Sign in Subscribe

Running Wild: My Experience at the 2025 Michigan Ragnar Trail Relay in Grayling, MI

Justin Smith

• 3 min read
Ragnar Trail Relay Michigan, Grayling trail race, 2025 Ragnar Michigan, trail running relay race, outdoor endurance events, Michigan trail running, Ragnar camping tips
Ragnar Trail Relay Michigan, Grayling trail race, 2025 Ragnar Michigan, trail running relay race, outdoor endurance events, Michigan trail running, Ragnar camping tips

What Is the Ragnar Trail Relay?

If you're unfamiliar, the Ragnar Trail Relay is an overnight team relay race set deep in the wilderness, combining endurance trail running, camaraderie, and camping. Teams of 8 (or 4 if you’re extra wild - ultra team) take turns running three different trail loops of varying difficulty and distance, around the clock until every runner has completed all three. You have 24 hours to complete 120ish miles.

The 2025 Michigan Ragnar took place at Hanson Hills Recreation Area in Grayling, MI, a hidden gem in Northern Michigan. Picture lush pine forests, winding singletrack, and a festival-style campsite packed with headlamps, high-fives, and the smell of post-run chili.

My Experience: Running, Laughing, Suffering, Repeating

This year, I joined a crew of trail-hardened friends and a few first-timers. We called ourselves “Ragnar Revolution Runners” — and trust me, after 22 hours of running, laughing, and sweating together, we earned that name. This is year two for R3.

Here’s a breakdown of the three trail loops:

🟢 Green Loop (3.5 miles – Easy)

Don’t be fooled by “easy.” You’re still in the woods, hopping roots and cruising rolling hills. This loop was smooth and flowy — the perfect intro for the weekend.

🟡 Yellow Loop (5.8 miles – Moderate)

More technical and punchy, this loop threw some surprise inclines and slick downhills. I ran this one around 2 a.m. with only a headlamp and the moonlight — surreal and unforgettable.

🔴 Red Loop (7.9 miles – Hard)

The beast. Long climbs, steep descents, and that sense of “why did I sign up for this again?” But when I hit the last descent and saw the glow of campfires, it was all worth it.

The Camp Vibes: Ragnar Is More Than Just Running

When you’re not running, you’re either eating, cheering, or trying to crash in your tent. Ragnar brings a strong festival atmosphere — hammocks between trees, s'mores stations, yoga mats, and music in the background. Strangers become teammates, and teammates become trail family. Runners village was open all night with music, movies, and good vibes. No rain during the evening which helped keep the energy flowing and people out and about.

Tips If You’re Thinking About Running Ragnar

  • Train on trails: Road running doesn’t prep you for roots, rocks, and elevation.
  • Pack smart: Headlamp (BUY THIS), extra socks, warm gear for nights, and LOTS of snacks. It was very humid and hot, so bring gear for all temps. I changed all my clothes after each run - it's very hot in the forest, and the humidity seems to increase along with the team; the trees block the escape.
  • Don’t skimp on recovery: Stretch, foam roll, and rest between loops.
  • Go with people who make you laugh: The mental game is half the challenge. My favorite part of Ragnar was the camaraderie - base camp and the village was a lot of fun. Surround yourself with motivated, fun, strong people for this event. We were up for over 36 hours total. Friday morning till when we slept Saturday night.
  • Enjoy the weirdness: Night runs, weird porta-potties, and shared pain make for the best memories. Yes, you probably will have to go to the bathroom in the woods, just find a spot and handle your business - it's freeing. The porta-potties were cleaned several times a day and there were dozens of them, plenty enough.
  • Cupless event: Bring your own water bottles and coffee mug - s0 much free coffee and massive watering station 24/7.
  • Charing station for electronics: there is a charging station in the village to charge your electronics, bring your own cords and plugs. I wish I would have purchased this prior to make it easier for the team: Portable Charger

Final Thoughts: Why Ragnar Feeds the Wild Within

Ragnar isn’t about winning. It’s about pushing your limits in nature, bonding with your tribe, and embracing the unknown. Whether you’re a trail veteran or a curious first-timer, Ragnar Michigan will test you — and it’ll reward you with memories you’ll never forget. BE SURE TO PROPERLY TRAIN - THIS EVENT IS NOT EASY.

If you're a runner, hiker, or just someone seeking a real adventure, consider running a Ragnar Trail Relay. And maybe — just maybe — I’ll see you in the woods next year.