You'll want to tune in to the latest Michigan Runner Girl podcast episode to hear some big announcements as well as learn about ways to save on your summer and fall races. This week's short-and-sweet show highlights race discount codes, Bayshore expo news, AND .... (drum roll, please....) details on this summer's First Annual Michigan Runner Girl Trail 10K & 5K on Aug. 4 at 45 North Vineyard & Winery.
Imagine a day filled with running, with encouragement and cheering from fellow women who embrace movement, friendships and going after big (and small) goals – and who love Michigan’s scenic landscape just as much as you.
You’ll experience all of this – and more – when you take part in the inaugural Michigan Runner Girl Trail 10K & 5K on Sunday, August 4 in beautiful northern Michigan, near the shores of Lake Michigan on the picturesque Leelanau Peninsula.
This all-women’s event takes place in Leelanau’s wine country, on the sprawling 45 North Vineyard & Winery property just outside the village of Suttons Bay and 20 miles north of Traverse City. You’ll experience the vineyard’s gorgeous trails (created just for running, cycling and hiking). You’ll receive a sweet finisher’s medal and commemorative wine glass (and a wine pour, if you’d like one; we’ll have non-alcoholic drinks available, too).
In just over a month, trail runners from all across Michigan, the Midwest and beyond will meet up at Hanson Hills Recreation Area in Grayling, Mich. for the inaugural Ragnar Michigan Trail. Organizers of this event expect more than 130 teams to participate in what’s being described as a two-day, one-night exploration of three smooth, single-track trails perfect for any runner experience level. The scenery is going to be amazing: lush forested pine and maple paths, rolling hills, scenic bluff vistas.
Ceara “CC” Pelletier, race director, joins Heather to talk all about this summer’s first-ever Ragnar Michigan Trail, set for June 15-16. With 8 people to a team (unlike Ragnar Road’s 12-person team set-up), the total number of miles covered throughout the weekend is 120. CC, who serves as race director of several other Ragnar Trail events throughout the U.S., is based in her home state of Maine. It was there, in the southern part of Maine, where she spent a lot of time in nature and on the trails. “I love the outdoors almost any activity that you can do outside. I have a type A personality, as most race directors do, but I would describe myself as a chill type A. I’m silly, goofy, and I love to make people laugh.”
CC talks about how she got into organizing races – she got started after graduating college and worked for a company out of South Portland, ME that put on three races each year. It wasn’t long before she got connected with Ragnar – she lived for two adventurous years in Salt Lake City, UT, where Ragnar is headquartered.
CC lets us know what we can expect at this year’s inaugural event (food trucks!) and why many Ragnarians absolutely love the “Glamping” option. And, there’s still time to sign up (just a little bit of time!) if you haven’t yet gotten your team registered. Use the code MRG2019 to take $80 off your team race entry at checkout. Registration closes Tuesday, May 7.