Marquette Marathon
Marquette Marathon offers a fast, net-downhill course through Michigan's Upper Peninsula, finishing along Lake Superior.
Race Date
Sep 5, 2026
Location
Marquette, MI
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Location
- Marquette, Michigan
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M, 5K run | 26.2M relay | kids run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 6,063
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Marquette Marathon, set in the scenic Upper Peninsula of Michigan, offers a compelling point-to-point journey. Runners are bussed to the start in Ishpeming, Michigan, to witness the sunrise before embarking on a course that is largely net downhill. This certified course, first run in 2010 and now in its 15th edition, is designed for speed, with a typical winning time around 64 minutes.
The course transitions from paved and gravel trails, often shaded in its early miles, to running along the stunning shores of Lake Superior. While spectator support is sparse for much of the route, the abundant natural beauty and the energy of a field that draws participants from approximately 26 states provide ample motivation. The race attracts around 509 finishers, with about 20% returning year after year, highlighting its loyal following.
Finishing in downtown Marquette, runners are treated to impressive lake views. Despite some minor hills, including a notable one around mile 22, the overall profile is favorable for personal bests. The event is well-organized, with ample aid stations and a festive atmosphere in town, enhanced by local events like a blues festival.
Race-provided description
var bodyCacheable = true; var exclusionReason = {"shouldRender":true,"forced":false}; var ssrInfo = {"cacheExclusionReason":"","renderBodyTime":555,"renderTimeStamp":1779418299115} if (window.ResizeObserver && (!window.PerformanceObserver || !PerformanceObserver.supportedEntryTypes || PerformanceObserver.supportedEntryTypes.indexOf('paint') === -1)) { new ResizeObserver(function (entries, observer) { entries.some(function (entry) { var contentRect = entry.contentRect; if (contentRect.width > 0 && contentRect.height > 0) { requestAnimationFrame(function (now) { window.wixFirstPaint = now; dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent('wixFirstPaint')); }); observer.disconnect(); return true; } }); }).observe(document.body); } const div = document.createElement('div') div.style.overflowY = 'scroll' div.styl
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Lake River, Forest
Surface
Paved, Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+10.29 m
Separation
64.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MI25001DM · Marquette Half Marathon 2025 31% Gravel
Net downhill course — fast finishing times are common. Point-to-point course layout.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8915 years running
~509 finishers a year
shrinking
20% returning runners
USATF certified · 2 timing sources · 3 photos
runners from 26 states
winner 1:04:20
typical high 69°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
56°
Afternoon (High)
69°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
15 mph
Wind
76%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 6,063 finishers actually crossed the line across 15 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
6,063
Median time
2:04:46
Latest turnout
509
States
45
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Marquette Marathon?
The Marquette Marathon is held on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Where does the Marquette Marathon take place?
It takes place in Marquette, Michigan.
What distances does the Marquette Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M, 5K run | 26.2M relay | kids run.
Is the Marquette Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Marquette Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Marquette Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 6,063 runners who have completed the Marquette Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Marquette? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
