MARQUETTE, MI-- Snow lovers are gearing up for the 15th annual Marquette General Health System Noquemanon Ski Marathon this weekend.
The 50k cross-country marathon runs from the Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming to the Superior Dome in Marquette. Race coordinator Nicole Dewald says for the first time the 50k is filled to capacity, and she’s hopeful around 1,600 racers will sign up for all events.
Dewald notes the course is looking good.
“The recent snowfall has made the course in great condition,” she says, “starting at Al Quaal all the way to our Forestville Trailhead. Then down from the Forestville Trailhead to the City of Marquette it’s looking pretty good. The last 4k we’ve been bringing in loaders and dump trucks of snow to put about a foot of base in.”
The World Championship Snow Bike makes a second appearance this year with a longer, 50k race. Other events include skijoring, snow shoeing, and sit-skiing.
Dewald says participants are coming from Germany, Canada, and 30 different states.
The Noquemanon kicks off Friday at 3 p.m. with registration for the Junior Noque at the Forestville Trailhead.
For more information, go to www.noquemanon.com.
