The mBank Half Noque is a 25K point to point ski race utilizing the last 25K of the Noque trail. Half Noque skiers begin along County Road 510 between Negaunee and Marquette and six miles north of U.S. Hwy 41. 25K skiers end at the Noque finish line outside of the Superior Dome in Marquette. Skiers must be bused to the start line since there is limited parking. Buses will remain at the start line for warmth. The elevation at this area is approximately 1600 feet. The ending elevation at the Superior Dome is approximately 700 feet. There are three aid stations along the way approximately every 7 kilometers. All aid stations have water and energy drink. The finish line is outside the Superior Dome in Marquette. Inside will be one last aid station with warm food and drink. There will also be a ski valet where you can keep your skis while visiting with other skiers or taking advantage of the shower facilities. Race results will be posted inside the Superior Dome plus computers will be set up to check your individual results.
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Registration
Entry Fees for Half Noque:
$58 by September 30
$67 by November 30
$75 by December 31
$84 by January 24
$93 on January 25
No race day registration
Registration/Race Packet Pick-up
Race registration and bib pick-up will be from 4 until 10 pm on Friday, January 25 at the Superior Dome. Same day racer packet pick-up is available upon request. Race packets contain many extras including the coveted Noque ski hats, cloth bib, sponsor goodies, and coupons.
Race confirmation will be sent via email (if available) or by U.S. mail. Please bring race confirmation and proof of identification to packet pick-up. All skiers will need to sign a waiver at bib pick up.
Map to Superior Dome in Marquette
Return on investment:
The opportunity to ski the last half of the Noque trail with fellow skiers. You will also receive a quality embroidered Swix Hat, a cloth bib, chip timing, sponsor goodies and coupons, a chance to win a cowbell through age group awards or overall awards, vendor giveaways (at Awards Ceremony—must be present to win), transportation to start line, aid stations along the trail, massages (should you choose one), an overall feeling of accomplishment of skiing 25 kilometers, and the camaraderie of skiing with others who feel the same way!
Youth Discount or Superiorland Ski Club Discount:
A $20 discount is offered to all youth (ages 24 and under) skiing in the half marathon. Superiorland Ski Club members can take a $5 discount if they are members at the time of registration. Only one discount can apply.
Ski Expo:
A Ski Expo will be held during registration and bib pick-up from 4-10pm on Friday, January 26 at the Superior Dome. The expo showcases our event sponsors and features wax and ski demos!
Clothing Bags:
All skiers will be given a bag as part of their registration packet. Skiers are responsible for getting their bags into the trucks next to each start area. Bags will be taken inside the Dome where they can be claimed following the race. Race officials are not responsible for lost or stolen property.
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Events:
The mBank Half Noque offers separate classic and freestyle races. Classic skiers start well in advance of the skating waves. Classic tracks and skating lanes are provided throughout the entire course.
Change of Events:
Requests to change races are handled by the Race Administrator. Changes within two weeks of race day must be accompanied by a $5 change request fee. Call 866-370-RACE. NO changes on race day.
Cut off Times:
All marathon skiers must pass the 30K point of the race by 2 pm. All skiers must finish the race by 4:30 pm.
Finish Line:
The marathon end at the Superior Dome so come inside, warm up, check in your skis at the ski valet, and rejuvenate at the last aid station. Race results will be posted inside the Superior Dome, plus computers will be set up so that you can check race results. Race results will also appear in the Sunday edition of the Mining Journal and on-line at www.noquemanon.com.
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Wave Placement & Start Times:
25K Classic
Wave 1 11:45 AM
Wave 2 11:55 AM
Wave 3 12:05 AM
Wave 4 12:15 AM
25K Freestyle
Wave 1 12:30 PM
Wave 2 12:40 PM
Wave 3 12:50 PM
Wave 4 1:00 PM
Preferred Start Positions:
The Half Noque Classic Race has two waves and is on a self seed basis. The Half Noque Freestyle Race also has two waves. To qualify for wave one, you must have finished within 60% back from the 2007 Half Noque winner. To be considered for higher wave placement, you must petition in. Petitions must be submitted in writing two weeks in advance of race. Contact the Race Administrator at 866-370-RACE.
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mBank Half Noque Prizes:
The top three finishers of the mBank 25K Classic and Freestyle races will receive the large Moen Cowbells.
Skier Age Groups:
Skiers will be placed into the appropriate age group based on your age on race day: 15 and under, 16-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+. Top three in each age category will receive a Moen cowbell.
Course Map and Profile:
25K race begins at the 15 mile marker.
| Total Distance Ground Distance |
30 miles 1643 ft 30 miles, 1855 ft |
Climbing Descending Elevation Change Min/Max |
2242 ft -3088 ft -846 ft 603/1605 |
|
| Latitude Longitude Elevation |
046° 36' 1.12" N 087° 30' 51"24 W 1144 ft |
Timing:
Professional timing services are provided by White River Sports using chip timing.
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Other Information
Food and First Aid Stations
Three aid stations are available for the 25K skiers. They are located at the 19K marker, 11K marker, and the 4K marker. There is one last aid station inside the Superior Dome. The aid stations will contain warm HEED Energy Drink and water, oranges and/or bananas. All aid stations are manned by local volunteers and service club members. Please thank them as you pass by.
The Marquette County Search and Rescue and Ham Radio Operators will be on the course.
Spaghetti Feed at St. Michael's Parish
Girl Scouts of Peninsula Waters will again offer a Spaghetti Feed at St. Michael’s Parish (located across from the Superior Dome) from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 25, 2008. Stop in either before or after picking up your registration packet. Meal includes: spaghetti with meat sauce or marinara sauce, salad, breadstick, beverage and Girl Scout Cookies. Tickets may be purchased at the Dome, at the door, or on your entry form or by calling the Girl Scout office at 1-800-562-9787.
Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for youth ages 6 – 12, and free for youth ages 5 and under when accompanying an adult. A family ticket is available for $20 (immediate family members only, please).
Plan to attend the Spaghetti Feed and get a jump start on other racers. The spaghetti is served piping hot, the bread sticks are drenched in garlic butter, and the Girl Scout Cookies are a true taste treat!
Noquemanon Merchandise:
Merchandise will be available at the Downwind Sports booth at the Ski Expo and at the Awards Ceremony at Upfront and Company. Downwind Sports is the official provider of all Noquemanon ski merchandise.
Babysitting:
Available at the Superior Dome on race day by advance arrangements. Call Race Administrator at
866-370-RACE for details.
Parking/Bussing
Busing is the only option to getting to the start line of the 25K. There are many parking spots available at the Superior Dome. There is absolutely no parking available at the start line. You must get bussed to start. Some busses will remain at start area for warmth. A bus schedule will be included in the racer bag during registration.
Photographer:
Marquette photographer Andy Gregg will be on the trail snapping photos. You can purchase them through his web site www.marquettephoto.com. Gregg has been published in regional and national publications.
Awards Ceremony:
The Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, January 26th at 7 pm in Upfront & Company’s Ball Room in Downtown Marquette. Upfront will be smokefree until midnight. Random prizes will be given out. Only those in attendance are eligible to win. Stay afterward for entertainment and dancing.
Map to Upfront and Company, Downtown Marquette
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schedule of events
