MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – UPDATE:
The Noquemanon Ski Marathon posted new details about course changes on its Facebook page:
The race bulletin is now published on our race website main page. We will have print copies available at the Friday packet pick-up (starts at 5pm inside the NMU Superior Dome). Below is a summary of the changes – and yes – better maps are coming!
• The 50K has been shortened to a distance of 23K
• The 24K has been shortened to a distance of 23K
• The 50K and 24K will ski the exact same course (total distance of 23K)
• The 15 Mile snowshoe will follow the same adjusted 23K distance course as the skiers
• The 12K has been shortened to a distance of 10K
• The 12K will merge shortly after their start onto the primary 23K course
• The 50K, 24K, and the 15 Mile snowshoe start line will be at the NTN Trails County Road 510 Trailhead
• The 12K start line will be at the NTN Forestville Trailhead
• The 50K, 24K, 15 Mile snowshoe, and 12K events will all finish at the NTN Forestville Trailhead
• There will be a small section of well marked and separated two way traffic at the powerline NW of the Forestville Trailhead…it will be widened to accommodate this and we’ll make it safe
• We will have aid at the 50K/24K and 12K merge point
• Buses will return participants from the Forestville finish line to the Superior Dome – all services still available at the Dome
• Busing to a participants respective start line is mandatory – there is no participant or spectator parking available at the 510 start line or at Forestville
• Spectators are encouraged to visit the finish line at Forestville but MUST ride a bus as there is no parking available except for volunteers, race officials, busses, and emergency personnel
• Wave schedules remain unchanged – skiers should remain in the wave originally assigned and as printed on their race bib
• Awards remain unchanged despite everyone skiing the same course – skiers are still competing against each other within their originally scheduled event and within their respective waves – please reference the award section of the race bulletin for more information on award and age group categories
• No changes to the Junior Noque!
• Please reference the race bulletin for complete information
At this time the base on these routes is holding well and we will address any thinning spots as needed. We believe this route will provide an excellent, and safe, ski experience. Yes, there may be a little more congestion and the course will degrade over time for those in the later waves (hello 35 degrees and sunny on Saturday) but…remember to smile because you’re skiing with 1300 friends you didn’t know you had (and maybe a few you do) before the big melt comes. Those of you in the 50K/24K will get an extra special treat as you’ll get to ski Bagwaji (ie the expert loop) BACKWARDS from it’s typical direction!
The Noquemanon Ski Marathon is making some changes to its race courses this weekend due to inadequate trail conditions.
The organization posted on its Facebook page that the snow base on some trails isn’t deep enough for grooming. That, in addition to the current weather forecast of above-freezing temperatures and potential for freezing rain, has caused organizers to pivot.
The following course changes are being made for Friday’s and Saturday’s events:
– All 50K event starts will move from Al Quaal Recreation area to the NTN County Road 510 trailhead and finish at the NTN Forestville Trailhead (finishers will be bused back to the Superior Dome)
– The 24K event starts will remain at the NTN County Road 510 trailhead and will finish at the NTN Forestville Trailhead (finishers will be bused back to the Superior Dome)
– The 12K event starts will remain at the NTN Forestville Trailhead and will finish at the NTN Forestville Trailhead (finishers will be bused back to the Superior Dome)
– The Junior Noque will go on as planned for Friday at Al Quaal Recreation Area
– The 3K and 1K adaptive events have been moved from Saturday to Friday and will start at Al Quaal Recration Area at 3pm with course lengths adjusted from 3K to 2K and the 1K will now be 600 Meters
– No events will finish at the Superior Dome – all Saturday events will end at the NTN Forestville Trailhead (finishers will be bused back to the Superior Dome)
– Event distances will be shortened – distances and all other important event details will be made available soon
– Due to limited parking at Forestville no spectator vehicles will be allowed at Forestville – spectators will be required to utilize bussing from the Superior Dome to Forestville and back
– All services will continue to be offered at the Superior Dome as normal
“We are very lucky to be planning for this marathon,” said Race Coordinator Nicole Dewald-Swenson, we only got snow a couple weeks ago, and it is important for the community. The Noquemanon is also a time for people to get outside, and that’s really important, and we do love our snow up here, otherwise we wouldn’t live up here.”
The organization will also post updates to its website.
Race organizers are also still looking for volunteers for Friday’s junior marathon.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up on the Noquemanon Ski Marathon website.
