By ANNIE LIPPERT

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE – On Saturday, May 17th, the Noquemenon Trail Network will be hosting the annual Big Bay Relay, a team footrace spanning the approximately twenty five miles between Marquette and Big Bay ran along County Road 550.

Teams consist of five runners in adult teams and seven in youth teams, and each runner takes turns running for one mile before passing the baton to their teammate. The rest of the team follows in a vehicle, dropping off each runner at their assigned drop point.

“The race was started in 1972 by Race Director Karen Kunkle and her husband Jack,” said Marcia Gonstead, race director. “The first race brought together ten relay teams that ran from Big Bay to Marquette. In 1990 the Upper Peninsula Road Runners Club named the Big Bay Relay the Race of the year. Throughout the years the race has grown, some years seeing 50 teams. For some teams it has become a spring tradition.”

So far this year 35 teams have signed up, but registration will remain open until May 14th.

“Our goal is to have over 40 teams,” said Gonstead.

Marquette has a rich running culture, hosting races that draw people from across the country such as the Marquette Marathon and the Marquette Trail 50. The Big Bay Relay, however, is unique due to its focus on teamwork and collaboration, as well as its rich history and ties to the Marquette and Big Bay communities.

“The relay brings together groups of all ages and abilities,” says Gonstead. “Whether you are an elite runner or someone trying running for the first time, the relay is for you. It’s about coming together as friends and family to cheer each other on while taking part in a fun, healthy event.”

“There are five categories of teams: mens, womens, co-ed and junior teams. We also have a prize for the team that shows the most team spirit, from themed costumes to decorated vehicles.

“As the teams run up the 550 they switch runners approximately every mile, it really becomes a festive atmosphere as the teams cheer each other’s runners on. It’s not unusual for the whole team to join the last runner and all cross the finish line together. The finish line has a festive feeling with live music, an awards ceremony and raffle prizes.

“It is still a grassroots event that brings people out to celebrate spring, to celebrate community and to raise money for local groups.”

The Big Bay relay has evolved over the decades, and this year’s race marks another change. While the starting line will remain at Kaufman Sports Complex as in previous years, the finish line has changed locations from the traditional Draver Park to Perkins Park.

“We are suggesting that folks consider booking a campsite or one of the yurts and making it a weekend in Big Bay,” said Gonstead.

“We really want to thank all of the businesses that sponsor the event and the volunteers who go the extra mile to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Also, just a reminder that safety is our first concern on May 17th, so if you are driving up county Road 550, please drive slowly and use caution.”

For more information, email bigbayrelay@gmail.com

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.