Summer Trail Fest Ultra 50 Mile 2026
The Summer Trail Fest Ultra 50 Mile 2026 takes place on June 13, 2026, at Sleepy Hollow State Park in Laingsburg, Michigan. Located just north of Lansing and surrounding Lake Ovid, the venue offers a scenic backdrop of trails, a swim beach, and various recreation facilities. Participants can expect typical mid-June weather in Michigan, which often features warm temperatures and moderate humidity, though trail conditions may become muddy in the event of rain. The event provides a variety of distances ranging from a 5-mile run to a 50-mile ultra, all set on mostly runnable singletrack trails that are suitable for both beginners and experienced runners.
What distances are available for the Summer Trail Fest Ultra?
- →50 Mile ultra-distance
- →50K trail race
- →Half Marathon
- →5 Mile run
- →Ruck divisions are available for the 50K, Half Marathon, and 5 Mile distances
What is the course style and terrain like?
The event is a trail-based race rather than a road event. The courses are described as smooth, well-marked, and low-technical, consisting of about 90% scenic trail.
- →The 50 Mile is a nearly all-trail course featuring three loops plus a short added section, with approximately 1,800 feet of elevation gain.
- →The 50K is a nearly all-trail course featuring two loops, with approximately 1,100 feet of elevation gain.
- →The Half Marathon is a one-loop trail course with approximately 490 feet of elevation gain.
Please note that the course can become muddy if it rains. Course maps for the 50 Mile, 50K, and Half Marathon are available on Strava ↗ for viewing or for downloading GPX files.
What is the event schedule and timing?
- →50 Mile: Starts at 6:00 AM and concludes by 6:45 PM
- →50K: Starts at 7:30 AM and concludes by 6:45 PM
- →Half Marathon: Starts at 7:30 AM and concludes by 6:45 PM
- →5 Mile: Starts at 8:00 AM and concludes by 6:45 PM
Are there specific race cutoffs to be aware of?
- →The 50K has a hard cutoff at mile 15.5 at 12:40 PM.
- →The 50 Mile has hard cutoffs located at Aid Station 6.
- →The event generally emphasizes generous cutoffs to support participants.
What is provided at the aid stations?
Aid stations are well-stocked with a variety of nutrition and hydration options, including:
- →Water and Tailwind
- →Gels
- →Salty and sweet snacks
- →Trail mix
- →Real-food options such as hummus wraps and pierogis
- →Drop bags are offered for the longer distances
What amenities and post-race activities are included?
- →A post-race cookout featuring burgers, hot dogs, and sides is provided for runners.
- →In 2026, spectators have the option to purchase picnic tickets to join the festivities.
Are there any special awards or series connections?
The Summer Trail Fest is linked to the Winter Trail Fest. A unique feature of the event is that the medals are designed to magnetically connect into one larger medal. A bundle option is available for participants participating in both the Summer and Winter events.