
From the Organizer
The Keweenaw Chain Drive Festival is back as a Poker Run in 2026! For riders, there will be the option of a short, long, and adventure route. Once again, the short and long courses are open for runners to sign up as well! Each route will have multiple poker chip stations at random locations. Riders and runners will collect a chip from each location and submit them to find out their poker hand. The best poker hand will win various prize packages! The ride/run is free to enter. If you would like to make a donation to the trails, you can do so during the registration process or at any time by clicking the Donation button at the top of this page. All proceeds from the donations will go to supporting the Maasto Hiihto/Churning Rapids and Swedetown trails.
Be on the lookout for some new additions to the courses and bonuses from sponsors this year!
Please note that this year's event is self-supported. There may be pop-up aid stations. Locations and provisions are unknown. Riders and runners will need to be able to navigate the course on their own. The Short and Long Course will be marked, but GPS or phone to view/navigate routes is highly recommended. Also, please note that the time slots are meant to spread out the start and minimize congestion at the Poker Chip stations. They do not designate which distance you're riding or running.
All riders and runners are welcome!
Events
Weather
Live forecast from the U.S. National Weather Service.
Race Day
Saturday, 6/13
High
77°
Low
50°
Conditions
Slight chance rain showers then mostly sunny
Chance of Rain
20%
Wind
10 to 15 mph
Host City
Nearest Airport
CMX
Houghton County Memorial Airport · 4 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 2026 Keweenaw Chain Drive Festival, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
5
Days to train
Coming Up
Thatcher Markham Memorial Run, Presented by Aspirus Health
Less than a mile away
Queen City Striders - Houghton
1 mile away
Miner's Revenge
36 miles away
Canal Run
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
2026 Keweenaw Chain Drive Festival
Jun 13, 2026