Do You Have What It Takes?
Based in Big Rapids, MI, the Hungerford Trail Races start at 15200 220th Ave. (formerly PT Plus, now Habitat for Humanity) and send runners into the Manistee National Forest. Nearly 85% of the course is off-pavement, with single-track, fire roads, rolling hills, and the infamous Powerlines.
Runners can take on the 15M, 45K, or 50M, with themed aid stations every 3–6 miles, lively volunteers, and plenty of fuel. Finishers earn a wooden medal and event shirt, while daylight 50M finishers claim the coveted Hiking Stick. With a small-race vibe, fall scenery, and community spirit, Hungerford is a challenge worth taking on.
About the Race
The Hungerford Games is a series of excessively incredible trail races that take place in the scenic surroundings of the Hungerford Recreation Area in the Manistee National Forest. There’s a 15-Mile race, a 45K mini-ultra, and a 50-mile ultra. The event has a very cool small-race vibe, a uniquely arboreal feel, and delightful fall scenery!
Registration
Registration can be completed at Ultrasignup. Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited. It also helps us order the right numbers and sizes of T-shirts.
Schedule
The Hungerford Games are held on the last Saturday in September. In 2025, that’s September 27. Packet pickup is available from 5–7 PM the night before (Friday), as well as starting at 5:45 AM on race day.
The 50-Miler starts first, with runners taking off at sunrise (7:36 AM). If they finish before sunset (7:27 PM), they’ll receive the world-famous Hungerford Hiking Stick.
The 45K and 15M take off at 8:15 AM. Those times are all in the morning, of course. Except for the sunset — that takes place in the evening.
Location
The races start and finish at 15200 220th Ave. If you know the area, it’s always been PT Plus, but it’s switching over to become a Habitat for Humanity.
Parking on race day is at Trinity Church, just across the street from the starting line. For packet pickup parking on Friday, you can park at 15200 220th.
Parking
As mentioned above, parking on race day is at Trinity Church, just across the street from the starting line.
For packet pickup parking on Friday, you can park at 15200 220th.
Maps
If you want to know where you’ll be running, you can explore detailed maps for the three races below:
• All Maps, with info on where our stations are located for refueling.
• Detailed maps for each race: 15-Miler, 45K, 50-Miler.
All races include a 5K stretch where you charge out of town and into the forest. Then the 15-Milers do an 8.8-mile loop, then head back. The 45K and 50-Milers have a larger 21.9-mile loop. The 45K crew does it once before heading in, while the 50-Milers do the loop twice before heading in. All races are around 85% (or more) off-pavement.
Refueling
There are six stations out on the course where you can refuel. You can also have a drop bag brought to any station you’d like. Every station has a wide variety of great food and drink: Gatorade and water, plus gels, chips, Oreos, peanut butter and jelly, pretzels, and other appropriate trail foods. Many stations have unique themes — Halloween at Hungerford, Homecoming, and more — often with special treats.
15-Miler: A, B, F, and A again (4 stations). 45K: A, B, C, D, E, F, and A again (7 stations). 50M: A, B, C, D, E, F, A, B, C, D, E, F, and A (13 stations). Stations are between 3 and 6 miles apart.
Porta-johns will be positioned at aid stations A, C, and D. For help with all this, check out the Maps!
Swag
Your registration includes the always-stylish event T-shirt, all the fuel you need during the race, our unique wooden finisher’s medal (if you finish), and post-race refreshments. Anyone who finishes the 50-Miler between sunup and sundown gets the coveted Hungerford Hiking Stick (or, if you’ve already got yours, another notch on your previously earned stick).
We typically also have bonus items unique to the particular year and/or from some of our race partners. We tend to roll with a “pick your swag” approach from the options we have laid out. There are also prior-year shirts and/or swag available for purchase at discounted pricing.
Prizes
The top three finishers, male and female, overall receive the chainsaw-carved Sassafras ‘Leaf of Glory’ — the finest trophy in all the land. Age-group winners (18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, and 60+) receive a cool commemorative mug or pint glass (varies by year).
Course
Hungerford is all about variety. You’ll see hills and flat areas. You’ll be deep in the woods, then out in the sun. The terrain shifts from dirt to sand to gravel, and back again. We have fire roads, two-track, and nice sections of single-track. Many highlight The Powerlines — a lovely and equally torturous stretch of soft-surface hills that you’ll be proud to conquer.
Trail running shoes are generally recommended for traction and stability, although runners succeed in all sorts — even carbon racers. Shoe gaiters aren’t particularly necessary, but that’s up to individual discretion.
Time Cut-Offs
For the 15-Miler and 45K, there is no time limit. We’ll be out there all day for the 50-Milers, so enjoy the race for as long as you’d like. If you want to earn your ultra-stick or add another notch, your limit is sunset on race day.
If you anticipate finishing after sunset, carry a headlamp on your person or have one packed at an aid station. 50-Mile runners who finish after sunset still receive a wooden finisher’s medal.
Volunteers
We need volunteers! Always. The more, the better. Email hungerfordgames@gmail.com and let us know you're interested!
Lodging
Big Rapids has several hotels that are clean and comfortable. The most convenient are Country Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn Express.
Ferris State often schedules Homecoming the same weekend, so rooms can fill up. For camping, try Hungerford Hills Farm campground or rustic sites nearby. There are also options near Cedar Springs (~30 minutes from the start). Airbnb options abound as well.
Refunds
If you can’t run this year, you can defer for free prior to July 1, and for just $15 after that. Send RD Ben $15 (if after July 1) and he'll switch you into the next year's race on his master spreadsheet. Email hungerfordgames@gmail.com to get started.
Crewing
Family and friends can crew — yes! We ask that crewing be confined to stations C, D, and F, which have sufficient parking. Please DO NOT drive to stations A, B, or E.
Pacing
For the 50-mile, you may have a pacer join you near the end of the first loop. Have them meet you at Station F, or right after you come off the single-track at the Mountain Bike Trailhead.
Drop Bags
We’ll happily bring your drop bag to any aid station. Bins labeled for each station will be at the Start/Finish prior to the race. Get your bag in by 7:00 AM and we’ll make sure it’s waiting for you on the course.
Dogs
For safety and insurance reasons, dogs are not allowed on the course. Near the start/finish area, dogs must be leashed.
Distances Between Stations
We get this question a ton. You can find good approximations of distances between aid stations on the Course Maps page.
Results
All previous years' results are up on the Ultrasignup page. We work to get results posted and emailed the morning after the race is finished.
Pictures
We’ve got tons of pictures on our social media accounts. Check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
For race inquiries, please email us at races@trailracewoods.com
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