Grand Rapids, MI runners capture full marathon
MARQUETTE, Mich. — The Marquette Marathon, powered by Northern Michigan University, drew a record-breaking field this year, with nearly 1,700 racers.
It was a picturesque day for runners, as athletes were greeted with sun and temperatures in the low 70’s as they maneuvered their way through the historic Iron Ore Heritage Trail through Ishpeming, Negaunee, and into scenic downtown Marquette.
Heading into the final stretch, runners were greeted by passionate fans, music, and post-race support staff that is second to none as they emerged at the feet of the world’s largest wooden dome, the NMU Superior Dome on the campus of Northern Michigan University.
New for 2026, racers can now register early for 2027, receiving a special early-bird discount ahead of the 2027 pricing calendar. Racers looking to secure their spot at one of the fastest and most scenic races the nation has to offer can head to tickets.nmu.edu to register for one of the five races offered.
The Marquette Marathon race committee would like to thank runners, organizers, sponsors, the NMU student-athlete volunteers, the NMU nursing students, and anyone who had a hand in making the 2026 race special. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2027 for another spectacular race!
The Marquette Marathon, sponsored by Eagle Mine, drew 810 registrants and qualified 101 athletes for the Boston Marathon. Connor Vachon of Grand Rapids, Michigan, won the marathon as the first racer across the finish line, finishing with a time of 2:31:21.4, which was nearly seven minutes ahead of second-place Ethan Forsell of Oswego, Illinois, at 2:38:10.4. Rounding out the podium was Matthew Gatti of Detroit, Michigan, crossing at 2:38:49.8.
The top 49 runners all crossed the finish line sub-three hours. The full results from the marathon can be found here.
“I didn’t expect to come here and win, I just came to run and have a good time, and today just turned out to be the right day,” added Vachon, who just recently finished his collegiate career at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. “It’s really great to hear the loud crowd [at the finish line], and its really great that the community comes out to support these athletes who work their butts off. [The crowd at the finish line] is really energizing, and to hear your hard work pay off in real time, it’s better than any electrolytes you could ever drink.
“The whole time I was running, I just kept thinking about how beautiful the course is… Today was a perfect day on one of the most beautiful courses I have ever seen.”
Erin Kunst of Grand Rapids, Michigan, claimed the overall women’s title in a similarly dominant fashion to Connor, as she crossed the line at 3:00.45.4. Natalie Crowley took second at 3:06:44.6, and Gabrielle Lindbloom claimed bronze at 3:07:10.1.
Erin Kunst winning the marathon
The Marquette Half Marathon, sponsored by Radio Results Network, saw 680 registrants and was won by NMU student-athlete alumni and husband and wife, Ian and Kameron Torchia. Ian won the overall race and overall male at 1:04:51.0, and Kameron claimed the overall female and ninth overall at 15:33.5.
Ian set the half-marathon course record last year and has won the half marathon for three straight races. Kameron has now won the half marathon in back-to-back years, with her time this year landing as the second-fastest female half marathon time in course history.
“I felt really great today,” added Kameron post-race. Kameron was a four-year letter winner from 2014-2018 on the NMU track & field and cross country team, was a multiple-time All-American, and was inducted into the NMU Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. “It’s such a great course on that downhill, so you feel like a million bucks. I felt strong, the weather couldn’t have been better, and there was good competition.”
“It’s always a good day in Marquette, and we love it here,” added Ian post-race. An All-American in Nordic Skiing for Northern Michigan, Ian became the seventh NCAA Champion in program history after claiming gold in the 20k freestyle at the 2018 NCAA Championships. “Coming back here year after year has become a thing of ours that we love to do. It’s really special.
“We’re counting down the years until we can move back here full-time… we love this community, love this town, and love the U.P.”
John Judge of Madison, Wisconsin, claimed second in the male division at 1:08:04.0, and Alex Guy of Hancock, Michigan, earned bronze at 1:09:18.3. Katie Swor of Wyandotte, Michigan, earned silver in the female division at 1:16:48.9, and fellow NMU track & field alum, Sophia Potter of Marquette, Michigan, earned bronze with her time of 1:17:39.4.
The full results from the half marathon can be found here.
Kameron (left) and Ian (right) Torchia after crossing the finish line
11 teams competed in the Marathon Relay, sponsored by Queen City Running, with the all-male team ‘Coney Kings!’ of Farmington Hills, Michigan, claiming first place at 3:39:20.3. The all-female team ‘Single Track Health Ladies in Running’ of Marquette, Michigan, finished second at 3:55:21.9, and the co-ed team ‘Ruuskas’ of Duluth, Minnesota, claimed third at 3:57:16.1. Full results from the relay can be found here.
The Wildcat 5k, sponsored by Double Trouble, drew 129 registrants, with Eddie Stage of Grayslake, Illinois, finishing first at 17:04.6. Andrew Waisanen of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, took second at 18:02.6, and John Rector of Marquette, Michigan, finished third at 19:20.8. Results from the 5k can be found here.
For any additional information on the Marquette Marathon, head to marquettemarathon.com, or email nmumarquettemarathon@gmail.com.
