For Immediate Release

September 16, 2006

Contact: Carol Fulsher, 906-226-6591

SUBARU NOQUEMANON SKI MARATHON and mBANK HALF NOQUE REGISTRATIONS AVAILABLE

Marquette, MI – The ninth annual Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon and mBank Half Noque is set for Saturday, January 27, 2007. Printed registration forms are now available for the 51 kilometer marathon and 25 kilometer half marathon. The first registration deadline, prior to a rate increase, is September 30, 2006.

The 2006 Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon attracted over 1200 skiers from around the country. Race organizers are looking to surpass that number in 2007. Along with elite racers from teams such as Atomic, Rossignol, and the Subaru Factory Team, the event attracts the recreational skier who is looking to improve a time from a previous year or just finish the course. The event is best known for the scenic trail that traverses beautiful Upper Peninsula wilderness from Ishpeming north and eastward towards Marquette featuring Lake Superior views, a waterfall, granite outcrops, and a 1000-foot descent.

A new offering for the 2007 event will be a touring class for the classic and freestyle marathon and half marathon. Jon Mommaerts, Race Director explains the new feature, “The touring class is open to skiers who are more interested in a casual skiing experience rather than a competitive race. These skiers will be allowed to begin prior to their respective competitive ski races and although they are not eligible for the overall awards, they are still eligible for age class awards. We will be allowing only 40 skiers per touring class. We have received many comments from skiers who want to ski our beautiful trail, but don’t want to get wrapped up in the competitiveness. This is an opportunity for those who relish the ski experience without the race factor.”

Also new for this year is the naming of the half marathon now known as the mBank Half Noque. Susan Brian, Sponsor Chair of the Noque welcomes mBank, “We are so pleased that mBank has come on as the naming sponsor of the Half Marathon. With their commitment to the race and cross country skiing, we wanted to provide them with the naming rights of the 25K event.”

Jack Frost, SVP of mBank continues, “mBank is excited about our new sponsorship of the Half Noque Ski Marathon. We value the opportunity to support the ski race and give back to the community and our clients.”

The Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon is a member of the prestigious American Ski Marathon Series and the FIS North American Cup Series.

Registration forms can be found at local sports shops or by calling the Lake Superior Community Partnership offices in Marquette and Ishpeming at 1-888-578-6489.