Run a Trail to Build Trails

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
-John Muir. 

This year I've decided to take a path that will lead me across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Over the course of two weeks, this September, I plan to run the North Country Trail (NCT) https://northcountrytrail.org/ across the Upper Peninsula starting in St. Ignace and ending at the Michigan-Wisconsin border.

The purpose of this journey is to raise funds and awareness for multi-use hiking, biking and running trails in the greater Munising Area, the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. All funds raised through this campaign will go directly to the Munising Bay Trail Network (MBTN) for building trails. Check out their website at https://www.mbtn.org/ . The Munising Bay Trail Network is a 501(c)3 organization  whose mission is to "Create a non-motorized, multi-use trail system that provides a place to experience mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing, trail running, and more in a natural environment while providing an opportunity to increase commerce for area businesses." MBTN has built close to 20 miles of trails to date, including an 11 mile loop at Valley Spur Recreational Area, as well as a City Bike Park with jump trail, rock armored trail and skills loop.

MBTN's future goals are; to finish the current loop in progress at Valley Spur and start construction on additional loops, to connect key locations together via multi-use single track trail such as Munising's Bike Park to Valley Spur, as well as the McQuisten Recreation Area in Wetmore to Valley Spur. 

I have always had a passion for running and the outdoors. In the last few years my long distance running addiction has morphed into an ultra running addiction. The idea of running across the UP via the NCT seems like the perfect challenge to feed my habits. I hope to complete the 543 mile journey in  about 15 days. This supported FKT (Fastest Known Time) attempt should be a real test of mind and spirit.

The main goal of this campaign is raise funds and awareness for trails in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Trails connect us to each other and they help us connect with nature. I hope you see this as a worthy cause and consider donating.