Monica Excels in a Keneewaw 'Trail Running Festival'

By Monica Ranly

It was beautiful up in the Upper Penisula in Michigan. We were way up north in a small tourist town (about 60 permanent residents) called Copper Harbor. It is hilly up there and the Great Lakes consist of clear blue water and lots of nice trees. We camped out for the weekend in the backyard of a motel in Copper Harbor.

We arrived in the UP on Friday night to attend a pasta dinner and expo at the race lodge. It was very nice, but it appeared it would be a small race with maybe up to 300 ppl, limited due to it being a trail race and I guess the long-distance to travel for most.

My friend found this "Keneewaw Trail running festival" by reading an issue of "Runner's World." Meet some crazy and fun runners as well :) The event consists of three races spread out over two days: a 10Km trail race and 6Km hill climb on Saturday, and then a 25 trail race the following day.

We ran a 10K trail race on Saturday morning (cloudy weather, not too hot), it was fun ran mostly uphill to the lodge where other activities were held. I finished 2nd overall for the women (1st overall for the age group) but was faulty because 3 or 4 other women who were ahead of me got lost on the trail before me. We went through the small town of Copper Harbor on Saturday before the 5K Hill Climb race.

By Saturday night, the weather was blazing hot with a fun and very hot sun. We ran through sand and trail to reach the top of a very gradual steeping hill to the top. The view from the top was worth it though, overlooking many treetops, the lakes, bays, and beautiful scenery that Michigan has to offer. I took it easy up the hill because I wanted to save evergy for the longer race the next morning...so I only finished 4th in my age group.

We then walked back down that hill that night, to rest up for the 25K trail run the next morning (Sunday). I had been patiently waiting for the 25K trail race because I love the distance challenge!! :) It was kinda cloudy at the start, but it was very tough trails!!! We were doing quick "footwork" through branching and twisting roots from the trees around us, also rocks, hills, branches, wooden footpaths were also made to cross areas of sinking in.

Later on during the race it started to pour as the gray storm clouds had rolled in.... It was great! Towards the beginning we were traveling in mostly packs, but by the time it was raining, I was fun to see that no one was around as I made my way through muddy puddles, and just smiling to be soaked and just having a good time :) Nature was all around me, feeling so alive, and loving it all....Then I remembered I was racing so I better actually speed it up or something. It was a nice break from the trails though during some of the rain when I was daydreaming on a rocky path before we came to the treacherous "red trail" that we had started on. We headed back to the lodge. Towards the end I walked some because after about 13 miles, I was getting to my limits.....the last 2.5 miles or so was uphill and the trails were tough...I managed to pick it up for a somewhat strong finish after walking some towards the last 2 miles.

I ended up placing 3rd overall for women, maybe 13th or something overall, I started the race around 5th place overall and 1st for women though..but did not know what to expect during the race. Most people I met had run all 3 races before...so they prepared in a somewhat better fashion I think. After the 25K race, we enjoyed a nice healthy organic breakfast at the lodge. The race focused on being environmental friendly with good recycling procedures, health food, and even the race shirt we received was made organically.

I won 2 pieces of homemade, unique pottery for placing first in my age group in the 10K and 25K runs. I also placed 5th overall for the women by doing all three races. I received a nice running silkly top and shorts for placing 5th overall. I recommend these trail races for anyone who is up for a challenge and adventure!!! It was awesome. I may do it again sometime, the only problem/obstacle for this run running festival (every year during on of rist weekends in July) is the traveling to get there. It was an amazing and great adventure.

Event Photos:

Monica was joined by college friends Zu Watanabe and David Christof for the Upper Michigan races. Zu, center, actually came in third for women overall. David was knocked out of action by a sprained ankle and could not compete. Here they check out the scenery with Lake Superior in the background.

Monica picks up medal for coming in 1st in her age group and 2nd in overall women in the 10k race.

Here are some event pictures consisting of other competitors
(to give you a feeling for the terrain and scenery)

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