Paavo Nurmi Marathon
Back when Tom Rosandich of Camp Olympia in Upson dreamed up a marathon race for our Gogebic-Iron Range, he needed a name for it. He sold the idea of the marathon to the Hurley Chamber of Commerce. The name: The Paavo Nurmi Marathon. It was a good choice for more reasons than one. Nurmi was a legendary long distance runner and the range had a preponderance of Finnish people.
It is very difficult to encapsulate the entire history of the Paavo and what makes it special in just one page. Those who have participated for years, some of them since nearly the beginning, have so many wonderful stories of what makes Paavo special to them... why they keep coming back year after year.
The history of the Paavo is one of pride, strength of dedication of both runners and volunteers, and the love of a network of communities for the area’s longest running event. The Paavo has HEART, indeed! Come be a part of the tradition.
The Paavo Nurmi Marathon or “The Paavo” as it is referred to is a point-to-point marathon in Northern Iron County Wisconsin, always the 2nd Saturday in August. Known for “heat, hills and humidity” the Paavo offers a Full Marathon course which is certified as a Boston Marathon qualifying event. Other events offered are a Half Marathon, 2 Person & 5 Person Relay’s.
Starting at 7:00 am runners participating in the full marathon and relays, will start on Hwy 77 in Upson, continue through to Upson along Hwy 77 with the course to turn on Hoyt Ave, come to Hwy 122, follow until intersection of Cty E, follow Cty E (Whitecap Area) reenter Hwy 77 and continue east to Pence, Montreal and turn by Cary Mine Market to Cty C. Turn around point of county C, follow Cty C back directly to Hwy 77, turn right off of Cty C on 77 and follow into Hurley onto Silver Street and finish within the first block.
Transportation will be provided from downtown Hurley to the start line on the morning of the event. Details will be provided at a later date
Aid stations will be located at Mile 3, 5, 9, 10, 13.1, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25. Each station will have water, gatorade and ice.
Plan to join the festivities at the “Finnish Line” with food, beverages, kids activities, artisans & crafters and LIVE Music.
Registration fees
Marathon
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Register for Marathon$90.00Jan 20 - Aug 1
Half Marathon
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Register for Half Marathon$75.00Jan 20 - Aug 1
Marathon Relay (5 person)
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Register for Marathon Relay (5 person)$150.00Jan 20 - Aug 1
Marathon Relay (2 Person)
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Register for Marathon Relay (2 Person)$60.00Jan 20 - Aug 1
Ride the Paavo
Bike the Paavo! For the first time we are opening up a new event category! Bikers will start at the same start line at 6:45 am on Saturday August 13, 2022 and ride the same course that runners will take.
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Register for Ride the Paavo$40.00Jan 20 - Aug 1
Contact information
- Event contact
- Paavo Nurmi Marathon
- hurley@hurleywi.com
- Phone
- 9063641997
