Hurt the Dirt

Hurt the Dirt features fun, fast, flowy singletrack trail racing on one of the top trail systems in Michigan. Presented by Gazelle Sports and Merrell.

Luton Park is a favorite of many trail runners, one of the most well-thought out designs of any trail in the state. You’ll cruise along rolling terrain, fly across fast flats and challenge a few short and mostly curvy ascents/descents. These hills are designed with a flow that allows for momentum on the downhill to carry you a ways up the next uphill. You’ll run through scenic hardwood and pine forests, across fields, along marshes and over pretty Rum Creek three times.

Choose from a quarter-marathon (one 6.55 mile loop, slightly longer than a 10K), half marathon (two loops) or full marathon (four loops). You will be racing the green, blue, black, and red loops. These loops add up to the 6.55 distance we need, are less muddy than the others, are a little more challenging and prettier too in my opinion.

The course will be marked with flags at intersections or any areas that are not clear. The vast majority of the trail is a clear singletrack path and will not be marked in those areas. The trail offers plenty of opportunities to pass with a verbal heads up to the person in front of you. Look for an opening, give notice and go.

The course is considered moderately hilly with roughly 580 feet of climbing over the 6.55 mile loop (because GPS was used to calculate elevation, some degree of inaccuracy should be expected). The elevation gains look like mountains but they are only 20 or 30-foot hills with a gradual incline. Expect lots of small, flowing ups and downs. The flat areas represent the Blue “hub” loop which you return to after doing Green, Black and Red. It’s nice to have this breather and provides good spots for the three aid stations on the course.

No crowds. No roads. No excuses. Just bring the hurt.