Michigan Tech Recreation Blog

Author: Paula Olson

Isaac Stone Name Tech Trails Operations Coordinator

Published
By

HOUGHTON, Mich. – Michigan Tech Athletics and Recreation has hired Isaac Stone as the new Trail Operations Coordinator. Stone is responsible for daily maintenance and grooming of the Tech Trails as well as event set-up and competition grooming.

“We are excited to have Isaac Stone join our team,” said Joel Isaacson, Associate Athletic Director for External Relations. “He is a hard-worker that is dedicated to the success of our trail system. His knowledge of competition grooming should continue the tradition of a high standard of racing.”

Stone has worked at the Tech Trails as a student operator since September 2017. He was responsible for daily grooming of the trails as well as race-day grooming.

Stone is a native of Houghton, Michigan and is in the process of completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. He was a member of the Copper Country Ski Tigers and won a state Nordic skiing title and competed as part of the CXC J2 Eastern Championship Team. Stone also made two trips to Junior Nationals as part of the Great Lakes Division team.

“I am very excited to be taking over as the Trails Operating Coordinator. My two overarching goals are to provide consistent, high-quality trail maintenance and to clearly communicate trail conditions,” Stone said. “Hopefully, consistently improving in these areas will enhance the experience of individuals taking advantage of the world-class trail system we are blessed to have.”

The hiring of Stone coincides with The Michigan Tech Outdoor Adventure Program moving to the Tech Trails from their previous office on East Street. The Tech Trails will also be home to several Nordic skiing races this coming season, most notably the 2020 U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships from January 2-7.

Continue Reading →

Tech hosting 5K, 25K, 50K and Ultra 50 mile run this weekend

Published
By

Tech hosting 5K, 25K, 50K and Ultra 50 mile run this weekend

HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech Cross Country, Nordic Skiing, and Track & Field programs are hosting their first-ever Ultra trail running events on Friday and Saturday at the Tech Trails.

“The Tech Ultras offer a race experience for everyone,” Nordic skiing head coach Tom Smith said. “Whether it’s the 5K fun run with your family and friends, or the 50-mile ultra run that will test your true endurance, we want you to come out and race as this is about enjoying our amazing trails and outdoor community through the sport we love and were born to do!”

The 2019 Tech Ultras will kick off with a 5K on Friday evening at 7 p.m. Cost is $30. A 50-mile race begins at 7 a.m. Saturday with a 50K beginning at 7:30 a.m. and a 25K at 8 a.m.

“We are thrilled to bring this event to our community that promotes a healthy active outdoor lifestyle with an opportunity for everyone,” Smith added. “Running is our passion, and it’s just awesome to share our passion with others on the trails we are so fortunate to get to run on every day!”

Online registration closes at noon on Friday for all races but you can register in-person on the day day of race! Register at the Tech Trails from 5-8 p.m. Friday for all race events. Register from 6-6:50 a.m. on Saturday for the 25k, 50k, 50 mile.

Custom-made U.P. placards will be presented to all 50-mile and 50K race finishers. Prizes will be presented to the top three male and females finishers in each race. All race participants will receive a T-shirt.

Three full-service aid stations with food, hydration, and first aid will be placed on the course, including at the start/finish line.

Sponsors for the event include 5th & Elm, Michigan Made, Downwind, and Michigan Tech University Images.

Check out the Tech Ultra webpage and Facebook Page for more information and register online HERE.

Continue Reading →