Prepare to push your limits at Dances With Dirt - Michigan, a legendary trail running event set for June 13, 2026, in Pinckney, MI. This challenging race offers a spectrum of distances, including 100K, 50M, 50K, and 30K, inviting ultrarunners to experience the raw, unadulterated beauty of Michigan's wilderness. Typical race day conditions in mid-June feature comfortable highs around 80°F and lows near 56°F, with a modest 14% chance of precipitation, providing an ideal backdrop for a gritty trail adventure.

The Dances With Dirt course is renowned for being an "unpolished gem," promising "Pure Michigan, runnable single track, gnarly trails!". Runners should expect a varied and demanding terrain with rocky, muddy, and loose footing, navigating multiple river crossings and sections where the trail is "not maintained (non-existent) in some areas". Prepare to be "scratched, muddied and bruised" as you encounter significant hills, including a notoriously steep climb dubbed "the stripper pole," and even sections requiring a waist-deep run down a river. Despite these "stupid spots," the course unfolds through a truly beautiful environment, offering a unique and memorable challenge.

Dances With Dirt boasts a long-standing reputation for its tough yet rewarding experience, culminating in a festive post-race celebration at The Woodlands, a private camp where participants can camp, enjoy food, drinks, and live music. Aid stations are strategically placed and well-stocked with essentials like water, Gatorade, Gu, PB&J, and an array of snacks to keep you fueled, with mandatory check-ins for the longer distances. Drop bag services are also available at key points on the course to support your journey through this demanding landscape. Whether tackling an individual ultra or embracing the spirit of the relay, Dances With Dirt - Michigan delivers a distinctly wild and unforgettable trail running experience.