Memorial Day Weekend in Copper Harbor can bring sunshine, rain, wind, and a chilly night, sometimes all in the same twelve hours. That is why the Back 9 Endurance Run asks every participant to carry a short list of required gear. The good news is that the list is simple, and most of it is probably already in your closet.
What the Back 9 requires
- A headlamp with extra batteries. Even 12-hour runners should have one, and 24-hour runners will depend on it all night.
- Rain gear. A light, packable jacket is plenty. Test it before race day.
- Extra socks. Fresh, dry socks can change the whole feel of a long day on the 3.68-mile loop.
- A warm outer layer. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset, especially when you slow down.
- Hats and gloves. They weigh almost nothing and make a big difference when the wind comes off Lake Superior.
What experience adds
Veteran runners at the Back 9 tend to bring a few extras. Many carry a second pair of shoes in case the first pair gets soaked in the mud. A small tub of lubricant, a spare shirt, and a towel are popular, and so are a camp chair and a cooler of favorite foods at your staging area near the gazebo. Teams often set up a tent or hammock so the next runner can rest between laps. If you are running the 24-hour solo, consider a spare headlamp and a pacer who knows where you keep your snacks.
The course is marked with orange flags with reflective tape about every 50 feet, so you will not need to worry about finding your way, but a light that you trust will make the night miles much more fun.
A simple plan
Pack your bag a few weeks early, wear everything on a long training run, and replace whatever does not work. Then you can spend race week thinking about the fun parts. Packet pickup is Friday, May 28 from 4 to 6 PM, or Saturday, May 29 from 7:00 to 7:45 AM, in the Education Center at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge.
Ready to get started? Register on UltraSignup, call 906-289-4403, or email back9endurance@keweenawresort.com. We would love to see you at the Lodge.
