The 23rd annual XTERRA Lake Superior Shore Run will be held on Saturday, September 16th. The event offers a 1/2 Marathon, a 5K run, a 5 Mile hike, and a 1K kids race on the beautiful trails surrounding Little Presque Isle along the Lake Superior shoreline.

The course is one of the most spectacular trails in the country for running. The trails around the Lake Superior shoreline traverse rugged and beautiful terrain with incredible scenic vistas that often stop runners in their tracks to admire the scenery. You will wind through  stunning backdrops of Lake Superior and the majestic Huron Mountains.

“It really is gorgeous,” said race director, Debby Muskovitch, who has been volunteering at the race for six years. “And the climbs up to Top of the World and Bareback Mountain are so tough, even the leaders have to ski walk up.”

Beginning at Little Presque Isle, (one of the Upper Peninsula’s premiere beaches), the half marathon course runs for 1.5 miles along Lake Superior and then passes pristine Harlow Lake. From there it gently winds up 300 feet of elevation to views of the Huron Mountain Range from the top of Bareback Ridge, or as locals refer to it the “Top of the World.” Finally, runners return to Lake Superior for a 1.5 mile stretch of rugged running from Wetmore Landing toward the finish at Little Presque Isle.

The 5 mile hike was a popular addition to the event in 2016.  It is for people who want to be a part of the event and who want to enjoy a one vista hike with a “Superior” view and will go up Bareback Ridge. There will be no age awards for this event, but participants will get a t-shirt if they register on time. As with the rest of the races, all proceeds benefit youth Nordic skiing in Marquette county.

The 1k Youth Run at the Lake Superior Shore Run is free for kids ages 5-13.  Kids don’t get a shirt but all participants receive a finisher’s medal.

This event has been the biggest fundraiser for the Superiorland Ski Club’s youth programs since 1994.

For more information, visit www.lakesuperiorshorerun.com.

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