More than 500 runners are registered to hit single-track trails in Marquette Township before dawn Saturday, Aug. 15, for the 18th edition of the Marquette Trail 50 Ultramarathon, according to My UP Now.

The 50-kilometer and 50-mile races both start at 5:30 a.m. at Forestville Trailhead. Runners will climb four peaks with Lake Superior views: Sugarloaf, Top-of-the-World, Bareback and Hogback. Total elevation gain is approximately 3,237 feet for the 50K and 5,520 feet for the 50-mile course, which Ultrarunning Magazine rates 3 out of 5 for terrain and 4 out of 5 for rocky, rooted surface.

Race weekend opens Friday, Aug. 14, with a free kids 1-mile run, also at 5:30 a.m. at Forestville.

Registration is closed. The field is capped at 375 for the 50K and 175 for the 50-mile event, according to the race's official website.

Co-director Bill Nolan told Upper Michigan's Source on Wednesday, Aug. 12, that spectators have two good options. "Sugar Loaf's a good viewing spot if you park at the first gravel lot heading north, and then you could hike down to the other parking lot using the trail," Nolan said. "That's a main aid station so, it's a pretty good spectator spot." Forestville Trailhead is the other option, though parking is limited and some fans may need to park along the road and walk in.

Proceeds support the Noquemanon Trail Network, which maintains more than 50 miles of multi-use trails in the Marquette area, and NMU's cross-country and track team. The event is entirely volunteer-run. Volunteers who put in eight or more hours over race weekend earn a complimentary entry to a future event, plus a T-shirt or buff.

Title sponsor Queen City Running Company, at 119 W. Baraga Ave. in Marquette, is offering a $250 "Dash for Cash" prize to any runner who sets a new overall course record in either distance.

The race is cupless. Runners must carry their own bottle or hydration system. Aid stations will stock water, electrolyte drink, gels, fruit, sandwiches and snacks.

Nolan said the organization is still seeking volunteers. Sign-up information is available at marquettetrail50.com/volunteer.html.

Packet pickup for registered runners runs Friday, Aug. 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Forestville Trailhead, with a limited last-minute window Saturday from 4:30 to 4:45 a.m.