The Leelanau Trail Marathon unfolds across the scenic stretch connecting nature’s quiet resilience with the pulse of adventure. This 26.2-mile course follows the Leelanau Trail, a converted rail line transformed into a mostly flat yet never mundane running and hiking route. Starting in Suttons Bay, Michigan, the trail threads through forested corridors, across old steel bridges, and alongside waterways that dare you to keep moving.

Elevation gain is minimal—hovering around 200 feet total—making the marathon accessible yet engaging. The terrain is primarily crushed limestone, firm underfoot but variable depending on recent weather. Mud patches may appear, especially in the early season, inviting respect from those in less robust footwear.

The trail weaves through hardwood forests that shade you in summer but reveal sweeping views under fall’s open canopy. Streams murmuring alongside provide pockets of coolness, pushing hikers forward with a gentle insistence. River crossings and wooden trestles add texture to the route, each with its own character and subtle challenge.

Preparation hinges on understanding the practical aspects: proper hydration is non-negotiable, especially during warmer months when the forest’s breath feels thick yet still. Footwear with solid traction and good support is vital—trail runners or sturdy hiking shoes handle the limestone surface best. Timing your run or hike early in the day avoids afternoon heat and the possibility of abrupt weather shifts.

This marathon is an exercise in pacing: the trail’s steady rhythm requires steady energy management. Aid stations are spaced but limited, so carry essentials. Weather in Suttons Bay can shift quickly from sun to breeze to rain, a reminder that you’re moving with a landscape that is fiercely itself, not merely a path to conquer.

Anyone—from a casual long-distance walker to a seasoned marathon runner—will find the Leelanau Trail Marathon rewarding. It’s an experience marked less by steep climbs and more by the steady engagement of the senses: the crunch of gravel beneath, the scent of pine and earth, the occasional call of songbirds who watch quietly from the branches.

By the finish line, the town of Suttons Bay offers a well-deserved reprieve—bakeries, cafes, and local shops ready to welcome you back from a day confronting the woods and distance. Whether you’re here to race or simply cover the ground in one stride, the Leelanau Trail Marathon stays true to its essence: a measured test of endurance against a landscape that challenges kindly but consistently.