FAQ
When does registration open?
Registration typically opens on Black Friday. Because we keep numbers small to ensure a quality race, our events tend to fill up quick. So it is best to register early.
I won't make it. Can I get a refund?
No. Entry fees are NOT REFUNDABLE under any circumstance. Please keep this in mind before registering. If you know for sure you won't be running our race (injury, conflict, etc.), please let us know as soon as possible! Thank you. Also, if you DNS, click here to make your registration fee a tax-deductible donation.
Can I transfer my registration to other participants/future races?
No. Race registrations are NOT TRANSFERABLE to other participants or future years' races. Please keep this in mind before registering.
Can I switch events?
You are allowed to switch races until the morning of the race. To do that, please talk to somebody at packet pick-up inside the polebarn. If you switch event during the race (for example, you are signed up for the 50-mile race and you decide to run only the 50K), you won't receive an official 50K time and you won't be eligible for awards in the 50K category.
Is there a waiting list?
No. We no longer have a waiting list for these events.
How do I check if I am registered?
Please go to UltraSignup to check the status of your registration and view other participants.
When/Where is packet pick-up?
Packet pick-up is held on Friday from 4 to 8 PM at the Forestville Polebarn/NTN Trailhead (Start/Finish Area). You can also pick up your bib and other items on Saturday morning, from 4:45 to 5:15 AM.
Can somebody pick up my number for me?
No. You must come to packet pickup to get your bag and number. You will need to SHOW SOME ID.
Is camping available at the Start/Finish area?
To reserve one of the 18 rustic campsites at the Forestville Campground for Friday and Saturday, August 19 and 20, 2022, please call the Noquemanon Trails Network at: (906) 236-9196 weekdays between 10am and 5pm and identify yourself as a Marquette Trail 50 runner. Office personnel will take your information, make your reservation and charge your credit card for your stay. To reserve a campsite for any other night(s), go to www.campspot.com
Campground reservations for the Marquette Trail 50 are for a two night stay only. To review what the sites are like and a Forestville Campground map, click here. Please note that smaller sites are $20 per night, larger ones are $25 per night and there will be a small transaction fee added to cover the mandatory fee charged by our reservation system.
Campsites are reserved on a first call, first served basis.
When/Where does the race start/finish?
All races, INCLUDING THE KIDS RACES, start and finish at the Forestville Polebarn/NTN Trailhead (Start/Finish Area).
Is parking available?
Parking will be available at the Forestville Trailhead on a first come first serve basis. PARKING IS VERY LIMITED!! PLEASE EITHER CARPOOL WITH OTHER RACERS OR HAVE SOMEONE DROP YOU OFF.
Preference will be given to those racers who carpool with at least one other racer and they will be allowed to proceed up to the parking lot. We will have parking attendants checking bibs. If you are the only racer in your vehicle, or if the vehicle has spectators and will be driven away immediately after the start, you will need to park in a designated area along the road (~1/2 - 3/4 mile from the Start/Finish) as directed by our parking attendants.
When do I need to be at the start?
Plan on getting to the trailhead around 4:30-4:45 AM on Saturday morning. Please note that there is a MANDATORY PRE-RACE MEETING 10-15 minutes before the start.
Do I need to check-in before the race?
No. Your bib number includes a chip, so we know you started the race when you walk on the mat at the starting line.
Do I need a headlamp?
Yes. You need a headlamp for the first hour of the 50K and 50M races. If you don't want to carry it all day, you can drop it off when you get back to the Forestville Aid Station after you complete the small loop. PLEASE LABEL YOUR LIGHT!
Can I bring drop bags?
Yes. Bring your drop bags before the race. We will have specific areas where you can put them. 50K runners should not need drop bags, but are welcome to bring some. All drop bags must have the runner’s name and aid station name clearly printed on the outside of the bag. All aid station drop bags will be delivered to the finish area by aid station personnel by the end of the day on Saturday.
How is the course marked?
The trail is marked with orange ribbon and flags (and some hot pink, see below). It would be rare to run more than 200 yards or so without seeing any markers. If you have gone longer and not seen any markers, you might have taken a wrong turn. If you notice markers close together, we are trying to tell you to pay attention - a turn or intersection is coming. Backtrack if you make a mistake.
How many aid stations are there?
Our aid stations are manned by volunteers, so please be sure to thank them! You will find a complete list of the aid stations with approximate mileage between aid stations on the races maps.
What's available at the aid stations?
Aid Stations will have: Water, Soda, Hammer Nutrition HEED Drink, Hammer Nutrition Gels; Fruit: Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Oranges, Bananas; Cookies, PBJ sandwiches, Pretzels, Potato Chips, Granola Bars, and candy. Cups will NOT be available at aid stations, you are responsible for carrying your own hydration system, but racers will be provided with an awesome MT50/QCRC collapsible cup at packet pick-up that can be easily carried with you for additional hydration at the aid stations.
My family/friends would like to see me during the race. Where can they go?
Aid Stations are great spots to watch runners.
Are there road crossings?
Yes. The trail, at times, shares gravel county roads, and also small sections of paved county roads. Be aware that these roads are not closed, and for the most part, drivers are unaware of the race. PLEASE USE CAUTION! There are two crossings of paved roads and the speed limit is 55 mph! You need to stop for traffic (use caution when crossing just as you would if you were a regular hiker on the trail or like you do on your training runs).
Are there mosquitoes? Do I need bug spray?
There should not be mosquitoes at that time of year. But we've had bees in the past.
Are there other safety issues I need to be aware of?
The Marquette Trail 50 takes place on a very rugged trail. Running on such a trail comes with inherent risks that runners accept upon entering the event. In addition to trail conditions, other potential dangers include but are not limited to: wet/slippery trail conditions (mud, roots and rocks), wet/slippery boardwalks and bridges, bees/bee stings, road crossings and steep drops/cliffs near Lake Superior which may be undercut. Trails may have mountain bikers, hikers, (unleashed) dogs, and motorized vehicles. Wolves, cougars, and bears have been seen in the vicinity. Be cautious, transporting medical aid would be difficult.
Is it a good idea to jump in the lake to cool off during the race?
Lake Superior can be very refreshing, but the water is COLD! Realize your body may go into shock, if you are not ready for the temperature change. Passing out is possible. Use common sense!
Do I need to carry water/food?
All runners should have sufficient water carrying capacity to make it from aid station to aid station (water bottle or hydration pack/system). The longest stretch between aid stations is about 6 miles (which can take several hours).
Are showers available at the finish?
No.
Can I have a pacer?
Pacers are not allowed.
Are there cutoffs?
The Marquette Trail 50 has intermediate and race finish cutoff times that will be STRICTLY enforced. See details on the 50K/50M page.
What do I need to if I DNF?
Should you need to drop out of the race, remove your number and your chip and give them directly to the HAM radio operators at the aid stations you are dropping at – if you are not sure who that is ask around until you find them. If you leave the course and fail to notify race officials, you will be asked not to come back.
Do I need to have my number visible at all times?
Yes. Your timing chip will be affixed to the back of your race number. Do not remove your timing chip. Do not bend or fold your timing chip or crumple your race number – this may break your timing chip. We ask that all competitors wear their number on the front of their body on their outer-most layer at all times. You must SHOW YOUR BIB NUMBER at EVERY AID STATION. We will track your progress.
Can I wear headphones?
We discourage their use however we won’t tell you can’t wear them. Full awareness of one’s surroundings, and the ability to communicate with other participants, race volunteers, and trail users not associated with the event are critical to everyone’s safety. Please use common sense.
Where can I put my trash?
Don’t leave it on the trail. If you see some trash someone else has dropped, pick it up. Keep the trail clean. You will find garbage bags at aid stations.
How do I find the results?
Results will be available on SuperiorTiming and Ultrasignup.
I lost something. Can you ship it back to me?
Any personal items left after the race will be donated to a charity. We will not ship items to you.
Is there beer/alcohol at the finish?
The Marquette Trail 50 will not supply alcohol at the post race party. You may bring your own beverages, and we will have many refreshments to rehydrate. Consider sharing with a trail friend (or race director ;o)...
Registration typically opens on Black Friday. Because we keep numbers small to ensure a quality race, our events tend to fill up quick. So it is best to register early.
I won't make it. Can I get a refund?
No. Entry fees are NOT REFUNDABLE under any circumstance. Please keep this in mind before registering. If you know for sure you won't be running our race (injury, conflict, etc.), please let us know as soon as possible! Thank you. Also, if you DNS, click here to make your registration fee a tax-deductible donation.
Can I transfer my registration to other participants/future races?
No. Race registrations are NOT TRANSFERABLE to other participants or future years' races. Please keep this in mind before registering.
Can I switch events?
You are allowed to switch races until the morning of the race. To do that, please talk to somebody at packet pick-up inside the polebarn. If you switch event during the race (for example, you are signed up for the 50-mile race and you decide to run only the 50K), you won't receive an official 50K time and you won't be eligible for awards in the 50K category.
Is there a waiting list?
No. We no longer have a waiting list for these events.
How do I check if I am registered?
Please go to UltraSignup to check the status of your registration and view other participants.
When/Where is packet pick-up?
Packet pick-up is held on Friday from 4 to 8 PM at the Forestville Polebarn/NTN Trailhead (Start/Finish Area). You can also pick up your bib and other items on Saturday morning, from 4:45 to 5:15 AM.
Can somebody pick up my number for me?
No. You must come to packet pickup to get your bag and number. You will need to SHOW SOME ID.
Is camping available at the Start/Finish area?
To reserve one of the 18 rustic campsites at the Forestville Campground for Friday and Saturday, August 19 and 20, 2022, please call the Noquemanon Trails Network at: (906) 236-9196 weekdays between 10am and 5pm and identify yourself as a Marquette Trail 50 runner. Office personnel will take your information, make your reservation and charge your credit card for your stay. To reserve a campsite for any other night(s), go to www.campspot.com
Campground reservations for the Marquette Trail 50 are for a two night stay only. To review what the sites are like and a Forestville Campground map, click here. Please note that smaller sites are $20 per night, larger ones are $25 per night and there will be a small transaction fee added to cover the mandatory fee charged by our reservation system.
Campsites are reserved on a first call, first served basis.
When/Where does the race start/finish?
All races, INCLUDING THE KIDS RACES, start and finish at the Forestville Polebarn/NTN Trailhead (Start/Finish Area).
Is parking available?
Parking will be available at the Forestville Trailhead on a first come first serve basis. PARKING IS VERY LIMITED!! PLEASE EITHER CARPOOL WITH OTHER RACERS OR HAVE SOMEONE DROP YOU OFF.
Preference will be given to those racers who carpool with at least one other racer and they will be allowed to proceed up to the parking lot. We will have parking attendants checking bibs. If you are the only racer in your vehicle, or if the vehicle has spectators and will be driven away immediately after the start, you will need to park in a designated area along the road (~1/2 - 3/4 mile from the Start/Finish) as directed by our parking attendants.
When do I need to be at the start?
Plan on getting to the trailhead around 4:30-4:45 AM on Saturday morning. Please note that there is a MANDATORY PRE-RACE MEETING 10-15 minutes before the start.
Do I need to check-in before the race?
No. Your bib number includes a chip, so we know you started the race when you walk on the mat at the starting line.
Do I need a headlamp?
Yes. You need a headlamp for the first hour of the 50K and 50M races. If you don't want to carry it all day, you can drop it off when you get back to the Forestville Aid Station after you complete the small loop. PLEASE LABEL YOUR LIGHT!
Can I bring drop bags?
Yes. Bring your drop bags before the race. We will have specific areas where you can put them. 50K runners should not need drop bags, but are welcome to bring some. All drop bags must have the runner’s name and aid station name clearly printed on the outside of the bag. All aid station drop bags will be delivered to the finish area by aid station personnel by the end of the day on Saturday.
How is the course marked?
The trail is marked with orange ribbon and flags (and some hot pink, see below). It would be rare to run more than 200 yards or so without seeing any markers. If you have gone longer and not seen any markers, you might have taken a wrong turn. If you notice markers close together, we are trying to tell you to pay attention - a turn or intersection is coming. Backtrack if you make a mistake.
How many aid stations are there?
Our aid stations are manned by volunteers, so please be sure to thank them! You will find a complete list of the aid stations with approximate mileage between aid stations on the races maps.
What's available at the aid stations?
Aid Stations will have: Water, Soda, Hammer Nutrition HEED Drink, Hammer Nutrition Gels; Fruit: Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Oranges, Bananas; Cookies, PBJ sandwiches, Pretzels, Potato Chips, Granola Bars, and candy. Cups will NOT be available at aid stations, you are responsible for carrying your own hydration system, but racers will be provided with an awesome MT50/QCRC collapsible cup at packet pick-up that can be easily carried with you for additional hydration at the aid stations.
My family/friends would like to see me during the race. Where can they go?
Aid Stations are great spots to watch runners.
Are there road crossings?
Yes. The trail, at times, shares gravel county roads, and also small sections of paved county roads. Be aware that these roads are not closed, and for the most part, drivers are unaware of the race. PLEASE USE CAUTION! There are two crossings of paved roads and the speed limit is 55 mph! You need to stop for traffic (use caution when crossing just as you would if you were a regular hiker on the trail or like you do on your training runs).
Are there mosquitoes? Do I need bug spray?
There should not be mosquitoes at that time of year. But we've had bees in the past.
Are there other safety issues I need to be aware of?
The Marquette Trail 50 takes place on a very rugged trail. Running on such a trail comes with inherent risks that runners accept upon entering the event. In addition to trail conditions, other potential dangers include but are not limited to: wet/slippery trail conditions (mud, roots and rocks), wet/slippery boardwalks and bridges, bees/bee stings, road crossings and steep drops/cliffs near Lake Superior which may be undercut. Trails may have mountain bikers, hikers, (unleashed) dogs, and motorized vehicles. Wolves, cougars, and bears have been seen in the vicinity. Be cautious, transporting medical aid would be difficult.
Is it a good idea to jump in the lake to cool off during the race?
Lake Superior can be very refreshing, but the water is COLD! Realize your body may go into shock, if you are not ready for the temperature change. Passing out is possible. Use common sense!
Do I need to carry water/food?
All runners should have sufficient water carrying capacity to make it from aid station to aid station (water bottle or hydration pack/system). The longest stretch between aid stations is about 6 miles (which can take several hours).
Are showers available at the finish?
No.
Can I have a pacer?
Pacers are not allowed.
Are there cutoffs?
The Marquette Trail 50 has intermediate and race finish cutoff times that will be STRICTLY enforced. See details on the 50K/50M page.
What do I need to if I DNF?
Should you need to drop out of the race, remove your number and your chip and give them directly to the HAM radio operators at the aid stations you are dropping at – if you are not sure who that is ask around until you find them. If you leave the course and fail to notify race officials, you will be asked not to come back.
Do I need to have my number visible at all times?
Yes. Your timing chip will be affixed to the back of your race number. Do not remove your timing chip. Do not bend or fold your timing chip or crumple your race number – this may break your timing chip. We ask that all competitors wear their number on the front of their body on their outer-most layer at all times. You must SHOW YOUR BIB NUMBER at EVERY AID STATION. We will track your progress.
Can I wear headphones?
We discourage their use however we won’t tell you can’t wear them. Full awareness of one’s surroundings, and the ability to communicate with other participants, race volunteers, and trail users not associated with the event are critical to everyone’s safety. Please use common sense.
Where can I put my trash?
Don’t leave it on the trail. If you see some trash someone else has dropped, pick it up. Keep the trail clean. You will find garbage bags at aid stations.
How do I find the results?
Results will be available on SuperiorTiming and Ultrasignup.
I lost something. Can you ship it back to me?
Any personal items left after the race will be donated to a charity. We will not ship items to you.
Is there beer/alcohol at the finish?
The Marquette Trail 50 will not supply alcohol at the post race party. You may bring your own beverages, and we will have many refreshments to rehydrate. Consider sharing with a trail friend (or race director ;o)...