Porkies Wilderness Races

We need volunteers!

Looking for volunteers for aid stations! If your group would be interested in hosting a party on the trail to help these runners- shoot us a message! We also have signup available on our website. Thank you! 50 Mile Race start: 6 am Central Time Heavy Half Marathon start: 12pm Noon Central Time

Porkies Wilderness Races

September 19, 2026 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park | Michigan The Porkies Wilderness Races take runners deep into one of the Midwest’s most rugged and breathtaking wilderness areas. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park spans over 60,000 acres of lush forest, dramatic ridgelines, rocky Lake Superior shoreline, and cascading waterfalls. With more than 90 miles of trail, including sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail, the Porkies offer a rare opportunity to experience true solitude on foot. This event features a 50-mile single loop course, and the half marathon follows the final stretch of the loop. The course was intentionally designed to showcase the park’s most scenic and demanding terrain rather than speed-friendly running. Runners should expect: • Steep climbs and technical descents • Muddy, rocky, and root-filled trail surfaces • Remote stretches with limited access • Night running in deep wilderness conditions • Long periods of solitude with minimal external noise beyond wildlife and flowing water This is not a fast course. It is one that rewards patience, preparation, and respect for wilderness travel. Aid stations will be strategically placed along the route and stocked with a mix of traditional ultra fare and hot options. Due to the remote nature of the course, crews and pacers will be limited to designated access points only. The Porkies 50 and half-marathon are designed for runners seeking a challenging, immersive wilderness experience where mental resilience matters as much as physical strength. Come prepared for rugged miles, quiet forests, and the unforgettable presence of Lake Superior.

Refund Protection

Ultrasignup offers refund protection at checkout. If you choose not to take the protection, your option for rolling over your race entry is an 8 hour volunteer shift at the current years race. We will assign you to a needed location. No exceptions.

No dogs can run the race

We love dogs and have ours with us while working on the race course, but we do not have permission for dogs to enter the race.