Photo via Run the Keweenaw website Run the Keweenaw’s Festival of Trails is returning this weekend.

Run the Keweenaw 2024 is coming up this weekend, with registration on July 12 and races beginning on July 13.

This annual ‘Festival of Trails’ offers a variety of races to choose from. Participants can take one of many competitive scenic routes, like the 10K Copper Harbor Trails Challenge, or take it easy with one of the beautiful but non-competitive options. Distances span from a 2K Junior Trail Run up to a challenging 25K.  

Runners can also choose to “conquer the weekend” by running in three separate events; the Mt. Baldy Summit, the 10K Copper Harbor Trails Adventure and the 25K COMA Run.

Special awards will be given to the top five overall male and female finishers. Winners will be determined based on combined event times. There will also be prizes for the top under 23 male and female finishers, middle of the pack male and female runners, and the Finnish Sisu award.

Additionally, organizers will be giving out several door prizes throughout the weekend. With six races to choose from, there’s an event for everyone in the family. 

The Mt. Baldy Hillclimb 6K is the first of three events in the Run the Keweenaw Festival of Trails. The point-to-point run starts at Eagle Harbor and takes runners through dirt roads, sand, two-track, a creek crossing, and singletrack before ending on Mt. Baldy. Runners who choose this route will be rewarded with a glorious view of Lake Superior at the summit. 

The Copper Harbor Trails Challenge 10K is the second race, and offers a selection of the world class singletrack of Copper Harbor. These flowing trails offer a wonderful journey through Ft. Wilkins State Park.

The Carl Olson Memorial Adventure Run, or COMA Run, is the third in the Festival of Trails series. This run is in honor of Carl Olson, who was, “always up for an adventure and the physical challenges provided by the outdoors,” according to the event’s website. The trail will test physical and mental endurance like no other. 

The Junior Trail Run 2K offers a run for the youngest of the family. This fairly flat, fast course takes young athletes on a tour of the fields around Grandpa’s Ponds.

If you’re not interested in a competitive race, Run the Keweenaw offers the Copper Harbor Trails Non-Competitive Hike. Participants can experience the natural beauty of Copper Harbor at their own pace on the same course used by the runners. 

Registration is open now at runthekeweenaw.org/registration. Those interested can also register in person on July 12 from 5-8 p.m. at the Mariner North Banquet Hall in Copper Harbor, or on July 13 from 7-8 a.m. at the Eagle Harbor Community Center.

Races will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 13. The full schedule of events can be found at runthekeweenaw.org. Participants must be at least 14 years of age for the Mt. Baldy Hillclimb, Copper Harbor Trails Challenge 10K, and COMA Run events. The Junior Trail Run is limited to runners fourteen years and younger.