where the earth had been washed away, and there were ruts cut between banks of trees. To make matters worse, the autumn leaves had mostly fallen, and much of the time the trip-hazards were obscured with leaves. People fell; I was one of them. I fell once and scraped up my right shin pretty good on an exposed and elevated root. I stumbled a few other times. It was a bigger deal the second circuit when I was more tired and it was harder to lift my feet up. So I walked much of the second loop. But I finished - even though near the end of the pack. I gave five stars for Course and Organization because the course was extremely well marked. As far as ruts, rocks, & roots, that is part of the trail marathon experience. If you don't like it, then run on the pavement. And race management did their homework to make this event came to fruition. Many thanks for one of the few marathon opportunities for 2020. Lastly, the weather was great - near 50 degrees in an almost 100% shaded course.
M. B. from Hudsonville MI (5/9/2012) "Tough.. No wimps" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Just as promised.. tough, hilly, rocky, rutted, and i think the course is even long.. Nice shirt and medal, aid stations were well maintained with a good selection.. Don't do it if you are looking for a sissy run
m. b. from davsion michigan USA (4/30/2012) "Vert well organized plus volunters are always grea" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is the second time I done this race and treated first class citzens. The course is neat and clean and view is great. Well done running fit michael Biernatt
R. R. from Southwest, MI (5/1/2011) "Amazing Trail Marathon" (about: 2011) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I loved this marathon! The beauty of the course and the awesome fellow runners were the high points. Everyone was friendly, polite and encouraging. Aid stations everywhere w/ water, isotonic, GU, oranges, and bananas. Spectators are sweet. The course measured .5 miles long, so don't say I didn't warn you. No wimps allowed, we are all having fun, and so should you! Great race, I'll be back. Weather was perfect, and very inexpensive if you sign up early.
Nate Ardle from Ypsilanti, MI (5/1/2011) "Hard but fun (I did the Half)" (about: 2011) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a difficult course with a lot of hills. You are mostly on narrow woodland trails. They do a staggered start which helps to thin out the crowd when you quickly hit the narrow trails. I had to go a bit slow until the 2 mile mark, when the line of people began to thin out more. Adequate bathroom facilities at the start/finish area. Decent food afterward. I'll carry my own water next time. Every three miles was not enough to be properly hydrated. I would be difficult for them to do more because of the remote nature of the trails.
M. L. from Goshen, IN (4/30/2010) "Great, difficult trail race!" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Great and very difficult marathon. Two loops of difficult, hilly, rocky, rooty, muddy trails. Just perfect - no whimps! Organization was super. Not many spectators, but who cares? I don't run trail races for the spectators. Aid stations were well supported and runners very friendly. I had a great time and hope to be back next year.
E. G. from Ann Arbor, MI (4/26/2010) "Super Fun Run" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first trail race, and I am already hooked! Beautiful, challenging, but not dangerous course; very nice/polite runners; well organized; and great food afterward! Loved it and will definitely be back next year!
S. B. from Ohio (4/26/2010) "Overall great race, post-race lacking" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Well run race and a great course overall. The hills are mostly rolling and the trails are very runnable throughout, with a couple of more substantial hills. Easy packet pickup at the start - well marked. Easy parking for the marathon runners who get there first. Top-notch volunteers throughout - very helpful and energetic. Aid stations had GU, water, and electrolytes at nearly every one I think. One major complaint: May have been due to the poor weather, but the finish was pretty anti-climactic and quiet. Little to no post-race activity. The majority of runners do the half, so perhaps it would make sense to have them finish closer to the same time? Getting only a bagel and a banana is a little lacking for a trail run finish when others do soups, grill out, etc. Minor complaint: You run straight from the start to the single track trails. It may be better to have something to thin out the field a little bit before then.
S. H. from Niles, Michigan (4/25/2010) "Awesome and rugged!" (about: 2010) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon. It is one hilly, rugged course! Gorgeous single track through beautiful forests and around myriad lakes. The organization and support were terrific. Everyone was so nice. Thank you! :)
B. M. from Grand Rapids, Michigan (4/25/2010) "Great trail course with plenty of hills and mud" (about: 2010) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I didn't know what to expect. There was fair warning, but no one can prepare for this incredible Trail Half Marathon. Just one lap is what they tell you, but that one lap that includes hills, mud, and a great group of runners. It didn't rain (bummer), but it was well worth the entry fee. Not too many spectators, and by the time the marathon runners finished, it was almost a ghost town. Overall, a great race.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]



Getting ready for this event? Get a personalized adaptive training plan and 1:1 coach assistance.	Get Your Plan

Quick Links

Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools

Calendars

US/Canada

International

World Marathon Majors

Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan (10/25/2020) "Ruts, Rocks & Roots" (about: 2020) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Okay, there is lots to day about this relatively small race. To begin with, this is an April marathon event that got postponed to autumn. Even in the weeks leading up to the race, it was uncertain if they would be able to host the event this year. But everything worked out in favor of a group of marathoners coming together to run. Second, this is listed here on marathonguide.com as October 25th. Actually the event date was set for October 24th - so we ran on Saturday - and not Sunday. Don't know why the change, but it worked out better for me that way. Randy is the official that I e-mailed with earlier, and after I registered, the e-mails from headquarters kept coming, and kept runners informed of exactly what needed to be done (masks - when and where, water stops and refreshments, parking, where to stay, and the like). Also, these hosts got their ducks in a row with health and safety officials to make sure everything was 'legal'. The race was to start at 7:30 a.m. and that was supposed to be when it got light outside. People seemed to start arriving in the parking area about an hour before that. Still dark with no area lights, and most of the stars still shinning, it was not clear where we were supposed to congregate. But in the distance was a tent that was well lit up. That is where we had to go to get our SWAG bag. Right adjacent to the tent was the start/finish line. Bathrooms were right there too. When it was time to run, we were pointed in the right direction, and the marathon began. We followed flags through the grass connecting us to the trail. One other thing I want to say before I proceed. Randy gave a textual description of the trail and turns, etc. It made no sense to me. Then he said, the course is well marked and if you follow the markings, you will not get lost. I agree. The course was extremely well marked and with all the twists and turns, staying on course was easy. I wondered how the guy marking the course stayed on track. Much of it looked like an arbitrary path thru the leaf-covered forest floor and not a path or trail. So, well done. This was a double loop closed course. Pink flag markers mapped out the marathon course; blue flags were for the 50-K. For at least part of the course, both flag colors were present. We had to run the circuit twice for the marathon distance. There were two aid stations on the course. I think they were just past mile post four and nine; so we saw those people again at about MP 17 and 22. There were no cups on the course (a great choice) so volunteers would refill water/hydration bottles from a pitcher, while we held the bottle. Also, all the food was individually packaged - so each runner got a small bag of whatever item he/she chose (chips, M&Ms, cookies, etc.) It worked great. There were refreshments at the start/finish line too. We were admonished to not liter the trail. Provisions were made with litter receptacles, but some arrogant folks still threw their trash on the path. They spoil it for the rest of us. This was a trail marathon and advertised as a course that would 'kick your butt'. It was not as bad and I anticipated. Old Farts in Fallasburg was worse (ropes were required for the hills). North Country Trail in Manistee, Devil's Lake in Wisconsin, and Tecumseh Trail in Indiana all seemed more difficult. But I had a good challenge, and I welcomed the opportunity to run; especially this year of 2020 when so many races were just cancelled. The course was billed as a trail marathon; not a crushed gravel railroad bed that is flat, fast, and smooth. It was a lot of up and down, but no steep aggressive hills. Lots of it was single path passage. There were excessive roots and rocks in the path, many places where the earth had been washed away, and there were ruts cut between banks of trees. To make matters worse, the autumn leaves had mostly fallen, and much of the time the trip-hazards were obscured with leaves. People fell; I was one of them. I fell once and scraped up my right shin pretty good on an exposed and elevated root. I stumbled a few other times. It was a bigger deal the second circuit when I was more tired and it was harder to lift my feet up. So I walked much of the second loop. But I finished - even though near the end of the pack. I gave five stars for Course and Organization because the course was extremely well marked. As far as ruts, rocks, & roots, that is part of the trail marathon experience. If you don't like it, then run on the pavement. And race management did their homework to make this event came to fruition. Many thanks for one of the few marathon opportunities for 2020. Lastly, the weather was great - near 50 degrees in an almost 100% shaded course.
M. B. from Hudsonville MI (5/9/2012) "Tough.. No wimps" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Just as promised.. tough, hilly, rocky, rutted, and i think the course is even long.. Nice shirt and medal, aid stations were well maintained with a good selection.. Don't do it if you are looking for a sissy run
m. b. from davsion michigan USA (4/30/2012) "Vert well organized plus volunters are always grea" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is the second time I done this race and treated first class citzens. The course is neat and clean and view is great. Well done running fit michael Biernatt
R. R. from Southwest, MI (5/1/2011) "Amazing Trail Marathon" (about: 2011) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I loved this marathon! The beauty of the course and the awesome fellow runners were the high points. Everyone was friendly, polite and encouraging. Aid stations everywhere w/ water, isotonic, GU, oranges, and bananas. Spectators are sweet. The course measured .5 miles long, so don't say I didn't warn you. No wimps allowed, we are all having fun, and so should you! Great race, I'll be back. Weather was perfect, and very inexpensive if you sign up early.
Nate Ardle from Ypsilanti, MI (5/1/2011) "Hard but fun (I did the Half)" (about: 2011) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a difficult course with a lot of hills. You are mostly on narrow woodland trails. They do a staggered start which helps to thin out the crowd when you quickly hit the narrow trails. I had to go a bit slow until the 2 mile mark, when the line of people began to thin out more. Adequate bathroom facilities at the start/finish area. Decent food afterward. I'll carry my own water next time. Every three miles was not enough to be properly hydrated. I would be difficult for them to do more because of the remote nature of the trails.
M. L. from Goshen, IN (4/30/2010) "Great, difficult trail race!" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Great and very difficult marathon. Two loops of difficult, hilly, rocky, rooty, muddy trails. Just perfect - no whimps! Organization was super. Not many spectators, but who cares? I don't run trail races for the spectators. Aid stations were well supported and runners very friendly. I had a great time and hope to be back next year.
E. G. from Ann Arbor, MI (4/26/2010) "Super Fun Run" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first trail race, and I am already hooked! Beautiful, challenging, but not dangerous course; very nice/polite runners; well organized; and great food afterward! Loved it and will definitely be back next year!
S. B. from Ohio (4/26/2010) "Overall great race, post-race lacking" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Well run race and a great course overall. The hills are mostly rolling and the trails are very runnable throughout, with a couple of more substantial hills. Easy packet pickup at the start - well marked. Easy parking for the marathon runners who get there first. Top-notch volunteers throughout - very helpful and energetic. Aid stations had GU, water, and electrolytes at nearly every one I think. One major complaint: May have been due to the poor weather, but the finish was pretty anti-climactic and quiet. Little to no post-race activity. The majority of runners do the half, so perhaps it would make sense to have them finish closer to the same time? Getting only a bagel and a banana is a little lacking for a trail run finish when others do soups, grill out, etc. Minor complaint: You run straight from the start to the single track trails. It may be better to have something to thin out the field a little bit before then.
S. H. from Niles, Michigan (4/25/2010) "Awesome and rugged!" (about: 2010) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon. It is one hilly, rugged course! Gorgeous single track through beautiful forests and around myriad lakes. The organization and support were terrific. Everyone was so nice. Thank you! :)
B. M. from Grand Rapids, Michigan (4/25/2010) "Great trail course with plenty of hills and mud" (about: 2010) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I didn't know what to expect. There was fair warning, but no one can prepare for this incredible Trail Half Marathon. Just one lap is what they tell you, but that one lap that includes hills, mud, and a great group of runners. It didn't rain (bummer), but it was well worth the entry fee. Not too many spectators, and by the time the marathon runners finished, it was almost a ghost town. Overall, a great race.

Become a better runner

Marathon Details - Trail Marathon