COURSE OVERVIEW
The VASA Trail system, nestled within the Pere Marquette Forest, offers soft, smooth, and forgiving terrain, perfect for trail running. Participants will experience a mix of singletrack and doubletrack trails.
The 5K and 10K routes are mostly flat with just a few gentle rolling hills.
The 25K loop takes you through some of the more challenging, hilly sections of the forest, with the steepest climbs in the first half of the loop. Once you power through those, the rest of the course offers smooth, flowing trails as you make your way to the finish—or start your next loop!
LOOPS
5K: One 5K loop
10K Relay: Two 5K loops (One per participant)
10K: Two 5K loops
25K: One 25K loop
50K: Two 25K loops
75K: Three 25K loops
100K: Four 25K loops
100K Relay: Four 25K loops (One - two per participant)
COURSE MARKING
The courses will be clearly marked with a colored flagging system. Please follow the flags that match the color of your bib and race distance. We’ve also added arrows and additional signage at key points to help guide you, especially in areas where you might feel uncertain.
Please note that several other events use the same pathways, and their markings or signage may intersect with ours.
Remember: Stick to the color of the flag matching your race!
COURSE CUT-OFF TIMES
To ensure a smooth and safe event for all participants, there are specific cut-off times for the 50K, 75K, 100K, and 100K Relay races.
Please make note of the following:
General Course Cut-Off Time:
All distances must be completed by 11:00 PM.
100K Race:
- Maintain a pace of 15:27 min/mile (3.88 miles/hr) to complete the race within 16 hours.
75K, 100K, and 100K Relay Final Loop:
- You must start your final loop by 7:00 PM.
- If you’re unsure whether you can finish your final loop within 4 hours by the 7:00 PM cut-off, please notify the race timer and consider dropping down to a shorter distance.
Final Completion Cut-Off
- The final loop for the 75K, 100K, and 100K Relay must be completed by 11:00 PM.
- Participants who do not complete their final loop by the cut-off time will receive a DNF (Did Not Finish) and will need to try again next year.
We appreciate your understanding of these cut-offs to keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone. Remember to plan accordingly and listen to your body!
BAILOUT POINTS ON THE 25K LOOP
If you find yourself unable to continue on the 25K loop, there are three bailout points where you can receive a ride back to the start/finish line:
- Bartlett Road Trail Head Aid Station
- Supply Road Trail Head Aid Station
- Note: Aid Station #2 is not staffed, but you can still bail out at this point and follow the course markings backwards towards Timber Ridge (1.2 miles).
- Timber Ridge Aid Station (Loop Start/Finish)
Please remember that these bailout points are available to ensure your safety and convenience. If you need to stop, head to one of these locations for assistance.
QUESTIONS?
