From Lake Michigan to Lake Huron: The Journey Begins

The inaugural Wolverine State 100 is officially in the books—and what a debut it was. On October 11–12, 2025, runners, relay teams, and crews from 27 states, Washington D.C., Canada, and the UK converged on Northern Michigan to take on a challenge unlike any other: A journey across the state from Petoskey to Alpena, from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron, along 100 miles of trails, seasonal roads, and limestone paths.

Across the 100 Mile, 100K, and 50K distances—plus six relay teams—the air buzzed with the energy you feel at the start of something special. For 86 athletes, it was their first 100 miler; for 32, their first 100K. By the end of the weekend, hundreds of finishers—and plenty of proud DNFs—had left their mark on the course, on one another, and on this new race that already feels timeless.

The Start of Something Big

At 5:30 a.m., long before sunrise, runners clicked on headlamps and stepped into the cold dark along the Petoskey waterfront. Breath hung in the air, beams of light cut through the mist, and the start line buzzed with music, nervous laughter, and the low hum of anticipation. You could feel it—the kind of electricity that comes from months of training and the realization that it’s finally happening. A hundred miles of Northern Michigan lay ahead, bound for Alpena and Lake Huron.

Trivium has been dreaming of producing this race for years, and the overwhelming responses to our August 2024 survey confirmed what we already felt in our bones—we were on to something special. There was a hunger in the community for an adventure that was as beautiful as it was difficult, as grounded in the Michigan landscape as it was in camaraderie and heart.

As the countdown hit zero, cheers and cowbells broke through the darkness. Headlamps bobbed in a river of light down the quiet streets of Petoskey, and just like that—the journey from lake to lake had begun.  By the time the first hints of sunrise touched the horizon, the runners were deep in the rhythm of the course—alone with their breath, their thoughts, and the long road east.

Aid Stations, Volunteers, and Trail Angels

If you ask any runner what got them to the finish line, they’ll tell you—it was the volunteers.

Every aid station felt like its own small universe: warm food sizzling on the grill, headlights and music cutting through the dark, cowbells ringing, and laughter echoing in the cold night air. Volunteers pulled off miracles—finding drop bags, refilling bottles, offering hugs, and sharing words that hit exactly when runners needed them most.

They weren’t “just” handing out Tailwind and pierogies. They were helping people dig deep. They were the difference between finishing and stopping.

We can’t thank our Aid Station Captains, crew members, and volunteers enough for showing up with such selflessness and joy. The outpouring of support was overwhelming—parents, grandparents, kids, dogs, cross country teams, and entire communities showing up to cheer, help, and keep runners moving forward. You reminded us all what it means to go far together.

The Heart of the Wolverine

There were moments of triumph—and moments of struggle. Loose goats made unexpected cameos. Laughter and the sound of elk rang out in the middle of the night. Crews lined the roads with makeshift stations, headlights beaming and coffee in hand. And at every turn, runners showed what it means to be a Wolverine: Grit, resilience, and an unshakable sense of humor.

Even those who didn’t finish spoke with pride about what they learned and the respect they gained for the course. Because Wolverine isn’t just about a buckle or a time—it’s about stepping into the unknown and seeing what you’re made of.

Community, Connection, and Gratitude

The cities of Petoskey and Alpena were incredible hosts, and we’re deeply grateful for their partnership and hospitality. Special thanks also go to the teams from The Huron 100 and the Friends of the High Country Pathway, whose collaboration and volunteerism helped make this event possible.

Seeing the road lined with cars and families—kids bundled up in blankets, crews clapping for runners they didn't know, grandparents waiting with hot soup—was nothing short of inspiring. These moments reminded us why we do this.

As one runner said afterward, “The course was hard, but the people made it unforgettable.”

Results and Reflections

Congratulations to our Inaugural Winners!

• 100 Mile: 138 started, 95 finished

• 100K: 36 started, 33 finished

• 50K: 41 started, 41 finished

• 100 Mile Relay: 6 teams started and finished

• Participants: 27 states + D.C., Canada, and the U.K.

Numbers tell part of the story, but the real measure of success was the spirit of the community. From the first step in Petoskey to the final finisher in Alpena, Wolverine State 100 became more than a race—it became a shared story of endurance, kindness, and courage.

Until Next Time

We had 95 finishers in the 100 Mile—69% of those who started—plus a 92% finish rate in the 100K and 100% in the 50K. Those numbers are nothing short of amazing for an inaugural ultra of this scale. This course demanded everything, and runners rose to the challenge with grit, humor, and heart. Wolverine has soul, Wolverine has strength, and this first year proved that it’s not just a race—it’s a movement that’s here to stay.

To every runner, crew member, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter—thank you for believing in this race, for taking the leap, and for making the inaugural Wolverine State 100 an unforgettable success.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to Northern Michigan next fall. Until then—keep your drop bags dry, your spirits high, and your hearts wild.

With trail dust in our shoes, tired feet, and big hearts—congratulations, Wolverines.
– The Trivium Racing Team