Marquette Half Marathon

Marquette, Michigan

Saturday, September 2, 2017

On Saturday, September 2, 2017 I race walked the Marquette Half Marathon in Marquette, Michigan.  The course was a point to point journey starting at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee, Michigan and finishing at 3^rd and Michigan Street in Downtown, Marquette utilizing 6 miles of sand and gravel bike trails followed by 6 miles of paved bike trails and finishing on 1 mile of city streets.  The course was well marked and maintained with volunteers and police at all places where the course crossed a roadway.  Water/Gatorade stations were located every two miles up to mile eight and then every mile thereafter.  There were plenty on volunteers braving the intermittent rain and wind gusting to over 20 mph in exposed areas taking care of the needs of the 550 participants in the half marathon in an efficient and friendly manner.  The event was well organized and I enjoyed myself.  The only thing that could be improved would be to located the parking, bus shuttles, and finish line closer together as they were located more than a mile apart.  This was the first time that I have done this event and I even managed to place third in my men’s 70 and over running age group while walking the entire way.

The Packet Pick-up

Michigan Iron Industry Museum

Before the Race

After the Race