Trail Is for Everybody

Shelby Pasch, 2025 Aid Station Captain & 2026 100-Mile Runner

When I first found out about the inaugural Wolverine 100 it checked all the boxes for my debut 100 miler, however, I knew I wasn’t ready. Running 100 miles has been on my list for years knowing that it would take just that – years of preparation. I wanted to give my body – and my family - adequate time to acclimate to the rigorous dedication that training for 100 miles takes. With that, I decided to volunteer. I wanted firsthand experience of what it looked like to run 100 miles. I have volunteered in the running community for years and it never ceases to amaze me how selfishly fulfilling the experiences are. Every nerd cluster and cup-o-noodles handed out impacts someone’s race. 

When you are a runner, you have only your experience of the race. Being a volunteer means being a part of every runner’s journey. You get to help 100s of people to keep moving toward their goal. Is it always easy? No. At Wolverine, I captained the aid station at mile 72, meaning we seen runners all night, runners chasing cut-off times, runners whose stomachs have flipped, runners battling hypothermic conditions. Whose feet were battered questioning if they could take another step. When people were in the deepest part of their pain cave, those silent miles seen only by headlamp and fireflies, where you question everything, you know about yourself – the aid station crews are there for you. 

I will never forget the moment, around 4am, looking at so many runners huddled around the heater - internally bargaining with themselves if it was worth it to leave the warmth and comfort of a cozy blanket and thinking to myself – they look miserable. That stuck with me even after registration opened but I knew, if I was going to go after this big scary goal, I only wanted to do it in my home state. 

So, I signed up. The cherry on top is that it is hosted in Northern Michigan. You ask anyone from Michigan where they go on vacation and I guarantee 90% of them will say, “up north”. Nothing beats fall in Northern Michigan – when time starts to slow down, leaves are changing, you have warm temperatures during the day followed by cool evenings. 

The trail running community really is the best. It is a welcoming environment for everyone – walkers, hikers, runners, newbies, veterans of the sport – or if you are like me, the post collegiate - postpartum mom who was sick of chasing PRs and discovered pushing endurance boundaries by seeing how far I can go while making new friends and eating all the snacks! So, whether you are on the trails as an athlete, pacer, crew, or volunteer – you will be welcomed with smiles and cowbells.

Ready to experience Wolverine State 100 for yourself?

First Timer

Ann Cools, 2026 100-Mile Runner

Why Wolverine?  When I decided to take on the challenge of an 100-miler I took a lot of time to decide what race I would tackle.  

Being a back of the pack runner, cutoffs were a concern.  I knew I needed to find a race that had a generous enough time limit that I would be able to complete it at my projected pace.  

Loops didn’t attract me - I get bored.  

Too technical of a trail would be a potential set-up for failure – either injury from a fall or too challenging to make the cutoffs.

I wanted a destination race just to give me a change of scenery but one that wasn’t too far for my crew to travel.

The timing had to be right. I don’t relish running in the dark so a late fall, early spring race with limited daylight wasn’t attractive.  

I looked at Wolverine and it seemed to check all the boxes for me.  Well, except being a MSU Spartan the name was a bit of a challenge.  😊 But not enough to deter me from registering because there’s no prettier place than Northern Michigan in the fall.  I was attracted to the variety of the course – trails, road, two-track.  But the thing that stood out for me was the race communication and reviews on social media.  I’ve run races that the only communication you get is the confirmation that you paid your race fee – no pre-race prep, no helpful info on a website.  I need more than that to make sure I am successful.  Wolverine goes above and beyond with pre-race info for me, and my crew.  The reviews on Facebook of those who ran last year were enough to seal the deal! 

I look forward to challenging myself and experiencing my first 100M but more than anything, I look forward to meeting the Wolverine State community – the runners and volunteers who already feel like friends.