Running through Port Oneida

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By Jennifer Symons
Sun contributor

There are dozens of Leelanau County races that I love, but the Port Oneida Heritage Race takes the cake. This event offers three distances to choose from on August 5; the Homesteaders Hillier 5k, Tiller’s 10k, and Fast and Flat 4-Mile. I had the opportunity to catch up with Susan Pocklington, director of the nonprofit Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear, and together we gushed about this amazing event.

This years marks the eighth annual Port Oneida Heritage Race. To Pocklington (and anyone else who has run this race), it is a no-brainer why this event got started eight years ago.

“The trails are gorgeous, the vistas are amazing,” said Pocklington. “This event allows people to see the historic farmsteads close-up. It’s a beautiful thing.”

This event has the same 10k and 5k from years past, but a new distance has been added, according to Pocklington. “We added the 4-mile distance to accommodate those who don’t like the difficulty of the other two races. The 5k and 10k are both very challenging courses. The 4-mile race is flat and fast.”

Both the 5k and 10k are hilly, which is clearly portrayed in their names. The Port Oneida Heritage Race started as just a 5k years ago. Pocklington reported that they added the 10k distance to draw in more runners, “The 10k is such a popular distance, we wanted to add something to bring more people out.”

The Tiller’s 10k has it all. It is 6.2 miles of hills, trails, dirt roads, paved roads, beach, wooded paths, farmland, and amazing scenery. It is truly my favorite local 10k. “The 10k course depends on the water level and the nesting piping plovers,” explained Pocklington. Since a portion of this course takes place on the beach, it is important to monitor these variables as the race approaches. “We’ve been lucky the past few years and have been able to run the course as planned,” she added.

Homesteaders Hillier 5k is a rolling course with views of Lake Michigan. Portions of this route are on The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. You’ll run through open meadows and on dirt trails. Due to the challenging aspects of this race, many people choose to run-walk or walk the entire course. Run or walk, however, you are guaranteed to get a good workout.

The Flat and Fast 4 Mile was added this year for those who didn’t want the challenge of the hilly courses. This course is an out and back and run entirely on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. It starts on the Olsen Farm and takes you out to the historic Goffar Farm. This is the only course of the event where strollers are allowed.

The proceeds of these three races help to preserve more than 200 historic buildings in the area. For a firsthand look at what these entry fees can do, arrive early to race day. The start and finish is directly on the historic Olsen Farm. This old, preserved farmhouse is open and everyone is welcome to come inside and take a tour. It offers a small glimpse into what life used to be like in this area. As Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear’s only fundraiser of the year, this event is well worth your time and money.

These races are a hit for locals and tourists, alike. Families from out of state come back every year to participate. Locals who are aware of the beauty of Port Oneida sign up immediately with excitement to run these trails again. Pocklington reported that approximately 250 people participate every year. “There was one year where we had 325 participants. We would love to see participation reach that number again.”

If racing isn’t your ideal way to spend a Saturday morning, volunteers are welcome as well. Volunteer positions include helping to mark the courses, helping direct flow on the course, serving food in the barn, and helping with registration.

If you are not already signed up for this event, there is still time. You can sign up online through August 3. After that, day-of walk-on registration is available. Packet pick up takes place the morning of the event in the large red barn from 7-8:15 a.m. The Kids’ Schoolhouse Dash ¼ Mile starts at 8:15, the 10k at 8:30, the 5k at 8:45, and the 4-Mile race starts between 8:30-8:45. Parking is available in the field by Olsen Farm. Stay after the races for local snacks and check out the awards ceremony.