calendar icon Dec 23, 2024

Marathon Details - Moose Mountain Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MN > Lutsen > Moose Mountain Marathon

Moose Mountain Marathon

Moose Mountain Marathon & 100 Mile, 50 Mile

location icon Lutsen, MN USA

calendar icon September 6, 2025

calendar icon http://www.superiorfalltrailrace.com/26-mile-info

new icon News  

Marathon Results

By Year: 2024   2023   2022   2021   2019   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009   2008   2007   2006   Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

The Marathon is a point-to-point run, starting at the Cramer Road (Cook County Road 1) trailhead on the Superior Hiking Trail, and finishing near Caribou Highlands Lodge in Lutsen. The Marathon course will include short loop on Oberg Mountain in order to be full marathon distance.

Contact Information

Name: Larry Pederson
Address: 224 Co. Rd. 89
Zumbro Falls MN, 55991
Phone Number:  507-753-2240
Email: Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (13)

Course Rating Course 5.0 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.9 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.2 
 
 
Number of comments: 13 [displaying comments 1 to 11]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

 

S. H. from St. Paul, MN (9/11/2019)
"Gnarly run, but magical!" (about: 2019)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Moose Mountain Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I just completed my first trail marathon here and it did not disappoint. I volunteered at an aid station in 2018 so I saw a tiny slice of the magic then and that was enough to light the fire.

I was only able to run about 1/4 of the course prior to the race, but it was representative of the trail in general. As others have noted, it is a nonstop root and rock fest.

The aid stations rock- massive doses of great food and positive energy. The runners along the course are great. As a slower marathoner, the faster 50 milers caught and passed me. I mingled with mid to back of the pack 100 milers. Encouragement is easy to dish out as you see people cranking on the trail. Hanging around the finish line until the 10 pm close is awesome as the last runners come in.

The operation is well oiled and runs smoothly. Five stars for the course and the organization. Only 4 stars for the spectators only because you are limited in where you can catch them at/near the aid stations. What they lack in number they make up for with bonus enthusiasm!

I'm definitely doing this race (or the 50/100?!) again!

 

Tanya Nelson from Richfield, MN (9/11/2016)
"Super tough but worth it!" (about: 2016)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Moose Mountain Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my 18th marathon and I had never been on the Superior Hiking Trail in my life so didn't know what to expect. The terrain is difficult, very technical and unforgiving, but worth every second. This was a few hours slower than my average marathon, but not an experience you want to rush. The aid stations and volunteers were amazing, the organization is top notch and the finish line party is better than some of even the biggest marathons. Not for the easily discouraged runner, but great for anyone who wants to challenge themselves regardless of speed or pace. It is a trail race so spectators are slim between aid stations but very encouraging and energetic. Looking forward to going back!

 

K. K. from Oklahoma (9/10/2013)
"Tough but great!" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Moose Mountain Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This race has all of the organization of larger race with the intimacy of a small one. I ran the 50-miler but the 50-mile course covers the marathon course over the second half so I think it's worth reporting on. Perfect organization. Probably the best I've seen at a race of this size. Everything was absolutely on time and methodical. These folks were 100% spot on with everything they did. Awesome job folks!

Now for the course. Wow! Pretty darn tough. They aren't kidding with the tagline remote, relentless, and rugged (or whatever order its presented). Definitely all 3. It'd be tough to find a race this scenic and challenging anywhere else in the midwest/central part of the US. I ran Leadville (marathon) earlier this year and I do believe this one is nearly every bit as challenging.

Runners are advised to seriously study the aid station chart (excellent chart by the way!). There are looong sections of no aid so you best be prepared with a hydration bladder or carry water purifiers. Each aid station was freaking amazing though. What a fantastic set of volunteers at each one. They take care of you for sure and there's a lot of energy at each one. It made each stop very special and broke the course up nicely as well.

Great job to the race officials and all volunteers. Fantastic folks!

 

K. C. from Ontario, Canada (9/9/2013)
"AMAZING!" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 4-5 Moose Mountain Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This trail race has it all!!!
the volunteers are the best I have ever seen, the course yet challenging is most beautiful, the race logistics are excellent. The people who run this race truly think of everything! If you enjoy the trails - this is a MUST DO!

 

Sean McCormick from Milford, Oh (9/13/2012)
"Rewarding! Rugged, Relentless and Remote." (about: 2012)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Moose Mountain Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


The tag line for this race was rugged, relentless and remote but even though it was all of those it was so rewarding that the other R's didn't matter.

The race is entirely on beautiful Minnesota single track that was technical and filled with large climbs but those climbs gave you scenic views of Lake Superior that made it all worth it. That is pretty much the theme of the whole race...It won't be easy but it will be worth it.

I can not say enough about the race, the course, the organization or the host lodge. You have to experience it to understand.

This is not a PR course even for trails but but it is one of those PR (Personally Rewarding) courses when you finish. If you are thinking of signing up then get your hill work in both up and down because this course has plenty of both.

 

M. H. from St Louis Missouri (9/15/2009)
"Great, challenging, trail marathon" (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was the ultimate trail run for me. Do not go into this race under-trained; respect the Sawtooth! Be ready for a challenge and make sure you train on trails with a lot of hills!

It is a beautiful area, and bring a camera - it will be worth the extra time to take pictures.

Great organization, and the aid stations were wonderful. There were only three aid stations on the course, so be prepared not to have a station every mile like at a road race.

I wish I would have had more time to explore the area, and if I do this race again, I plan on taking more time to explore the North Shore.

 

P. A. from Bradenton, FL (9/8/2008)
"Rocky, Rooty, Rugged" (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Moose Mountain Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Great experience on the single track Superior Hiking Trail. Course was well-marked throughout (flags on the left!) and very challenging. Woods, meadows, and rivers were beautiful. Stinging wasps added to the ambiance of this rugged trail race. Volunteers were awesome, as were the aid stations. The RD personally congratulated each finisher, handing him/her the coveted finisher's award as he/she crossed the finish line. Nice food spread after, with showers available. Stay an extra day for hiking and waterfalls on nearby sections of the trail. Highly recommended for the trail-minded.

 

P. S. from Jacksonville, Florida (9/8/2008)
"A must-do for trail runners" (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Moose Mountain Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was a well organized, challenging and very scenic race along the Superior Hiking Trail. It had lots of rocks and roots but it was absolutely beautiful.

The aid stations were well stocked. I especially liked the chicken soup over the mashed potatoes. The volunteers and race director were great. Thanks for a great time along the North Shore.

 

M. S. from Hopkins, MN (9/8/2008)
"Challenging" (about: 2008)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Moose Mountain Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Here's everything bad about the race: It's a tough technical trail; there are lots of big hills; no cheering spectators between aid stations; angry hornets. Here's what's good about it: all of the above. This is a beautiful and difficult race. Don't run it expecting a PR. In fact, you may have a PW. But you'll never forget it. I highly recommend it, but only to a few of you. Because I want to keep it small.

 

C. M. from Granger, Indiana (7/7/2008)
"True Trail Marathon" (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Moose Mountain Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I have run 18 other marathons but this was my first trail run and also my slowest finishing time by an extra 45 minutes. I was stung by hornets on mile 18 but still had a great time overall. The views were spectacular and the rough terrain was challenging. Hope to make it back one year to run my first 50 miler.

 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

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

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor




Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor