Race brings runners to Marquette for marathon

MARQUETTE — This weekend brings a big day for runners and those who have been training all summer for the Marquette Marathon. The biggest race during the eighth annual event is the Full Marathon starting off at the Cliff Shaft Mine Museum and taking runners along the Iron Ore Heritage Trail.

Other races include the half marathon and the 5K. The Marathon is a family event with kids races starting Friday at 7:00 p.m.

“We have two kids races; a shorter one and a longer one for all age groups to do. If there are kids that want to do the 5K and think that they can do five miles then they can do that too as well,” co race director Audrey Hrodey said. “We have a 90-year-old runner who’s running this year so all age groups.”

The full marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon- which brings many runners to the area this weekend. If you have a friend or loved one participating you can follow their progress along the way through text message alerts. An Expo is being held at Lakeview Arena Friday for racers to pick up their bibs and t-shirt as well as meet vendors.

For more information on the event or to sign up for text alerts, visit the Marquette Marathon’s website.