Overall Rating
Overall Rating (6 Reviews)
4.3
(6 Ratings)  (6 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.2
SCENERY
4.3
PRODUCTION
4.3
SWAG
3.3
The Marquette Marathon, Marathon RELAY, Half Marathon and Wildcat 5K are destination races run through the beauty that is Marquette County. You’ll be greeted in Marquette with a stunningly beautiful downhill course, sweet shirts and rock-star finisher medal. The Marquette Marathon runs on a downhill/certified course that is an official … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Aug 31):
  2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
 
H (°F)  72  68  65  67  70
L (°F)  53  59  57  49  55
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):

Recent reviews

    What a great race. Lots of communication from the rays beforehand explaining everything you needed to know. A very small expo would be the only thing I would change. But … MORE

    What a great race. Lots of communication from the rays beforehand explaining everything you needed to know. A very small expo would be the only thing I would change. But apparently the race is growing and they had a record number of full marathon is this year, I believe over 500.

    Course was very scenic as we started out with some beautiful, wooded country on a paved path, that turned into a double track groomed trail. And then back to paved into the town of Marquette. Then you go out onto Presque Isle Park which has plenty of scenery and a finish line at the Superior Dome

    All in all a great race, and I would definitely recommend

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    lassieandmax FIRST-TIMER '22

    Marquette is a cute little college town on the north coast of the upper peninsula of Michigan. It’s shores are on Lake Superior. Marquette isn’t easy to get to, so … MORE

    Marquette is a cute little college town on the north coast of the upper peninsula of Michigan. It’s shores are on Lake Superior. Marquette isn’t easy to get to, so you definitely need to be intentional about selecting this event.

    If you come for the event, which is held Labor Day weekend, stay long enough to enjoy the area. Cliff Jumping into Lake Superior from Black Rocks, the micro brews and plethora of locally owned coffee shops, kayaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and just the beauty of the Iron Range. Marquette is an easy town to drive around and has all the usual big box stores should you need anything.

    The race is small and laid back with a few hundred people for each event. No pretentiousness here. The course can be a PR course if you have a careful race strategy.

    Bussing to the start is super easy and reliable. Not too many spectators along the course until you get into downtown Marquette and that downhill was not as steep as I feared it would be. The course flattens out once you are downtown with a run along lakeshore drive and pretty views of the lake (but not too much that you are bored). I ran the half, but I can see how it would mentally challenging for the marathoners, because you’ll run past the finish line, up to Presque Isle Park (super pretty, but windy as it’s on the lake and not protected), then back toward the finish. Running past the finish line that late in the race when I’m already tired would kill me.

    Swag: I didn’t think the swag was all that. TBH, this didn’t bother me. I’ve got too much stuff from races that I was enjoying getting out of there with my bib and shirt. Finish line had the usual beer tickets and even a coupon for hot food, chocolate milk and fruit.

    Expo: super small. Queen City Running is the local shop and they have a booth with any race needs you may have forgotten at home: fuel, bottles, clothing…..

    The RD was quick to respond to messages and communication was good. I’d definitely do this one again: largely for the beauty of it.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

    1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    aubreynetzel FIRST-TIMER '22

    This is a smaller race, but very well planned. You bus to the start line as it's a point to point. It's advertised as downhill, which is mainly true as … MORE

    This is a smaller race, but very well planned. You bus to the start line as it’s a point to point. It’s advertised as downhill, which is mainly true as there’s an overall elevation loss, but it’s gradual, and a few minor hills thrown in. Plenty of aid stations which help as there is very few spectators for the majority of the course. You won’t be completely alone for the race, but due to it being a smaller event, may end up running alone or with fewer people. They also have pacers!

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    nkrusic REPEAT RUNNER '19

    Great downhill event that is partially on hard packed trail. Other than an uphill finish and one uphill at about mile 21 this is all downhill or small rolling hills. … MORE

    Great downhill event that is partially on hard packed trail. Other than an uphill finish and one uphill at about mile 21 this is all downhill or small rolling hills. Morning packet pickup for those staying a short distance away is convenient. Blues festival that weekend so town is busy, but a lot to do! Leads to pricey rooms however. Friendly race that finishes downtown. Only drawback is that it is always held Labor Day weekend. A great small town race.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    jpbari FIRST-TIMER '19

    This smaller marathon was first rate when it came to volunteers and course. Lots of Northern Mich University athletes out to support the runners and plenty of aid and on-course … MORE

    This smaller marathon was first rate when it came to volunteers and course. Lots of Northern Mich University athletes out to support the runners and plenty of aid and on-course support. 2019 had ideal weather for a late summer race with cool at the start and bluebird skies throughout.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    jjleuck REPEAT RUNNER '17

    The course is mostly down hill or flat. There are a few rollers but hardly noticeable. Much of the course is ran on a trail through wooded area, which provides … MORE

    The course is mostly down hill or flat. There are a few rollers but hardly noticeable. Much of the course is ran on a trail through wooded area, which provides natural beauty. Nice t-shirt and medal. Exceptional food selection at finish line.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

    2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

    Please login to reply to this review.

  1. Races
  2. Marquette Marathon & Half Marathon