Tahqua Trail Run 2013

Tahqua Trail Run 25K, 10K, Kid’s 2K Tahquamenon Falls State Park Paradise, Michigan August 10, 2013

"Although this is the first race of its kind I've ever done, I cannot imagine there could be a more spectacular course anywhere in the world. We came as a family, with the kids running the 10k and adults the 25k. We will be back next year. Absolutely loved the first nine miles and am planning for how to train better for the last six. The kids had a blast. They are experienced x-country competitors and this race added a dimension of excitement that has them "hooked" on trail running." -EMS XC Team

2013 Tahqua Trail Run Event Schedule

Registration & Packet Pick-Up

Registration available online only.  The field limit is 200 runners (total of 25K & 10K). The race filled up last year in early June. There is no limit in the Kid’s 2K but must participants must be pre-registered. Packet pick-up will be from 3:00 to 9:00 PM on Friday, August 9 only at the Whitefish Township School in Paradise. No race day registration. No race day packet pick up. Please plan accordingly. REGISTER NOW

Travel & Lodging

Nearest Airport: Sault Ste. Marie (also known as Kincheloe International) 60 minutes away
Camping at Tahquamenon Falls State Park: (906) 492-3415
Camping Reservations at Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Lodging & Camping Info: (906) 492-3219
Tourism Website: www.paradisemichigan.org

Events

25 Km

The course begins on the Tahqua Trail 4.3 miles west of Whitefish Bay in eastern Lake Superior. Runners follow a dirt forest road along the Tahquamenon River for one quarter mile until they reach the North Country Trail (NCT).  The single track NCT winds through spruce swale, pine ridges, lush bogs, Jack Pine savannah, and past the Camp 10 and Water Tank lakes, where the occasional moose can be spotted.  Runners reach Lower Tahquamenon Falls nine and a half miles into the race. The NCT then transitions into the heavily forested Lower Falls trails. One mile later the course merges with the River Trail which travels along the Tahquamenon River. The River Trail features old growth hemlock and yellow birch.   Runners hear the roar of the Upper Falls encouraging a strong finish near the top of the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. Runners are bused to start from your choice of the Upper Falls Parking Lot (Finish Area) or downtown Paradise (at the Whitefish Township School). Bus schedule will be available two weeks before the race. Aid stations stocked with cold water, cold HEED (Hammer High Energy & Electrolyte Drink), and Hammer Gel and Endurolytes are located at 3.5, 7, 9.5 miles. Runners are required to carry a 20 oz water bottle or other functional hydration system which can be refilled at each station with water or HEED.  Volunteers with pitchers will quickly refill your water bottle or hydration system with the fluid of your choice.
Start: 8:00 AM. Saturday, August 10, Tahqua Road, 4.3 miles west of Whitefish Bay. Map

10 Km

Runners begin at the Lower Tahquamenon Falls, in the grassy area behind the gift shop. After a 1.7 mile loop up into the forested highlands above the falls the course descends and joins the River Trail as it winds along the banks of the Tahquamenon River.  The trail is shaded by old growth hemlock, yellow birch, and dense stands of sugar maple.  The course finishes on the trail above the Upper Tahquamenon Falls. Runners bused to the start from your choice of the Upper Falls Parking Lot (Finish Area) or downtown Paradise (at the Whitefish Township School). Bus schedule will be available two weeks before the race. Due to the remote nature of the River Trail, runners must be self supported by carrying a 20 oz water bottle or other functional hydration system.
Start: 8:30 AM. Saturday, August 10, Lower Tahquamenon Falls Campground. Map

2 Km Kid’s Run

A beautiful out and back course along the southern banks Tahquamenon River. The trail is wide and covered with pine needles. Parents may run with their children. The trail starts in the southwest corner of the Rivermouth Campground. Cold water available to youth racers after the event. Open to kids ages 3-12.
Starts 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 9, Southwest corner of the Rivermouth Campground. Map

Natural History of Tahquamenon

 In addition to its spectacular beauty, the Tahquamenon watershed is a remarkably diverse ecological region with a fascinating geological and cultural history.  A Tahquamenon Falls State Park Naturalist will provide interpretive programs on Friday afternoon at the pre-race dinner at the Whitefish Township School in Paradise at 6:30 pm Friday, August 9, 2013.

Whitefish Dinner Friday Night!

Menu: Pasta with meat or vegetarian sauce, garlic bread, mixed green salad, cookies & brownies, lemonade and iced tea.
Location: Whitefish Township School, Paradise
When: 5:30 -8:00 PM on Friday, August 9, 2012.
Cost: $10 (Available for purchase at the door)

Race Fees

Race fees include:

1. Bus transportation from Upper Tahquamenon Falls (Finish Area) or Whitefish Township School to race start.
2. Custom printed Eco-tech shirt by Greenlayer (Guaranteed only if registered by July 27).
3. Wild Blueberry Muffins, Cherry Juice, and Iced Organic Coffee at Finish Line.

2012 Tahqua Trail Run Fee Schedule

Note: All online registration will conclude at midnight on Thursday, August 8 unless the event has already reached capacity. Kid’s may register in person at the Whitefish Township School until 3:00 p.m. on August 9; the entry fee at this time is $20.

No refunds or participant transfers. This means that once you register we will not refund your entry nor can you transfer your entry to another runner. You may transfer events up to an including August 9 via email request of the race director ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).   $25 charge for cancelled and NSF checks.

Post Race Refreshments

The Tahquamenon region is recognized nationally for its abundant wild blueberries. Runners will be treated to locally made wild blueberry muffins, cherry juice, and iced organic coffee after the race.

Awards

Age Groups

Environmental Measures

1. Eco-tech race shirts made of 100% Recycled Polyester.
2. Dinnerware at pre-race dinner made of biocompostable fibers.
3. Race proceeds support environmental education at the Whitefish Township School.
4. Ceramic bowls sourced from local artist Thomas Baugnet.
5. Course marked with reusable flags, removed directly after the event.

Runner Pre-Race Information & Bus Schedule

Please view and download critical pre-race information. This will make your experience much smoother and more enjoyable. Also, please view, study, and download the transportation to race start information.

Pre Race Info

Bus Schedule