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Marquette Marathon

September 5, 2026 · 7:30 AMIshpeming to Marquette, MI, United States

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Race snapshot

Race Day

55°F

54–68°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

98ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change −814 ft

Participants

1,200

Medium-sized race

Crowd Rating

5/ 10

Good crowd energy

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The Lowdown

The Marquette Marathon is a point-to-point race held on Labor Day weekend in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, now in its 26th year. The course starts in the historic mining town of Ishpeming and follows the Iron Ore Heritage Trail -- alternating between asphalt and crushed limestone -- into the city of Marquette, hugging the shore of Lake Superior for much of the second half before finishing inside Northern Michigan University's Superior Dome. It is a fast, downhill route, dropping 814 feet net from start to finish and certified as an official Boston Marathon qualifier: 21% of 2025 finishers ran a BQ time. Race weekend also includes a Half Marathon starting nearby in Negaunee, a 3-person Marathon Relay, the Wildcat 5K, and the kid-friendly Pebble Fun Run, together drawing roughly 1,200 participants in 2025. Proceeds support Northern Michigan University athletics. Marathon and Half Marathon finishers receive a shirt and medal, and pace groups are offered across a wide range of goal times, from a 1:30 group in the Half Marathon to a 6:00 sweeper group in the Marathon.

Entry Methods: Online registration via Northern Michigan University Ticketing
In-person Expo-day (Tier 4) registration on September 4, 2026, subject to availability
Eligibility: Runners under 18 need a parent/legal guardian waiver on file with the NMU Ticket Office to enter the Marathon or Half Marathon; no minimum age for the Wildcat 5K
Required Documents: Photo ID for packet pickup
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds or race credits if the event is canceled, shortened, or altered due to weather or other conditions outside the organizers' control, per the official Race Alteration Policy

Questions about the Marquette Marathon 2026

When is the Marquette Marathon 2026?

This edition ran on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The 2027 date is to be confirmed.

Where is the Marquette Marathon?

Ishpeming to Marquette, MI, United States.

What is the Marquette Marathon time limit?

6 hours.

What is the Marquette Marathon elevation gain?

30 m (98 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: −248 m (814 ft). Relatively flat course.

What is the Marquette Marathon course like?

It passes Iron Ore Heritage Trail, Lake Superior shoreline and Superior Dome.

What is the weather like at the Marquette Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 12–20 °C (54–68 °F). Feels cool.

How many runners does the Marquette Marathon have?

1,200 participants. Medium-sized race.

Is the Marquette Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer98ft gain, 55°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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