Leelanau Up North

Another year, ... and I'm grateful that this increasingly creaky body can still run the little Sleeping Bear Marathon 5K. Special kudos to the few and the brave (including son-in-law Jesse and his brother Mike) who conquered the 26K course - 55,000 grueling steps up and down hills, over streams and around lakes.   It amazes me that a body can  take such stress. The Sleeping Bear circuit is one of the most challenging in the world.  And one of the most beautiful - winding, as it does, through the dunes, forests and waters of the National Lakeshore. No offense to the Boston and NYC marathoners, but it seems more fitting that the runners' endurance is tested in this cathedral of nature. Instead of in a big city of steel and concrete. Here's to running again next year in the Land of Delight. See You Up North, Chris                     Visit A Leelanau Landmark:  The 2019 Sleeping Bear Marathon -                      Tentatively October 5th.  From Empire