🌲 Event Overview: Michigan Adventure Race (Big M Edition)
Bill and Paul's Sporthaus is proud to sponsor the upcoming Michigan Adventure Race: Big M Edition! Taking place at the legendary Big M Recreation Area between Manistee and Cadillac, this race offers some of the best trekking, orienteering, and biking terrain in the state.
Whether you are an adventure racing veteran or a beginner looking to test your grit in the classic "Up North" woods, this event has a distance and strategy level for you.
- Date: September 26, 2026
- Location: Big M Recreation Area (Wellston, MI)
- Disciplines: Mountain Biking, Trekking, and Orienteering (No paddling section this year—maximizing trail time!)
- Teams: Solo racers up to teams of 4 (Family divisions available for the 5-Hour race).
⏱️ Race Formats: 5-Hour vs. 7-Hour
The 5-Hour Race (Beginner to Intermediate)
- Trek: 5–6 miles of navigation on super-detailed LIDAR maps.
- Bike: 8–10 miles of "roller coaster" singletrack and scenic gravel roads.
- The Vibe: Straightforward, approachable, and perfect for those new to the sport.
The 7-Hour Race (Intermediate to Advanced)
- Trek: 8–9 miles featuring intermediate navigation and serious hills.
- Bike: 20–24 miles of challenging, fast trails.
- The Vibe: High strategy. This year's design allows for "hike-a-bike" shortcuts, checkpoints obtainable by either foot or bike, and early-game decisions that will drastically alter your late-race course.
🎒 Gear Up & Get Ready
Adventure racing requires the right mindset—and the right gear. As a participant, you'll need standard adventure racing gear, including a reliable mountain bike, a hydration pack, a baseplate compass, and an emergency blanket.
Need a gear check? Stop by Bill and Paul's Sporthaus to get your bike tuned up, grab fresh hydration bladders, or pick up a high-quality navigation compass before heading north.
Free Navigation Clinic
New to reading topographic maps? Don't sweat it. There is a free Navigation & Adventure Racing 101 Clinic on Saturday, September 19 at Seidman Park (just east of Grand Rapids). It includes 1.5 hours of in-field practice to get you totally comfortable with a compass and LIDAR map before race day.
🎁 Perks & Prizes
Every participant walks away with a long-sleeved tech shirt (or alternative custom merch), post-race snacks, and a 9-week training plan designed by Stuart Coaching.
Crossing the finish line puts you in the running for over $2,000 worth of top finisher and raffle prizes! Top finishers in each division will also take home handcrafted wood team trophies, and the top three teams will score individual medals and their pick of the prize pool.
🗺️ Quick Race-Day Schedule (Sept 26)
- 7-Hour Race: Packet pickup at 8:00 AM | Briefing at 9:40 AM | Start at 10:30 AM
- 5-Hour Race: Packet pickup at 9:30 AM | Briefing at 10:40 AM | Start at 11:30 AM
Note: Parking is completely free on race day in celebration of National Public Lands Day! Because of the remote location, cell service is weak—be sure to download your maps for offline use before you head out.
See you out on the trails!
