The MGH Noquemanon Ski Marathon and mBank Half Noque, both in their eleventh year, continue to attract cross country skiers from around the nation and around the world. Thousands of skiers have taken the 50K or 25K trek from Ishpeming, the birthplace of organized skiing and home to the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame to Marquette’s Superior Dome, the world’s second largest wooden domed stadium along the shores of Lake Superior.
Along the way, they experience the Upper Peninsula’s famed pristine wilderness: hard and soft wood forests, many rock outcroppings, lake crossings, bird’s eye views of rivers and Lake Superior, plentiful snowfall, a waterfall, and a 1000-foot net descent. Plus they are treated to our northern hospitality. Townspeople come out in droves to witness the skiers on their trek and volunteer to hand out food, beverages, and good cheer.
The marathon and half marathon offer separate classic and freestyle races with men’s and women’s divisions. The classic skiers start well in advance of the freestyle. Classic tracks and skating lanes are provided through the entire course.
Marquette County, the U.P.’s largest community with 65,000 residents and home to Northern Michigan University, has the amenities any visitor would want: 1300 hotel rooms from mom and pops to B&Bs to franchise hotels to an historic hotel, a great variety of restaurants and nightclubs, many kilometers of groomed ski trails, Marquette Mountain downhill ski area, historic downtowns and architecture, airport and rental cars, and a thriving retail trade including excellent ski shops.
Come up and enjoy the scenic Noque course, the amenities of the area, and the hospitality of our people. You can’t help but enjoy the beautiful day!
