The race is always Labor Day Weekend and features both full and half marathon options, as well as the Bedrocks 5k, all on Saturday. There is also a kids run on Friday night. The half marathon starts at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee, while the full starts at the Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum in Ishpeming and the 5k at Presque Isle in Marquette. All events finish on 3rd Street in Marquette.

Packet pick up and the expo and a breeze to get through. Everything Friday night takes place at Lakeview arena (kids run inclued). Keep in mind, this is a small town race, so there are only a handful of vendors and you can get in and out fairly quickly (unless you keep running into friends that still live in the area!)

For the races on Saturday, there is no parking at the start line. You do have the option to be dropped off at the start line, but they highly recommend the shuttle buses that are provided for everyone.There is limited short term parking at the marathon start line, but there is no long-term parking at the
marathon start line (so runners, don't drive to the start!) Shuttle buses leave from the Barry Events Center, there these is ample parking for everyone. Buses for the half marathon begin departing at 7am. (I think marathon buses start as early as 5am since that race generally stats 90 minutes before the half). Buses depart on a regular basis and are available for both runners and spectators (keep in mind that runners will always take priority as buses are filled). After the start of both races, a bus or 2 will be waiting to take any spectators back to the Barry, which is a short walk then to the finish). It's about a 20 minute drive to the start line, so be sure to plan your morning accordingly, depending on how much time you want at the start before the race begins!

Start line: when the bus drops you off, you have a short walk up the hill (past the start line) to the parking lot where you will find ample port-a-potty's as well as a tent for gear check (bring your own bag to check your gear). Any check bags will then be transported to the finish line area for you to pick up.

Course: the first mile of the half marathon course is mostly downhill as you start working your way down to the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, where it joins together with the full marathon course. Aside from a few small rolling hills at the beginning, the trail is relatively flat... and fast! The trail is mostly through the quiet woods and you will most likely get caught up in the beauty of the area. Once you get into Marquette, you wind around past the farmers market, the marina, along the lakeshore and finally around the Superior Dome and onto 3rd street for the finish. From Start to Finish: Net Elevation Drop of 735 feet. Yes, DROP!

But don't let that allow to to think the entire course is flat or downhill! The approach to the finish line is a quart mile long gradual hill to climb! After all those miles, you get to work for the finish!

The Finish line: after all those miles you will most likely be hungry! MQT marathon takes care of you! This year there were burritos to go along with the chocolate milk, banana's chips, oranges, water, cookies and so much more!

The Bling: Each year, the event incorporates their logo into a unique medal! This year it had a stain glass look to it.

Overall, I love this race! It is one that I will add to my calendar whenever I can!!

For my full recap of the race this year and why it will always hold a special place in my heart, check out my blog post: http://ampdwellness.crazyhamster.run/marquette-half-marathon-congrats-sue-on-100/

Link to this review