Three time winner Eric Houghton of Traverse City, MI lined up next to two time victor Chuck Engle of Arlington, VA at the 10th edition of the Grand Island Trail Marathon. (See video(link) of race start) A course record was the goal of Engle and over the first third of the race he led with 6:30 pace, impressive on the challenging terrain of Grand Island, including the steep climbs up into the Thumb and ascending the Eastern Cliffs. Houghton maintained visual contact and really flew on the Trout Bay Beach. “The narrowed beach (caused by high waters on Lake Superior this year) really helped me at Trout Bay. I ran the beach section the fastest I have ever run it,” Houghton said after the race. Houghton passed Engle on the Eastern Rim Trail and gradually built his lead to 8 minutes by the finish. Houghton’s time of 2:51:49 was not his fastest. “The humidity was high even thought the temps were cool - it was tough,” Houghton remarked. Engle continued to race hard on the Western Rim Trail and still made it under 3 hours (2:59:36). He agreed with Houghton that the conditions were challenging this year. Former Grand Island Half Marathon champion, Rick Cahoon of Shepard, MI, was only 5 minutes behind Engle in 3:04:55.

Former Big Ten cross country champion Rebecca Walter ran an exceptionally strong race to claim victory in the Women’s Marathon in 3:32:40. While running for the University of Michigan, Walter was a six time All-Big Ten honoree. Her cross country pedigree was clearly an advantage at Grand Island where the hills and dirt surface reward strong runners. Walters coached distance running and Indiana Univeristy for 4 years and has recently started a new energy bar company called Ugobars, that have become the favorites of top trail runners like Sage Canaday and Chris Vargo. Laura Howell of Hudsonville, MI was less than 2 minutes back in 3:34:17 while Stacy Vossberg of Ham Lake, MN crossed the line in 3:42:16, good for third overall.

Complete results(link), video(link) and photo sets(link) are now available for viewing for the 10th Annual Grand Island Trail Marathon.

Greg Hexum of Esko, MN toured the half marathon course in a record time of 1:17:39. Hexum actually wore track spikes, not generally recommended for this course, but it worked well for the fleet footed former NCAA All American Cross Country runner. Hexum ran for the University of North Dakota and was also the USSSA National Snowshoe Champion in 2006 and 2007. Hexum covered the hilly terrain with a 5:55/mile pace. Michael McPherson of Ironwood, MI was 6 minutes back in 1:23:42 while Tyler Kempema of Jenison, MI rand 1:28:35 for third overall.

Ashley Turner of Chicago captured the women’s overall title in the half marathon with a time of 1:41:33. In a close race for second, Diane Wood of Denver crossed the line in 1:44:44 while Rebecca Slesky of Gregory, MI was 24 seconds back in 1:45:08.

The 10th annual Grand Island Trail Marathon attracted runners from 28 states including over 20 runners from Arizona. They shared how enjoyable the cooler temperatures of the Lake Superior island were and loved the brief rains that occurred during the race. There was another strong contingent from Richmond, Virginia who made the trip as a running vacation. Group leader Katherine Zampolin had this to say,

“We all had a great time - loved the scenery, the course, and the aid stations! To finish a marathon and dip your toes in Lake Superior is just an added bonus! Definitely worth the trek to the UP from Richmond, VA!!”

Overall winners in each race won Patagonia Trail Running Shoes. The top five in each age group for each won hand blown glass medallions by artist Rick Shapero, while all other finishers received an engraved maple hardwood medallion made by craftsman John P. Wilson.