Run the Huron 100: The Premiere Ultra Marathon near Detroit
- Dan Cooke
- 3 hours ago
- 8 min read
Ready to put your body and mind through the ultimate endurance test - all while exploring the wildest and most beautiful terrain that Metro Detroit has to offer? If you're already stoked, then check out our newest #ExpeditionPartner feature on southeast Michigan's premiere ultra race: the Huron 100 ultra marathon near Detroit!
June 8th, 2025. Brighton State Recreation Area. Sometime long after midnight.
Just a few volunteers remain at Maple Shelter, located a mile marker 55.1. The standalone structure had been my home for close to 12 hours now, with the "Expedition Detroit" flag still proudly waving above a smorgasbord of race-provided snacks. The woods are calm at this stage of the race - a far cry from the trickle of world-class runners that we'd hosted prior, followed by the inundation of the main pack later in the evening.
Now, with our JBL speaker humming out Avicii on its last bar of battery, our eyes remain fixated on the darkness just beyond our neon-lit structure. Fireflies provide the only contrast to the seemingly-endless darkness that only our region's most pristine Michigan State Parks can provide.
The eye catches a flicker of something brighter. A light moving too slowly for a car, too bobbly for a bike. No one says a word for a second, then somebody in the shelter finally overcomes the fear of a false alarm.
"RUNNER COMING IN!"
The sleepy shelter erupts into a well-oiled hospitality machine. One volunteer squints their eyes trying to record numbers on the bib. Another prepares cups of water and tailwind. A third gets the massage gun ready. All of us our cheering loudly, making sure this runner knows that he is in the process of accomplishing a truly remarkable feat.
"Man," he says as he catches his breath and downs some freshly-cut watermelon. "I've run ultra races all over the country. California, Vermont, Florida...I didn't expect southeast Michigan to feel like this."
I smile before responding.
"Yeah," I respond while extending a fist bump, "we've heard that a few times tonight."
This runner's comment encapsulated two key aspects of the route that the Huron 100 - the Detroit region's premiere ultra marathon - follows:
Southeast Michigan's outdoor destinations are stunningly beatiful, diverse, and are guarnateed to surpass any first time visitor's expectations; and
DO NOT, for the love of God, underestimate the challenges of the Detroit region's glacially-carved terrain.
Team Expedition Detroit is proud to showcase the world-class adventure opportunities found only here in southeast Michigan. Those select bucket list-worthy experiences that solidify Metro Detroit as an idyllic location to live, work, and explore. Covering everything from multi-day canoe camping expeditions to 100-mile mountain biking challenges and a top-rate international marathon, adventure truly starts here in our backyard.
Of all of those experiences though, if you're truly looking to experience the full spectrum of the Detroit region's outdoors in one odysessy of adventure, you should register for the Huron 100. Scratch that, you must register for the Huron 100. Our region's preeminent showcase of endurance, athleticism, camaderie, and incomparable trails.
Plus, if you're really lucky, you'll get an ice-cold cup of tail wind from yours truly with Avicii blasting in the background.
Let's dive more into what makes the Huron 100 the Detroit region's showcase ultra marathon now.
MEET THE HURON 100
If you look at a satellite image of the Detroit region, you'll notice a dark green, diagonal line across the western edge of our region. Technically known as the "Jackson Interlobate Range," that glacially-formed, ecologically-diverse, and geologically-challenging terrain forms the spine of Metro Detroit's outdoor adventure ecosystem. Most of our Michigan State Parks, mountain biking trails, ski hills, and paddling routes are located within this unique and interconnected stretch of moraines.
Four years ago, when I was first building the ecosystem of what became Expedition Detroit, I spent countless hours staring at that diagonal line. As I identified and mapped out the recreational opportunities found within it, I dreamed of a single, interconnected route that traced the entirety of it.
Three years later, I discovered that another Dan - the Huron 100's Founder Dan Hughes - had a similar vision. But that Dan not only turned such a dream into a reality, but built a remarkable and community-powered dream around it.
In 2022, Hughes completed the inaugural journey along the route that would evolve into the Huron 100 with the support of his family and a few close friends. In 2023, twenty bold Huron 100 "pioneers" carried that spirit forward, setting the foundation for everything that followed. The first & second official races in 2024 and 2025 helped turn this once-quiet idea into a truly iconic - and uniquely Detroit region - experience. The 2026 rendition will mark the third (but really fifth) chapter of the saga of Michigan’s most spirited point-to-point trail ultra marathon race.
EXPERIENCE THE HURON 100: METRO DETROIT'S WILDEST ROUTE
The Huron 100 consists of two ultra marathon events along its legendary route: a "sprint" 50 Mile race (yes, we're using a very liberal definition of "sprint") and the namesake 100 Mile race. Both events start at Waterloo State Recreation Area and comprise of point-to-point races, although the full 100 finishes at Proud Lake State Recreation.
Here's a quick breakdown of each event:
ULTRA MARATHON EVENT | 50 MILE | 100 MILE |
Start Information | June 6th, 7AM at Waterloo State Recreation Area | June 6th, 9AM at Waterloo State Recreation Area |
Elevation Gain (cumulative) | 4,400 ft. | 8,200 ft. |
Parks Crossed | 4 | 9 |
Allotted Finish Time | 15 hours | 32 hours |
Percentage Trail | 93% | 82% |
Finish Information | Country Elementary | Proud Lake State Recreation Area |
Registration Fee (CLICK HERE for discount information) | $225 ($243.12 with Ultrasignup fee) Save an extra $33.75 with Expedition+! | $375 ($402.87 with Ultrasignup fee) Save an extra $56.75 with Expedition+! |
For more information on the specifics of the Huron 100, check out their FAQs page.
HURON 100 COURSE BREAKDOWN
Curious what 100 miles through Metro Detroit's remaining wilderness feels like? Here's a segment-by-segment breakdown of what terrain you should expect while navigating the preeminent ultra marathon near Detroit:
PHASE ONE: WATERLOO-PINCKNEY TRAIL
Miles 1 - 35
The Huron 100 ultra marathon kicks off right where it should: following the Detroit's region's showcase backpacking trail, the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail. Runners follow the roller coaster of sandy hills along the trail and meadow until the trail’s terminus near Silver Lake in Pinckney State Recreation Area.
Here, runners continue their Huron 100 journey by traveling north along the east side of a local classic: the Potawatomi ("Poto") Trail. Poto, known for its rolling hills and stunning single track, offers runners plenty of boardwalks and bridge crossings, over waterways and through marshes. The course encompasses roughly half of this iconic trail, following it up steep inclines and through wetlands.
BACKPACK POTO WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
PHASE TWO: LAKELAND TRAIL
Miles 36 - 50
At the top of Poto, runners leave the marked trail behind and follow dirt roads until they reach the northern section of Pinckney State Recreation Area on Kelly Road. Here, runners continue to climb hills through sandy terrain before leaving the park and continuing to the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail.
The Lakelands Trail is a paved multiple-use trail that takes runners eastward across Livingston County through pastures, picturesque wetlands, and residential woodlands. It offers a welcome reprieve from the relentless hills and technical footing of single track.
PHASE THREE: BRIGHTON STATE RECREATION AREA
Miles 51 - 66
From the Lakeland Trail runners head up Chambers Road. This is the first opportunity to pick up pacers - surely a welcomed highlight. Chambers Road is a gently rolling dirt road that eventually connects to the west side of Brighton State Recreation Area.
Brighton State Recreation Area is home to miles of trails traversing thick hedgerows, deciduous woods and grassy marshes. Trail lovers are happy to get back onto mostly single track for the next 16 miles. Taking a challenging turn, the course continues onto the infamous Torn Shirt Trail. Known for its steep climbs and rocky descents, the course winds its way through the flowing and often dizzying single track.
PHASE FOUR: HURON MEADOWS METROPARK
Miles 67 - 75
It's time to embrace the dark, runners! By this point in the race, the sun has set, the headlamps are lit, and your Tour de Huron continues into the night. Runners depart Brighton Rec and head towards Huron Meadows Metropark by way of Hammel Road. Huron Meadows Metropark is a hidden local gem whose nature trails include both single track and wider trails where racers can run side-by-side with their pacers.
Leaving Huron Meadows, racers cross through Legacy Sports Center and under Highway 23, catching a bike trail up to Island Lake State Recreation Area. Although the terrain is less idyllic, the miles are brief, and the smooth path is a welcome change.
PHASE FIVE: ISLAND LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA
Miles 76 - 84
With less than a marathon remaining, runners enter Island Lake State Recreation Area (ILSRA) on the Blue Trail. The Blue Trail is an easy trail rolling through miles of peaceful woodland. Racers enjoy getting back onto some gentle single track. After the Spring Mill Pond aid station at Mile 82, runners make their way to the ILSRA trail head where they pick up the Yellow Trail.
The Yellow Trail travels through pine and deciduous forest along the Huron River and eventually leads runners to the Hiking trail. On the hiking trail, runners meander through open woods and meadows. They pass under Highway I-96, leaving ILSRA and entering into Kensington Metropark.
EXPLORE THE YELLOW TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
PHASE SIX: KENSINGTON METROPARK
Miles 85 - 92
Kensington Metropark is well known for its paved multi-use path that travels around Kent Lake. As the sun rises, racers are treated to some gorgeous views of the lake catching the early morning light before veering off onto the lesser traveled horse trails.
The Kensington horse trails are rustic and footing is challenging. With wooded and hilly terrain, the trail steadily heads to the northern end of the park where folks rarely go on foot.
PHASE SEVEN: PROUD LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA
Miles 93 - 100
Congrats: you've reached the FINAL LAP of your Metro Detroit odyssey! At this point, runners leave Kensington Metropark and cross over South Milford Road to follow the Chief Pontiac Trail along the the Kensington-Proud Lake Connector Trail. The dense hedgerow and sometimes grassy paths certainly see much suffering as the runners enter the final miles.
These trails dutifully shepherd runners into Proud Lake State Recreation Area. Smelling the pine trees, and perhaps the finish line, runners open up over these relatively flat, sometimes wide, but absolutely beautiful trails.
START THE ADVENTURE: RUNNING (OR VOLUNTEERING AT) THE HURON 100
I have a confession to make. As I watched that experienced ultra marathoner leave my aid station at Brighton Rec - jogging off into the dead of night - I experienced massive "FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out). This dude was in the midst of the adventure of a lifetime, trekking 100 miles across the expeditious heart of Metro Detroit, leaving my companions and I behind.
You don't need to relive my emotions from that moment. If you've ever dreamed of completing a 50 or 100 mile saga of a race, and especially if you've been training for such a feat, then the Huron 100 ultra marathon is the perfect event for you.
EXPEDITION+ SUBSCRIBERS SAVE 15% ON REGISTRATION FEES!
Unable to run but want to join the movement? PERFECT - as a 501(c)(3) organization, the Huron 100 Team is looking for dedicated volunteers (like yours truly) to join their ranks on race day!
Expedition Detroit is proud to partner with and promote like-minded organizations like the Huron 100 as part of our new "EXPEDITION+" platform. EXPEDITION+ createS a singular platform for accessing and promoting the entirety of the best of the Detroit region's outdoor tour providers, local outfitters, and impact-driven organizations. If you're interested in learning more information about the benefits of EXPEDITION+ as a subscriber or partner, please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com.
Photos utilized within this article have been published with the express prior written consent of the Huron 100.
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