Marsh Madness
Marsh Madness is a trail running and running race on August 7–8, 2026 in South Rockwood, MI.
- Date
- August 7–8, 2026 (15 days to go)
- Sports
- Trail RunningRunning
From the Organizer
Marsh Madness is a 32-hour ultramarathon on August 7th, 2026.
Free fat ass race run on the dikes at Point Mouillee State Game Area, where the Huron River, Detroit River, and Lake Erie converge. Views of Ontario and Ohio across the water await. On the western shores of Lake Erie, Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is one of the most respected waterfowl locations in Michigan. Consisting of 4,040 acres, it is one of the largest freshwater marsh restoration projects in the world. You may see an eagle or a random guy posing with a fish for his Tinder photo.
50 runners max.
You supply all of your own aid and nutrition.
Crew, pacers, and poles welcome.
Elevation gain is 69 feet per loop, 80% gravel, 20% asphalt.
Zero water crossings.
Temps should be in the 80s. Access to your vehicle every 8 miles.
Alternating loops of an 8-mile loop and a 4.6-mile out-and-back during the day. 4-mile loop between the hours of 11 pm and 4 am.
32 hours to complete, with the caveat that we can not run the dike between 11 pm and 6 am. A nighttime course is planned. Start time: 6 am Aug 7th; finish time: 2 pm Aug 8th.
No cut-off times.
It is free, so there are no awards other than the beautiful scenery and the sense of accomplishment.
No garbage cans.
Pack it in, pack it out.
Porta-potties this year on the 4.6-mile out-and-back.
We will meet at the start of the race, 30 minutes before, to sign in.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
83°
Typical Low
61°
Chance of Rain
30%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Newport 4sse, 8 mi from the venue.
Host City
About South Rockwood, MI
Population
1,891
as of 2023
City Elevation
585 ft
Nearest Airport
DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport · 11 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Marsh Madness, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
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From Endurance Grid
About These Sports
This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Trail Running
Running off-road — dirt, singletrack, and mountain paths — from 5Ks to ultras. The terrain makes for an exciting twist and adventure in your running journey.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More Trail Running races near South Rockwood, MI
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Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to South Rockwood than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to South RockwoodFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Marsh Madness
Aug 7, 2026