MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Another successful ski weekend is in the books for the Noquemanon Ski Marathon.
With more than 1,100 entrants for all the races arrived at Ishpeming’s Al Quaal before making their way to the finish line at the Superior Dome in Marquette.
The excitement was high as skiers made last minute tweaks to gear and trekked their way to the start.
“Feels pretty good. Temperatures not too cold, we’re ready to go,” one racer said.
Veterans alongside the first timers strapped in and took their mark and waited for the start.
“There is so much energy at the start of the race, and because I am not that young anymore it kind of keeps us young with all the energy you see from all the athletes,” said Jim Tervo, the race starter and lead official.
Participants raced the well-marked groomed course and had eight aid stations on the course that gave them water and nutrition along their way.
As each racer rounded that last turn to the finish, they were welcomed with cheers from loved ones and heard their name announced as they crossed the finish line.
With every mile expelled on the course, the energy of the racers only grew.
“Skiing is a cradle to grave sport, so if my last breath on this planet is full of snow, that is ok,” said Frida Waara.
Having reached a milestone of 25 years, the organization recognized any participant who raced in all 25 years with their own permanent racing number that will retire along with the racer should the time ever come.
