Run the Keweenaw: A Festival of Trails has quickly become one of my favorite running experiences! This year I participated in all three races (6K Mt. Baldy Summit Run, 10K Copper Harbor Trails Challenge, 25K Carl Olson Memorial Adventure Run) and have to say I think I am now hooked on trail running. Both the race organizers and the runners who participate in these races have created a fun, welcoming community that will make you want to return year after year.

T-Shirts/SWAG - All race partipants receive the most comfortable t-shirt, and locally-crafted gifts are awarded to the top 3 age-group winners in each race. There are also awards for the overall fastest finishers of all three races, as well as prizes for winners of some other fun categories.

Aid Stations - The 6K is self-supported, the 10K has one aid station, and 25K has three aid stations, all providing water, Gatorade and encouragement from race volunteers!

Course Scenery - These races are the ultimate way to get some of the best views of Lake Superior and the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Expo - Bib Pick-Up/Registration takes place in Copper Harbor's Welcome Center. It's friendly and low-key.

Elevation/Course - Be prepared for some pretty technical trails! The 10K and 25K follow single-track mountain bike trails - you'll come across rocks, roots, switchbacks, creeks, bridges, boards...and luckily just a little relief pavement for us road runners. While the 10K is relatively flat, the 6K and 25K will bring you to the top of some of the best lookout points in the area. *Note about the 6K - the race is technically point-to-point. The course starts in Eagle Harbor and finishes on top of Mt. Baldy. Runners are expected to make the descent back down the hill on their own. There are refreshements (water, Gatorade, coffee, fruit, etc.) when you get back down the hill.

Parking/Access - Parking near the start/finish of all races is easy and close.

Race Management - The entire weekend is low-key but well-organized.

Accommodations/Area Attractions - For the past two years we've camped at Fort Wilkins State Park, about 1 mile from the Copper Harbor Welcome Center. It's a well-maintained campground nestled between Lake Superior and Lake Fanny Hooe. There are also several motel rooms, cabins, and cottages for rent closer to town. Some of our favorite places in the area include: Jamsen's Fish Market and Bakery (fair trade coffee, delicious pastries, smoked fish, and locally-made gifts), The Fitz (waterfront restaurant/bar in Eagle River), Captain Matt's Fish and Chips, Brickside Brewery, and the Jampot Bakery. If you have an extra day or two, I highly recommend walking through the Estivant Pines, making the 6 - 7 mile trek out to High Rock Bay or taking a sunset cruise along the coast of the peninsula. If you are feeling really adventurous, you can take a 3-hour ferry trip to Isle Royale. Overall, I highly recommend this event!