This Whitefish Point Marathon meanders along Whitefish Point Road, traveling along the edge of Whitefish Bay, crossing the Betsy River, kissing the shores of Lake Superior, passes by the Whitefish Point Light Station, and skirts the edge of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Whitefish Point. The finish line is at …
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This Whitefish Point Marathon meanders along Whitefish Point Road, traveling along the edge of Whitefish Bay, crossing the Betsy River, kissing the shores of Lake Superior, passes by the Whitefish Point Light Station, and skirts the edge of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Whitefish Point. The finish line is at the Whitefish Community Center on the southern edge of Paradise. After the race, we encourage you to unwind by visiting Tahquamenon Falls, Crisp Point Light House, Point Iroquois Light House, the Whitefish Point Light Station or Oswald’s Bear Ranch.
All registrants will receive T-shirts and all finishers will receive unique Lake Superior Rock Medallions. Custom Whitefish Point Marathon/BQ Mugs will be given to runners attaining a Boston Marathon Qualifying time (BQ).
Paradise is a unique area in North America. Geographically, Whitefish Point is a major bird migration corridor on the continent in Spring and Fall. Rockhounders explore Lake Superior’s shore for agates and beautiful rocks for artistic creation and spiritual inclusion. The Whitefish Point Marathon committee selected the rock finisher medallions as a keepsake of this incredible region. In 2017, the committee expanded this concept of providing runners not only a feel for the region but also a taste. Cornish miners immigrated to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the 1800’s, they brought with them their beloved traditional dish: the pasty.
The Yooper Pasty, an Upper Peninsula savory treat is being added to the post race refreshments. Your pasty ( beef, pork, potatoes, carrots, onions, rutabaga, and salt & pepper, wrapped in a pie crust) including gravy or ketchup is of no additional cost to registered runners. Tickets for pasties for your support team may be purchased at packet pickup for $5.00 each. We look forward to your participation in the Whitefish Point Marathon and enjoyment of the PASTY eh?
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Flat Marathon (Watch for Mosquitoes!)
The Whitefish Point Marathon in Paradise, MI is a small town race that is well organized and full of many friendly local volunteers. While it does not have the excitement … MORE
The Whitefish Point Marathon in Paradise, MI is a small town race that is well organized and full of many friendly local volunteers. While it does not have the excitement or fanfare of a large city marathon, it is run smoothly by the wonderful race director and an excellent, flat course to attempt a BQ (Boston Qualify) or a PR.
My word of warning is that if you plan to do this race bring deep woods bug spray! The mosquitos will most likely be out when the race is held. Thankfully they only ate me alive when I was standing still at the start and walking back at the finish (they left me alone while running). However I did hear stories of some of the slower-paced runners really fighting with the pests. I might even suggest carrying a small portable container of bug spray with you when running if possible.
Yet despite the mosquitoes we really enjoyed our time in Paradise, MI (be sure to see the Shipwreck Museum and visit Tahquamenon Falls). I’d recommend the Whitefish Point Marathon to any runner looking to cross Michigan off their marathon state list.
To read my detailed race experience please visit https://runningriddles.com/races/2019-whitefish-point-marathon-in-paradise-mi/