Down Wind Sports

The same trails that make the U.P a mecca for mountain biking also make the U.P. one of the best areas to go for a run. From white sand beaches, rocky bluffs, and beautiful pine covered trails, the U.P. offers trail runners a diverse assortment of challenging trail systems to explore! With miles and miles of singletrack the running possibilities are virtually endless!  Why come to the U.P. to run on our trails?  For some of the best trail running races in the country, that’s why.  Down Wind Sports is proud to sponsor the following trail running events:

Run The Keweenaw – More Info

This is a great weekend long festival that includes the Mt. Baldy Summit Run (~6k), the Copper Harbor Trails Challenge (~12k), the Copper Harbor Trails Non-Competitive Run/Hike (~12k), a Junior Trail Run (~2k), and the Keweenaw Trails Run (~25k).

Run the Keweenaw (RTK) is organized by the Keweenaw Trails Alliance (KTA) in coordination with the Copper Harbor Trails Club. The RTK Event is not a new event. It was born over 10 years ago as the Keweenaw Trail Running Festival and was managed by Great Lakes Endurance for 10 years. Last year Great Lakes Endurance passed the baton over to the KTA and at that time the name was changed. Along with the name change e a few new events were added to further enhance this spectacular weekend. Proceeds from the RTK will continue to support non-motorized trail improvements, land acquisition and maintenance of trails in the Keweenaw. Come join us for an exciting weekend on the beautiful and rugged trails of the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Superior Shore Run – More Info

This wonderful event includes a Half Marathon, 5K, and a 1K Youth Run.  The course runs along some of the most spectacular terrain in the Marquette area.

Beginning at Little Presque Isle, the half marathon course runs for 1.5 miles along Lake Superior beaches and then passes pristine Harlow Lake. From there it gently winds up 300’ of elevation to views of the Huron Mountain Range from the top of Bareback Ridge. The course then winds back down to Lake Superior for a 1.5 mile stretch of rugged running from Wetmore Landing back to the finish at Little Presque Isle. Four aid stations will be spaced evenly on the course. Some sections of the course are extreme.

By popular demand the team event is back!  Create a team with five or more members: family, business, schools, churches, friends…whatever! Team with the most members gets $100 or prizes valued at $100. Team with the 5 fastest times gets $100 or prizes valued at $100.

Be sure to stop by one of our stores to stock up on energy gels and to check out all of the new trail running equipment and clothing. FYI… if you go through a lot of energy gels, shot blocs, or energy bars we offer a 20% discount when you purchase an entire box. Feel free to mix flavors so long as the final total is at least one box worth!