About This Race
The Dirty Burg brings together rolling single track and ski hill climbing in a unique setting at Cannonsburg Ski Area in Southwest Michigan. This multi-distance race has been challenging runners since 2012, offering everything from a 5K introduction to a demanding 50K ultra. The race's defining feature is a 0.7-mile climb and descent of the ski hill, which becomes increasingly significant as runners complete multiple loops. The course combines approximately 5.5 miles of beautiful rolling single track with this signature ski hill challenge, creating a distinctive blend of trail running and vertical gain that sets it apart from typical Midwest events. With multiple distance options and a well-established format, Dirty Burg attracts runners seeking both accessible trail experiences and serious ultra challenges. The loop-based design allows for excellent spectating and crew support opportunities while the varied terrain keeps the course engaging even for those tackling the five-loop 50K distance.
The race is built around a 10K loop that combines approximately 5.5 miles of rolling single track with a challenging 0.7-mile ski hill segment. The 5K uses the same loop with a shortcut, positioning the ski hill climb at the end of the race. Distance runners face the ski hill multiple times: 25K participants complete one 5K loop followed by two 10K loops, while 50K runners take on the full 10K loop five times.
The single track sections wind through the natural terrain around Cannonsburg Ski Area, offering typical Michigan trail conditions with rolling hills and forest paths. The ski hill segment provides the course's most significant elevation challenge, requiring runners to ascend and descend the slope that serves skiers in winter months.
Notable Features
The race's signature element is the ski hill climb and descent, which becomes increasingly challenging as ultra runners face it multiple times. The loop-based format creates excellent opportunities for spectating and crew support while the combination of rolling single track and ski slope terrain offers a distinctive running experience not commonly found in Midwest trail racing.