Hungerford Trail Races

Hungerford Trail Races run out of Big Rapids, Michigan, on September 27, 2026. Three trail distances are on offer: a 50-mile event that starts at 7:30 AM, a 45K (about 28 miles) starting at 8:15 AM, and a 15-mile race that also goes off at 8:15 AM. All three take place on the same day, so you can pick the distance that matches where your training is right now.

The 15-mile option sits nicely between a half marathon and a trail marathon and works well as a first step beyond 13.1 on dirt. The 45K is an accessible entry into ultra territory, while the 50-mile race is the goal event for runners who already have a 50K in their legs. Early fall in Michigan makes for pleasant running conditions in general, but plan on trail footing, roots and rolling terrain rather than smooth surfaces. For the ultra distances, a 16-to-20-week build with weekend back-to-back long runs, plus a few sessions practicing your race-day fueling, will pay off far more than extra speed work.