Munising, MI
The Rock River Canyon 50K is a magnificent route through high country and remote river valleys south of Munising in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The course begins at the Valley Spur Lodge south of Munising and follows a rarely followed section of the North Country Trail to AuTrain and then on to the Rock River Canyon Wilderness. Runners then turn back for an eastward retrace back to Valley Spur. Single track comprises 26 miles of the route while dirt forest road makes up the remaining 5. Runners who want to immerse themselves in the wild backcountry of the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Zen quality single track have now found their experience. With 4390 ft of elevation change over 31 miles runners will enjoy frequent but not overwhelming ascents and descents. I would describe it as highly runable and even a fast course for the experienced ultra runner. It's moderate, non-technical terrain make it an ideal step up for the marathoner wishing to try their first ultra.
Upcoming Races
Jun 8 2024
50 KM
Smooth single track through Beech-Maple Forest, massive Hemlock stands and small river valleys with wildflowers. Five of the 31 miles is on narrow dirt forest road. It is an out an back course from the Valley Spur Lodge to the Rock River Canyon Wilderness and back.
4,390
4,390
ft.
Out and Back
Course
6 Aid
Stations
8:30 Cutoff
3
Elevation Rating
Hilly, ~2500-7500 feet in 50 miles
3
Surface Rating
Some rocks, root, and/or ruts
Additional Distances
This event also has the following non ultra distances
27 KM
Results
50 KM
View course top times| Date | Finishers | Top Result (M) | Top Result (F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06/10/23 | 23 | 4:31:24 | 5:23:06 |
| 06/11/22 | 25 | 4:15:37 | 5:28:06 |
| 06/12/21 | 37 | 4:12:09 | 4:59:17 |
| 05/24/20 | Race Cancelled | ||
| 05/26/19 | 16 | 5:26:54 | 5:18:06 |
