The Best Endurance Hill Climb in the Midwest!
August 3, 2024
8:30 am
We are thrilled to announce the most demanding endurance hill climb running event in the Midwest! The Rocket Hill Climb race starts at the base of Marquette Mountain Resort, and goes up Rocket trail to the very top of Upper Rocket. Runners will then descend down Upper Gypsum to Weasel Gulch and back to the base to see how many times they can complete the circuit in 6 hours. Runners can enter the event as an individual, a 2 person relay team, or 4 person relay team. The individual and the teams that complete the most laps in 6 hours will be crowned the winner and claim all the glory.
With individual and team categories, the event is a great way to challenge yourself or your friends and is open to all ages and skill levels. Runners will travel 2500 feet to the top, gaining over 500 feet of elevation with parts of the uphill route boasting up to a 60 percent grade. The downhill route is gnarly, parts are STEEP, and about 5000 feet long. One circuit is roughly 1.5 miles. The 2 and 4 person teams will send one runner up at a time. That runner must complete the circuit before another team member can head up.
This event celebrates the spirit of the U.P. so runners must be tough and a little crazy! So, how tough are you? Show us!
Individual participants will be grouped into age categories for results. Teams will not have age categories as teams may be made up of multiple age groups.
Registration
- Online registration ends on August 2nd at 5 pm.
- Individual – $30
- 2 person teams – $60
- 4 person teams – $120
- If space permits, you may still register in person ($40/$80/$160) in the Mountain Shop on August 2nd, before race packet pick up at 4-6PM.
- There will be no registrations the morning of the race.
- There are no refunds on registrations.
Event Details
Start Time
- 9:30AM race meeting under the tent
- 10AM mass start
Packet Pickup
- Pre-registered entrants may pick up their race packet starting Friday, August 2nd from 4-6PM in the Mountain Shop or on Saturday, August 3rd from 8:30-9:30AM under the tent.
Spectators
- Spectators are encouraged and base entry is free.
- Sightseeing tickets ($16.50) are available for spectators to ride the lift. Spectators who want to leave the base and hike to see the race must purchase a Mountain Access Pass ($7) or have a Summer season pass.
After Party
- Awards will be given out at 5pm outside of the Tbar. Party at the base during the event and after. We’ll have music under the tent, outdoor bar and concessions and the air conditioning will be on in the Tbar the whole day.
Need to Know
- An aid station with water will be provided at the base.
- The race will go on rain or shine. Nearby lightning could cause delays.
- Please dress and be ready for all kinds of weather. The end of July could be HOT, but one never knows in the U.P.
- Prepare for bugs and rough terrain. Part of the course is out in the sun. The downhill section has a lot of shade where the mosquitoes hide. You will be running on grass, weeds, mud, sand, gravel, and rock.
Course Map
Yellow- Uphill trail
Green- Downhill trail