Porkies Wilderness Race
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About the race
The Porkies Wilderness Race is a trail event held in the Porcupine Mountains State Park on the south shore of Lake Superior. The park covers 60,000 acres of forest, rocky beaches, and waterfalls, and contains over 90 miles of trails including a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail. The race emphasizes remote, natural terrain where much of what participants will hear are footsteps, wildlife, and flowing water.
Routes offered in the current event:
- 50 miles
- 13.1 miles (Heavy Half-Marathon)
The 50-mile course was not designed for speed or ease. Climbs and descents are steep, while flatter sections are muddy, rocky, and rooted. Participants may spend long stretches alone on trail, including during nighttime hours. There are aid stations along the course and organizers provide a printable aid station sheet and a GPX file for navigation.
Race week includes packet pickup on the Friday before the race at Presque Isle - Porcupine Pavilion, and shuttle service for half-marathon runners from the Presque Isle parking lot. Fifty-mile runners start and finish at the same location. Time limits are published for each distance, including an 18-hour limit for the 50-mile race and a 12-hour limit for the half-marathon.
Organizers note future expansion: 100-mile and 200-mile courses have been designed and are planned for 2027 and 2028. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.