Grand Island Lighthouse

GRAND ISLAND (7/30/05) - Got commitment issues? Then tackling the inaugural Grand Island Trail Marathon would not have been a good idea.

Running 26.2 miles is daunting enough without adding the pressure of a single-loop course around an island in Lake Superior. Dropping out of this race meant a long hike back; not a pleasant option.

Those prepared for the challenge found a great route through pristine wilderness, and near-perfect weather conditions.

Runners expecting the grueling routes linked with the Keweenaw Trail Festival, race director Jeff Crumbaugh's other event, were pleasantly surprised by the Grand Island layout. The cool temperatures, typical of Upper-Peninsula mornings, were better yet.

Jim Harrington of Negaunee took full advantage of the situation, claiming both overall and masters titles in 2:43:35. Harrington, training for the Western States 100 in Leadville, Colo. Aug. 20, felt good and led wire-to-wire.

"I ran with (second-place finisher Dan Dehlin) a little bit, then kept going," said Harrington. "I was trying to find a good rhythm and stay relaxed."

Vicki Asmus, a former Northern Michigan University runner who now lives in Plymouth, Wis., was the women's winner in 3:26:01.

"The trail was nice. It wasn't too technical," said Asmus. "I stayed with about the same pace the whole race."

Mike Holik of Grass Lake won 10K, held simultaneously, in 34:39. Master Joan Rundman of Hancock captured the women's 10K in 41:53.

Crumbaugh said there will be a second annual Grand Island marathon next year, with limited registration probably beginning in January. Full results for the 2005 races are available at www.algercounty.org. MR