15MFirst trail race?
Out of town, one 8.8-mile loop in the forest, then back the way you came. Long enough to feel like a day out; done in time for lunch.
- Start
- 8:15 AM
- Shape
- 5K + 8.8 mi loop
- Aid stops
- 4 stops
- Time limit
- None
HungerfordTrail Races · 2026
Sat · Sept 26 · 2026 · Big Rapids, MI
Excessively
incredible trail
races. Everyone’s pace.
Fifteen miles, 45K, or fifty miles through the Hungerford Recreation Area in the Manistee National Forest. Small-race vibe, uniquely arboreal, peak Michigan fall. Six themed aid stations, a chainsaw-carved trophy, and no time limit unless you want the hiking stick.
Register→Register at Ultrasignup · spaces are limited, and early entries help us order the right shirts
Sunrise start in7:36 AM · 50M · 8:15 AM· 45K & 15M
62days
18hrs
01min
Three races, one forest
85%+ off pavement45KThe mini-ultra
The big loop, once. For runners who've done a marathon and want to find out what happens on the other side of it.
- Start
- 8:15 AM
- Shape
- 5K + 21.9 mi loop
- Aid stops
- 7 stops
- Time limit
- None
50MHiking stick
Sunrise start, big loop twice. Finish between sunup and sundown (7:27 PM) and you earn the world-famous Hungerford Hiking Stick.
- Start
- 7:36 AM
- Shape
- 5K + 21.9 mi × 2
- Aid stops
- 13 stops
- Time limit
- Sunset for the stick
The courseDirt, sand, gravel,
Dirt, sand, gravel,
and The Powerlines.
Hungerford is all about variety. Hills and flats, deep woods and open sun, fire roads and two-track and some very nice singletrack. Every race opens with a 5K charge out of town and into the forest. The 15-Milers then run an 8.8-mile loop and head home; the 45K and 50M crews take the big 21.9-mile loop — once, or twice if you’re a maniac.
For many, the highlight is The Powerlines— a lovely and equally torturous stretch of soft-surface hills you’ll be more than proud to have conquered. Trail shoes recommended for traction; we’ve seen people do it in carbon racers anyway.
2026 course update
We’re reworking the route with the Forestry to include less gravel, more trail, and more running through the woods on a beautiful fall day. Final maps posted here as soon as they’re approved.
85%+
Off pavement
6
Aid stations
21.9 mi
Big loop
View your race
Interactive route and elevation for each distance. Pan, zoom, and see what you’re in for.
Routes hosted on MapMyRun · 45K — 5K out, one 21.9-mile loop, back in
Six stations. Thirteen visits, if you’re doing the 50.
Stations sit 3 to 5 miles apart, so you’re never far from another pit stop. Gatorade and water, plus gels, chips, Oreos, PB&J, pretzels and other appropriate trail foods. Every station runs its own theme — Halloween at Hungerford, Homecoming — usually with its own special trail treats.
Drop bags go to any station you like: bins are labelled at the start/finish, in by 7:00 a.m.
Crew accessPortajohn
A
Start / finish
B
No crew
C
Crew parking
D
Crew parking
E
No crew
F
Pacer pickup
15M — 4 stations
A · B · F · A
45K — 7 stations
A · B · C · D · E · F · A
50M — 13 stations
A·B·C·D·E·F · A·B·C·D·E·F · A
Race weekend, in order
The Hungerford Games are held on the last Saturday in September. In 2026, that’s the 26th.
- FRI 5–7 PMPacket pickupAt 15200 220th Ave — park on site Friday evening.
- SAT 5:45 AMRace-day packet pickup opensPark at Trinity Church, across the street from the start.
- 7:00 AMDrop bags inBins are labelled by aid station at the start/finish. We'll haul them out for you.
- 7:36 AM50-Mile startOff at sunrise. Sunset is 7:27 PM — that's your hiking-stick clock.
- 8:15 AM45K and 15M startMorning, obviously. Unlike the sunset, which takes place in the evening.
- ALL DAYFinish line, food, and no hurryNo time limits on the 15M or 45K. We'll be out there for the 50-Milers as long as it takes.
Where
Start & finish: 15200 220th Ave
If you know the area, it’s always been PT Plus — it’s now a Habitat for Humanity. Map it →
Race-day parking is at Trinity Church, just across the street from the starting line. Friday packet-pickup parking is at 15200 220th itself.
Where to sleep
Book early — Ferris homecoming
Big Rapids hotels are all clean and comfortable as far as we can tell; the handiest are the Country Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express. For some reason Ferris State usually schedules homecoming for this same weekend, so they fill fast.
Want to rough it? Hungerford Hills Farm campground, or a rustic site or three right here. Cedar Springs is about 30 minutes south, and AirBnBs abound.
In your entry
A wooden medal and, maybe, a hiking stick.
- The always-stylish event t-shirt
- All the fuel you need on course — six themed aid stations
- Our unique wooden finisher's medal (if you finish)
- Post-race refreshments at the finish
- The Hungerford Hiking Stick for 50M finishers between sunup and sundown — or another notch on the one you've got
- Drop-bag service to any station on the course
We usually have bonus items unique to the year and from our race partners — we roll with “pick your swag” out of whatever’s laid out. Prior-year shirts and swag are available at discounted pricing.
Prizes
The Sassafras ‘Leaf of Glory’
Top three finishers, male and female, take home the chainsaw-carved Sassafras Leaf of Glory — the finest trophy in all the land.
Age-group winners (18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60+) get a commemorative mug or pint glass, depending on the year.
Questions runners actually ask
I'm slow. Should I be here?
Yes. There's no time limit on the 15-Miler or the 45K, and we'll be out there all day for the 50-Milers — enjoy the race for as long as you'd like. Only the hiking stick has a clock on it.
What if I finish the 50 after dark?
You still get a wooden medal. If you think you'll finish after sunset, carry a headlamp or stash one in a drop bag at an aid station.
Can my family crew for me?
Yes — but please confine crewing to stations C, D and F. Those are the ones with enough parking. Do not drive to A, B or E; your vehicle will thank you, as will the rescue crew that doesn't have to save you.
Can I have a pacer?
50-Milers can pick up a pacer around the end of the first loop — have them meet you at Station F, or right after you come off the singletrack at the Mountain Bike Trailhead.
Can I bring my dog?
For safety and insurance reasons, no dogs on the course. Also, one of the RDs is scared of dogs. We won't tell you which one. Dogs near the start/finish must be leashed.
What shoes?
Trail shoes are generally recommended for traction and stability on the sand and two-track — though we've seen people be successful in all sorts, even carbon racers. Gaiters aren't necessary; your call.
How far apart are the aid stations?
Between three and five miles, so you're never too far from another pit stop. Exact splits live in the course maps document.
Can I defer or get a refund?
Defer free before July 1, and for $15 after that. Send RD Ben $15 and he'll switch you into next year's race on his master spreadsheet — email hungerfordgames@gmail.com to start.
Where do results go?
All previous years' results are on the Ultrasignup page. We work to get results posted and emailed the morning after the race.
How do I volunteer?
We need volunteers. Always. The more the better — just email hungerfordgames@gmail.com and say you're in.
Saturday, September 26, 2026 · Big Rapids, MichiganSign up. Then go
Sign up. Then go
run in the woods.
Registration is handled at Ultrasignup. Early registration is encouraged: spaces are limited, and it helps us order the right numbers and sizes of tee shirts. Questions, deferrals or volunteering — email RD Ben at hungerfordgames@gmail.com.