Queen City Half Marathon | BREAKWATER 5K Run/Walk
Marquette's Queen City Half Marathon offers a fast, scenic lakeside course with a growing field and strong community spirit.
Race Date
Jul 25, 2026
Location
Marquette, MI
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, July 25, 2026
- Location
- Marquette, Michigan
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 3.1 Miles, Run the U.P. Challenge | Race SERIES presented by Queen City Running Co.
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 1,221
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Queen City Half Marathon in Marquette, Michigan, presents a compelling blend of speed and scenery along the shores of Lake Superior. This USATF-certified course is designed for fast times, with minimal elevation change and a net drop that aids runners aiming for personal bests.
Now in its fourth edition, the race has seen a growing field, typically attracting around 317 finishers. A notable 31% of participants return, highlighting the event's appeal. Runners travel from approximately 16 states, drawn by the promise of a well-organized event that showcases the "coolest city anywhere." The atmosphere is described as a community and family affair, with super-fun aid stations and a post-race party zone.
Runners can expect a quality race-day shirt and a distinctive finisher medal. The accompanying Breakwater 5K also offers a cash prize for setting a new course record, adding an extra layer of excitement. With typical race-day temperatures between 62–76°F, it’s a prime summer running destination.
Race-provided description
Marquette - The coolest city just about anywhere! With a fast and scenic course, chip-timed results and near-award winning shirt and medal design, the 2026 Queen City Half Marathon presented by Embers Credit Union | BREAKWATER 5K presented by Ore Dock Brewing Co., are races that need to be on your summer calendar! Marquette, as you know, is one of the coolest cities anywhere, and we're going to show it off, running though some amazing neighborhoods and along Lake Superior. EPIC is the word I'm looking for...with super-fun aid stations, a post race 'party-zone'...and race-specific finisher medals for ALL entrants. Let's not forget about our Breakwater 5K Run/Walk COURSE RECORD REWARD. Win the race, set a new Course Record, and we'll hand you CASH! We'll increase this $100 every year until it's broken, then we'll start over. The BONUS right now sits at $500 for men (2021) and $100 for women (NEW record set in 2025!). Awards will be given at the 2025 BREAKWATER 5K Run/Walk awards ceremony! Wanna run fast? A community race, a family race...heck, bring the stroller along with the kids...it's going to be a party!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Start Time
8:05 AM
Giveaway
Sweet Race-Day Shirt
Start Location
130 West Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI, 49855
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MI23001DM · Queen City Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Standout684 years running
~317 finishers a year
growing or steady
31% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 16 states
winner 1:18:17
typical high 76°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
62°
Afternoon (High)
76°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
13 mph
Wind
78%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,221 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2024
Total finishers
1,221
Median time
2:08:45
Latest turnout
317
States
34
Turnout by year
2021–2024
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Queen City Half Marathon | BREAKWATER 5K Run/Walk?
The Queen City Half Marathon | BREAKWATER 5K Run/Walk is held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, starting at 8:05 AM.
Where does the Queen City Half Marathon | BREAKWATER 5K Run/Walk take place?
It takes place in Marquette, Michigan.
What distances does the Queen City Half Marathon | BREAKWATER 5K Run/Walk offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 3.1 Miles, Run the U.P. Challenge | Race SERIES presented by Queen City Running Co..
Is the Queen City Half Marathon | BREAKWATER 5K Run/Walk course flat and good for a PR?
The Queen City Half Marathon | BREAKWATER 5K Run/Walk is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Queen City Half Marathon | BREAKWATER 5K Run/Walk?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,221 runners who have completed the Queen City Half Marathon | BREAKWATER 5K Run/Walk.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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