The North Country Trail Association (NCTA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and maintaining the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT), which stretches over 4,800 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont. The NCTA works closely with volunteers, public land managers, and local communities to ensure this long-distance trail remains accessible, safe, and enjoyable for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Their mission is to connect people with nature through the trail, encouraging outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and the appreciation of natural landscapes along the trail’s path.

One of the NCTA’s key partnerships is with the Marquette 50 trail running race, an event held in Marquette, Michigan, that incorporates sections of the scenic North Country Trail into its course. The Marquette 50 is a challenging ultramarathon that includes both a 50-mile and a 50K distance, attracting trail runners who seek to push their limits on rugged terrain. The race takes participants through some of the most beautiful and demanding landscapes in the Upper Peninsula, including steep climbs, rocky trails, and stunning views of Lake Superior.

The affiliation with the NCTA highlights the organization’s commitment to supporting outdoor recreation and endurance events on the North Country Trail, helping to raise awareness of the trail and its importance to local communities and conservation efforts. By including the NCT in the race, the Marquette 50 connects participants with the natural beauty and rugged terrain the trail offers while also supporting the trail’s maintenance through proceeds and volunteer engagement.

This collaboration exemplifies how the North Country Trail Association preserves trails for hikers and plays a vital role in enabling challenging endurance events like the Marquette 50, fostering a deep connection between people and the outdoors.