Running never fails to clear my head, and lately I’ve been finding that in-the-moment serenity on the Vasa, a rugged and scenic trail not far from my home.Depending upon how adventurous – and in shape – you are, the pathway offers a series of loops that take you through flat to hilly terrain that’s part of Pere Marquette State Forest here in northern Michigan. While it’s a great place to explore year-round, I especially love running there in fall, when the temps are cooler, the trees are ablaze in vibrant colors and the winding trails’ sheer expanse promises quiet moments. Sometimes I pass a fellow runner or someone walking his dog, or I’ll meet up with a couple of mountain bikers. But mostly it’s just me and the woods. And sometimes a deer or two.
This weekend, though, I’ll welcome the chance to enjoy the VASA Pathway with about 200 other runners. That’s how many people are expected to participate in this Saturday morning’s VASA Trail Run. I’ll be running the 5K loop, but there’s also a 10K and, for the especially courageous, a 25K.
“The middle distance seems to be the biggest event,” Daniel Siderman, event co-manager, tells me when I talk with him this week. “The 25K -- you’d better be in shape.” (I believe it. My one and only 25K so far was on flat, urban concrete. Can only imagine how tough that distance would be on hilly trails. Maybe someday…)
Still, this is a “very laid-back” race, Siderman says. "Trail events tend to be a lot more laid back than road races. It’s a slower pace. It’s a beautiful place to run.”
Running Fit in Traverse City, for which Siderman is a manager, is behind the VASA Trail Race. While it’d been around for a number of years, Running Fit infused new energy when it took over three years ago. The new hosts added the 5K as well as began offering T-shirts, awards and aid stations.
“We were looking to add more numbers,” he says. “It’s an event we love to do.”
Their efforts worked – more people are signing on each year, and the race so far isn’t a “capped” one. October is known as a big marathon month across the country, so the VASA race tends to attract those runners opting not to run 26.2 during this time, Siderman says.
Having deciding to take a break from training this summer and fall, I’m excited to try this 5K. I still have hopes of doing a marathon in the near future, but for now, shorter distances – and peaceful moments on the trail before winter hits – are where I’m at.
Race cost is $29, with proceeds going toward the upkeep of the VASA Pathway. Along with runners, hikers and mountain bikers, the trails are used by cross country skiers -- the VASA is home of the North American Vasa cross country ski race. The annual Iceman Cometh mountain bike race also uses a portion of the trail.
Check out maps of the 5K, 10K and 25K loops and register for the race. By the way, you can register day of, too.
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