Paavo Nurmi Marathon | Half | Relay | And More
The Paavo Nurmi Marathon offers a historic Wisconsin race experience with a fast, certified course.
Race Date
Aug 7, 2026
Location
Hurley, WI
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, August 7, 2026
- Location
- Hurley, Wisconsin
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 1,291
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Paavo Nurmi Marathon, first run in 1971 and now in its 56th year, is Wisconsin's longest-running marathon. This point-to-point race concludes in downtown Hurley, Wisconsin, a town nestled in Northern Iron County known for its outdoor adventure opportunities.
The certified course is designed for speed, with organizers touting it as a Boston Marathon Qualifier. Runners can expect a fast, flat road race, ideal for those seeking a personal best. The event typically sees around 178 finishers, drawing participants from approximately 12 states.
While the race has a rich heritage, the repeat-runner loyalty is low, suggesting it's a unique destination event rather than an annual tradition for most. Participants receive a shirt as part of their race swag, and the finish in downtown Hurley offers a taste of local community spirit.
Race-provided description
The Paavo Nurmi Marathon is a point-to-point marathon run in Northern Iron County, Wisconsin - always the 2nd Saturday in August. The Paavo runs on a verified course, and this year the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce is handling ALL the details for the race INCLUDING assuring all runners that the course is a Boston Marathon Qualified Course!!! The Paavo Nurmi Marathon is the longest running marathon in Wisconsin, with 2026 being our 56th year. Locals and visitors alike will find a weekend of history and heart, once again be run on the course that made us famous, "finishing" in downtown Hurley, Wisconsin. The Twilight 5K Run/Walk, a family friendly run/walk to take place on Friday evening, August 7th, during The Paavo Nurmi Marathon EXPO. Register TODAY!
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, August 7, 2026
Start Time
8:30 AM
Giveaway
Shirt
Start Location
316 Silver Street, Hurley, WI, 54534
Course Info
Course Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Solid Pick4910 years running
~178 finishers a year
growing or steady
0% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 12 states
winner 1:27:29
typical high 76°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
59°
Afternoon (High)
76°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
75%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,291 finishers actually crossed the line across 10 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,291
Median time
2:14:07
Latest turnout
90
States
40
Turnout by year
2012–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Paavo Nurmi Marathon | Half | Relay | And More?
The Paavo Nurmi Marathon | Half | Relay | And More is held on Friday, August 7, 2026, starting at 8:30 AM.
Where does the Paavo Nurmi Marathon | Half | Relay | And More take place?
It takes place in Hurley, Wisconsin.
What distances does the Paavo Nurmi Marathon | Half | Relay | And More offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles.
Is the Paavo Nurmi Marathon | Half | Relay | And More course flat and good for a PR?
The Paavo Nurmi Marathon | Half | Relay | And More is a ultra-flat, point to point course.
How many people run the Paavo Nurmi Marathon | Half | Relay | And More?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,291 runners who have completed the Paavo Nurmi Marathon | Half | Relay | And More.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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