Thank You To Our 2019 Title Sponsor
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And Welcome To Our Two New Major Sponsors
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Highlights in this Newsletter (details in sections below)
- Cancelled 1K Junior Noque race on Friday evening
- Friday AM race jury decision on potential 50K delayed start (1 or 2 hours)
- Frigid temperature preparation and frostbite prevention steps
- On course aid and safety
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Wecome to the 21st annual Noqueman Ski Marathon! Thank you for choosing to spend your weekend with us! We hope this will be one the best events you participate in all year.
First, a note about our sponsors. Without generous sponsors, the Noquemanon Ski Marathon simply would not exist. Title and major sponsors like UP Health System (UPHS), River Valley, and Eagle Mine help us cover the bulk of the administrative and facilities costs, grooming and trail maintenance costs, and the myriad of other expenses that help ensure you have a safe, quality, and fun experience. The Noque is a non-profit event which means that after we cover our expenses we provide what remains to the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN), our local non profit organization that works to secure, develop, maintain and promote the use of a non motorized trail network throughout the central upper peninsula of Michigan. Because of the NTN, we have ski trails (and multi-use singletrack) and the Marquette area has become a year-round silent sports destination. The Noquemanon Ski Marathon is also unique in that approximately 50% of the full marathon course is on private land - these land owners have graciously allowed us access for over 20 years to develop a ski trail that connects the Al Quaal Recreation Area to the NTN ski trails. We couldn't do this without their generosity either.
Let's not also forget about all of the other sponsors, big and small, that help us get the job done. From
Travel Marquette
providing marketing dollars, to hotels that offer special Noquemanon room rates, to
Hammer Nutrition
providing on course aid station nutrition, to
Midway Rentals and Sales
providing equipment and heaters (vitally important this year!) and trailers...and the list goes on and on! There are so many great businesses that play a part in this community event and they prioritize giving back to the Marquette community (and those that stay and play here). What a great community, and great partners, we have! Please visit our website at
www.noquemanon.com
and support those businesses that support us and our mission. All of our sponsors are listed there for you to find and support.
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Please read through this newsletter for important updated information, and, continue to stay in touch with us through our website, social media channels, and race e-mails. All final details will be provided in the race bulletin available at the bag pickup/ski expo on Friday January 25th in the NMU Superior Dome. The race bulletin can also be found linked on the race website. Don't forget about the dated trail reports from the course crew which will be at the bottom of the race website page as well.
Stay informed
. If you have questions, please ask a committee member at the expo so we can help ensure you have all of the information you need to have a great race.
Temperatures
It will be very cold this year and taking preventative measures against frostbite and hypothermia will be imperative. Dress appropriately for conditions using several layers with a base layer or two that wicks moisture away from the skin. Use another wind blocking base layer over sensitive areas (ie wind briefs) and cover all exposed skin using buffs (one for the ears below the hat line and another around the neck that can be pulled up over the mouth), face tape to cover exposed skin on the nose and cheeks, and wear glasses or a shield to protect your eyes. Wear good ski gloves and good warm ski socks without getting the ski boot too tight. Use an insulated water bottle if you carry one, and if you don't, be sure to use the aid stations for water, Hammer HEED, Hammer gels, and food. Taking in fluids and food on very cold days is extremely important as your body will be working extra hard to keep warm. It is likely that you will not "feel" thirsty, but it is very important to take in fluids. It's easy for skiers to "bonk" hard on cold days as typically one does not feel very thirsty or feel like taking in calories. A detailed article by former Olympian Brian Gregg, who will also be on the start line, is available in the notes of our race Facebook page. Please give this resource a read. Taking these preventative measures will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable ski despite cold temperatures!
Also, it's never a bad idea to carry a few old fashioned hand warmers in your pockets in case of an equipment malfunction that would cause you to stop skiing and start walking. They are very inexpensive, light, and fit nicely in a pocket. And better yet...they work and can help in a time of potential need.
Junior Noque
Friday evenings high temperature is currently forecasted at -2F with moderate winds and wind chills at or below -15F. That said the race committee has decided to preemptively
CANCEL the 1K Jr Noqe race
(ages 7 & under). The safety of participants is very important and the youngest of the Junior skiers are the most vulnerable to these kinds of temperatures. The 3K (ages 8-13) and 5K (ages 14-19) events will still be held as scheduled. The 5K Classic race begins at 4:00pm, the 3K Classic race begins at 4:30pm, and the 3K Freestyle race begins at 4:35pm.
Potential 50K Delayed Start
The race committee will make a decision on Friday morning regarding any delayed start of the 50K Noquemanon Ski Marathon. A 1 or 2 hour delayed start will occur for the 50K if the there is strong confidence that the forecasted ambient temperature at 8:10am on Saturday will be -13F or lower. This decision will be communicated to all pre-registered racers via e-mail and on the race website. An early decision on any delayed start allows organizers the opportunity to communicate to race volunteers and make adjustments as needed. The busing schedule will also be pushed one hour back. All other events on Saturday will begin at the regularly scheduled time(s). The 50K race will not be cancelled as high temperatures on Saturday are expected to climb to around +6F in the afternoon. Participants will need to be attentive to any updates and stay on top of details near the bus staging area in the Superior Dome.
On course Aid and Safety
Safety on the Noque courses is the collaboration of several area agencies. Aid stations are located approximately every 6 to 7 kilometers. These aid stations have fluids (water and Hammer HEED), food (Hammer Gels, other foods), a medically trained individual, and radio communication access to the central communications hub at the Superior Dome and radio access to emergency personnel. Radio access to the emergency frequency is accessible in most areas of the course however in the most remote and terrain heavy areas and we have backup with Ham radio operators who ensure we always have direct connection to emergency personnel. The Marquette Township Fire Department will be on snowmobiles and there are 7 AED's and 7 oxygen tanks. Marquette Mountain Ski Patrol will be carrying mobile emergency warming huts (much like a light portable ice fishing shanty) in case of an emergency warming need. MM Ski Patrol will also be at the finish line near the medical trailer (heated with power) and will be checking on skiers as they cross the finish line. Medical assistance will be offered at the finish line, and not the Superior Dome, although there is an aid station within the Dome with food and fluids. If medical assistance is needed, be sure to receive that aid at the finish line. If major medical assistance is needed after a return to the Dome please notify a race official and call 911. The Superior Dome is located approximately 1/2 mile from an emergency room at Marquette General Hospital.
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Still looking for a place to stay during your trip to Marquette County? The hotels below have partnered with the Noquemanon Ski Marathon and are available to make your trip as comfortable, and convenient, as possible. Race busing is available at these hotels and they are our
preferred
accommodation partners. Check the bus schedule and race packet at the Ski Expo/Bag Pick-up for more details on the perks these businesses are offering Noquemanon racers!
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Upper Michigan's only upscale extended stay hotel. Architecturally reminiscent of Marquette's historical downtown, and with interior spaces reflecting the region's heritage, we offer our guests an upscale local experience. The hotel offers plenty of temperature controlled, underground parking units, to keep our guests warm and dry in the winter, and cool during the hot summer.
Covered parking and waxing station for Noque Skiers included.
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Make yourself at home in one of the 84 rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Your room comes with a pillowtop bed, complimentary wired and wireless Internet access and satellite programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Don't miss out on the many recreational opportunities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center, and a fireplace in the lobby
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Amidst the shops, restaurants and theaters of downtown Marquette, overlooking Lake Superior, discover a place that time forgot but that you never will — the Landmark Inn, featured in the
New York Times
. Old-world European splendor and charm meet modern convenience at our AAA Three-Diamond hotel that welcomed its first guests as The Northland Hotel in 1930.
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A pleasant blend of rustic charm and modern accommodations awaits you at the Cedar Motor Inn. Family-owned over 45 years, our small-scale AAA diamond approved hotel is in Marquette, nestled against the north woods near the shores of Lake Superior. We offer the vacationer, the traveler or a business person 43 rooms to choose from, including a housekeeping cottage suite that can accommodate 2-4 people.
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Located within close proximity of Ojibwa Casino, Superior Dome, Lake Superior and Westwood Mall, our Marquette, MI Inn places guests close to all area business, dining and entertainment districts. Enjoy year-round activities in hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowmobile trails to discover why we're a big hit with outdoor enthusiasts.
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More questions about how to stay and play? Contact another one of our great partners, Travel Marquette for, great tips.
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Support the Noque and trails by being a Noque volunteer!
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We need you! Did you know it takes nearly 500 volunteers to pull off the Noquemanon weekend? Did you also know that participant surveys indicate the Noque has some of the best volunteers on the ski race calendar? Come be part of the fun, and history, and know that you'll be playing a part in one of Marquette Counties premier outdoor events! Sign up now to secure your preferred spot. We train, and we have swag for you too!
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The Noquemanon weekend wraps up on Sunday January 27th with the very spectator friendly Wildside of the Noque at the
NTN Forestville Trailhead
. Three events are showcased - the Animoosh 1 and 2 dog skijour, snowbike, and 5K & 10K snowshoe races. Don't miss out on the fun and laid back atmosphere.
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The 2019 Noquemanon Ski Marathon will be hosing an out and back 1K and 3K Adaptive Ski which will start and finish at the Noque finish line (ie the "Log Yard" - approximately 3 miles west of the NMU Superior dome on CR550). Accessible parking will be available near the entry to the Log Yard finish line. We encourage all participants and family members of Adaptive skiers to heed the cold weather advice and dress appropriately for conditions and cover all exposed skin for safety.
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Now that the Noquemanon has entered it's 21st year, we will be issuing red "Founder" bibs to skiers that have completed all editions of the Noquemanon Ski Marathon. Founder skiers can confirm, or ensure, their eligibility through e-mail by contacting registration at registration@noquemanon.com. Please contact us prior to the expo to ensure you receive the correct bib color so the rest of us mere mortals can appreciate you the way you deserve!
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Sign up and know where your racers are. Check points are at the CR 510 trailhead and at the NTN Forestville Trailhead. Go to
http://live.superiortiming.com
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A waxing demo and area will be hosted by Down Wind Sports at the bag pick-up/ski expo on Friday January 25th in the NMU Superior Dome. Pick up tips, products, and assistance. Thank you to one of our local shops
Down Wind Sports
!
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We are pleased to provide Hammer products on course once again at each of our 8 aid stations.
We are very grateful for their continued partnership with the Noquemanon Ski Marathon!
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A complete bus schedule will be available at the Friday night bag pick-up/ski expo on January 25th at the NMU Superior Dome along with a racer bulletin which will provide details on all Noquemanon weekend activities. Busing will be available from the NMU Superior Dome to the start lines of the 50K and 24K along with return buses that will run on the hour from the Dome to our sponsor hotels and then back to the start line of the full marathon only (Birchview Elementary School in Ishpeming. The last run will be approximately 5:00 pm. There is no transportation back to the start of the ½ marathon or to the start of the 12K at the NTN Forestville Trailhead. Please reference the complete bus schedule available at the Friday ski expo/bag pick up.
Additionally, there will be very regular busing available at the finish line (along with medical area and large heated tent) to take skiers (and spectators) back to the Dome. Spectators are also welcome to take a bus to the finish line - spectator busing is available starting at approximately 10:00am on Saturday from the Superior Dome . The bag drop, showers, locker rooms, sauna, massage stations, ski valet, results, and awards are located in the Dome. An aid station inside the Dome will be available and aid/refreshments will be available at the finish line as well. Busing from the finish line back to the Superior Dome is not required - if a friend or family member wants to meet you at the finish line with dry clothes and take you to the dome, hotel, home, etc that is absolutely fine. Parking for spectators is available at the finish area.
Please reference final details in the racer bulletin.
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The Noquemanon Ski Marathon is pleased to continue to be a part of the CXC Marathon Cup Series. The 50K Classic race counts towards CXC Marathon Cup points.
The CXC Marathon Cup connects the premiere cross country ski events across the Central region. Sanctioned and scored by
Central Cross Country Skiing, presented by
AVANT Techno, the Cup includes races in each of the three main states in the region - two races in Michigan, two in Wisconsin, and two in Minnesota. The 2019 series is split between classic and skate racing, with two classic races, three skate weekends, and one skiathlon weekend.
Seeley Hills Classic - January 12th
Ski Rennet - January 19th
Noquemanon Ski Marathon - January 26th
City of Lakes Loppet - February 3rd
Vasaloppet USA - February 9th
American Birkebeiner - February 23rd
Great Bear Chase - March 9th
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The Noquemanon Ski Marathon continues a long tradition of being a part of the ASM Series.
Beautiful backdrops in America's most incredible winter playgrounds...courses that both challenge veterans as well as welcome novices...unparalleled organization at every event...world-class racers and entire families all with smiles from ear-to-ear. This is the American Ski Marathon Series!
Founded in 1978 as the "Great American Ski Chase". the American Ski Marathon Series (ASM) provides every level of cross country skier a thrilling chance to be part of a nationwide series of adventure, winter festivals and fun. Whether beginner, weekend warrior, casual tourer or professional racer -- every ASM event has something to offer you and your family.
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