MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Runners took over Marquette County this morning for one of the fastest courses in the Midwest, and for one competitor, it ended in the best way possible.
Nearly 1,700 runners lined up in Ishpeming for the Marquette Marathon, a record-breaking turnout for the race, now in its fifth decade. The point-to-point course followed the Iron Ore Heritage Trail before finishing at the Superior Dome, with NMU student-athletes working aid stations and handing out medals along the way.
It’s one of the nation’s premier Boston-qualifying courses, and this year, it lived up to the hype. Michigan native Connor Vachon crossed the line first, and told us what finishing ahead of the pack felt like. “Crossing the line in first, especially after such a large race, especially after such a long effort, it’s like hitting that hole in one,” says Vachon. “You get a ton of endorphins and adrenaline, and it’s just the hard work paying off – the mindset, the early mornings, the late nights, and that “one more mile” attitude.”
From the aid stations, to the family members and friends carrying around fatheads and posters, to the finish line, today’s race was a reminder of just how many people it takes to get one runner across.
