By Betsy Willis
Grass River Natural Area

Put on your snowshoes and run or walk through the beautiful snow-covered Grass River Natural Area this weekend, Jan. 9 and 10, at the Grass River Shiver, a fundraiser for the education programs at GRNA. This snowshoe race in northern Michigan is only a short distance from Traverse City. A prize is awarded to overall male and female 5K/10K winners. Walkers are welcome.

Registration includes:
– a one-of-a-kind race on a marked course on beautiful trails through wetlands and woods
– a soup voucher for a free soup lunch to-go from Short’s Brewing Co.
– after-race snacks and refreshments
– 1st place prize is awarded to one overall male and female for the 5K and 10k
-Some Grass River swag – a GRNA neck gaiter/buff for each runner/walker!

This year the Shiver event has been changed to a hybrid format to meet distancing protocols. ​Run or walk at your convenience on Saturday or Sunday. See the event schedule for more details.

Weekend Event Schedule

Saturday, Jan. 9 and Sunday, Jan. 10:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – The Grass River Center will be open and staffed for six hours on Saturday and Sunday. The Center is heated with restrooms. GRNA is asking that only one group/household comes indoors at a time. The course is available from dawn to dusk.

An official clock will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning for those that would like an official clocked time to run their race, but you can run the course any time Saturday or Sunday at your convenience and clock your time. Upload your time results on the GRNA webpage after you finish. Also, upload any photos you took at or during the race! Race times must be submitted by midnight Sunday night, January 10th. You can pick up your race materials at the Grass River Center before or after you race.

Go to www.grassriver.org to register.