2027 race date
Grand Island Trail Marathon: July 31, 2027. Checked against the official organizer source on October 13, 2026.
The date was checked separately from the course and planning details below, reviewed October 14, 2026. Recheck entry availability and the final athlete guide before travel.
Island access comes before the start line
The Grand Island organizer lists the July 31, 2027 marathon from Williams Landing on Grand Island near Munising, Michigan. Its published marathon profile is approximately 27 miles with 1,505 feet of gain, combining singletrack, dirt roads and sandy beach sections. Use that trail profile for planning rather than assuming an exactly 26.2-mile road-course prediction.
The island journey is part of race morning. Read the runner ferry and mainland shuttle instructions together, including where you may park and how early you must be ready to board. Limited dock access means “drive to the ferry” is not a complete transport plan. Check supporter arrangements separately from what is included for a registered runner, and allow time for the return crossing after finishing.
The marathon information gives a 7.5-hour window with a 14:30 finish cutoff. The longer event has different timing, so its later finish arrangements should not become your marathon allowance. Review intermediate checkpoints as well as the final deadline, and include ferry staging, aid stops and slower sand or trail sections when considering the whole day.
Prepare with controlled trail running and time on feet rather than chasing road splits through uneven ground. Test the current required carrying equipment before travelling and plan food around the marathon aid list. A good finish plan includes dry clothes and a realistic return journey from the island; reaching Williams Landing is not the same as being back at your car or accommodation on the mainland.
Last-known race profile
These details identify the race page; they do not establish the next edition's operations. Confirm current course and operations on the official event site.
Training calendar
These start dates count back from the first listed race day. For a multi-day event, recalculate from your assigned day. The duration is a planning option, not proof of readiness.