Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Hurley prepares for Paavo

HURLEY — Hurley Chamber of Commerce officials are preparing for this summer’s running of the Paavo Nurmi Marathon on Saturday, Aug. 13, which will include a new course and several new events centered around Wisconsin’s oldest marathon aimed at getting the community involved.

“We are excited about the many new activities that are being added to the Paavo Nurmi Marathon,” said Rita Franzoi, the chamber’s marketing director and events coordinator, in a press release. “The marathon, half marathon and relays are back with a strong committee of volunteers working together with the Hurley Chamber.”

As in year’s past, participants can run the full marathon or choose to run the half-marathon, or join a two-person or five-person relay team to run the full distance. Registration information is available at the chamber website hurleywi.com.

The new course is scheduled for certification this month.

The new start line will be on Wisconsin 77 west of Upson at Casey Sag Road, a little further west than before. Marathon and relay participants will start there at 7 a.m. and continue into Upson and turn north at Wisconsin 122, as before, to continue to the Whitecap Mountain area. Runners will make a familiar turn east on County Road E and make their way back to Wisconsin 77.

Runners will continue along into Iron Belt, Pence, Montreal and Gile before the new course turns onto Odanah Road at the Cary Mine Market and continue through the Hurley Industrial Park to County Road C. Runners will turn south on County C and continue to a designated turn around point where they will turn back north toward Hurley, where they’ll be routed onto Germania Hill and down to the finish line on Silver Street.

Once the certification is complete, chamber officials plan to share a map.

Among the several new events planned around the big race include two contests for non-runners along the course — Best Cheering Group and Best Decorated Yard. First, second and third prizes will be awarded in both contests. “Decorate your yard, turn up the music and cheer participants along,” said Franzoi.

Also new this year is Bike the Paavo, an organized bike ride of the Paavo course beginning at 6:45 a.m. the day of the running race. Register to ride and get a T-shirt at hurleywi.com.

The area around the finish line is always a hub of activity. Chamber officials will add a Kidz Zone this year where kids will be able to play for free on bungee jumping and bounce house play equipment.

There will also be a craft and vendor market set up downtown Hurley near the finish line. “We are looking for your unique items to showcase at this event. Our area is full of talented artisans and crafters and this unique market will bring new visitors to see your items,” said Franzoi. More information is available by calling the chamber at 715-561-4334.

“It’s going to be an action packed day — so be sure to make plans to stop out and welcome participants to Hurley,” said Franzoi.

Founded in 1973, this will be the 53rd running of the Paavo. The 52nd running in 2020 was virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as race officials asked runners to participate where ever they chose to run. The event was canceled in 2021.

—Larry Holcombe

 
 
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