Thank You To Our 2019 Title Sponsor
And Welcome To Our Two New Major Sponsors
Without generous sponsors, the Noquemanon Ski Marathon simply would not exist. Title and major sponsors like UP Health System (UPHS), Eagle Mine, and River Valley 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 rentals 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. We will continue to add sponsors as they are secured so be sure to check back often.

Noque weekend is coming soon and we look forward to hosting you January 25th-27th for the 21st annual Noquemanon Ski Marathon. Please read on through this newsletter for updated information, and continue to stay in touch with us through our website and social media channels. All final details will be provided in the racer packet available at the bag pickup/ski expo on Friday January 25th in the NMU Superior Dome. Don't forget about the dated trail reports from the course crew which will be at the bottom of the race website page. As always, we need mother nature to play ball with us - there is no artificial snow making here and we have several large water crossings and numerous creeks and streams to traverse. Not to mention some pretty rugged terrain. This is the real deal and that means you need to stay informed. This all adds to the adventure that makes the Noque so very special!

Here's a re-cap of our 2018 event to get you even more excited!

Get The Best Rate and Register Today


2019 Race Pricing Schedule


Youth (age 24 and under) get a $25 discount when signing up on line for 50K/24K/15 Mile events.

50K, 24K & 15 Mile Events (Saturday)
  • $95 by December 31, 2018
  • $100 by January 24, 2019
  • $110 on January 26, 2019
12K (Saturday)
  • $40 by December 31, 2018
  • $45 by January 1, 2019 to Race Day
Adaptive/Sit Ski
  • $10 by January 25, 2019

"WildSide of the Noque" Skijour, Snowbike, 5K&10K Snowshoe (Sunday)
  • $40 by December 31, 2018
  • $45 by January 1, 2019 to Race Day
2019 Noquemanon Ski Marathon commemorative posters will be available once again at the Ski Expo/Bag Pick-up
Accommodation Sponsors
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!
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.

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

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.


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.

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.

More questions about how to stay and play? Contact another one of our great partners, Travel Marquette for, great tips.
Support the Noque and trails by being a Noque volunteer!
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!
Junior Noque
Please join us at the NTN Forestville Trailhead on Friday Jan 25th at 4pm for the ever popular Jr. Noque. Events exist for all ages 1-19 so the whole family can participate in the Noque.

5K Classic (ages 14-19) at 4pm
3K Classic (ages 8-13) at 4:30pm
3K Freestyle (ages 8-13) at 4:35
1K untimed Classic (ages 7 & under) at 5:00pm

On-site registration is available at the very low cost of $10! Pre registration is only $7.
There is no on-line registration to keep costs low but Jr. Noque pre registration forms can be downloaded at our website here: www.noquemanon.com
WildSide of the Noque
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.


Adaptive Ski
The 2019 Noquemanon Ski Marathon will be hosing a 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). Contact the Adaptive Ski coordinator Nancy Uschold at nuschold@yahoo.com for questions, concerns, or spotter requests and visit the Noque website for additional details. Registration fee is only $10.00. Upon advanced request, the Noque organizers will try to provide spotters for other distances (12K, 24K, and 50K). Those adaptive events will be held on the same courses. Full rates apply for adaptive distances 12K or more. The adaptive ski is sponsored by Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL). To learn more about SAIL visit their website HERE .
Founder Bibs
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!
Wave Placements - Preferred Start Positions
PLEASE NOTE ! To be considered for higher wave, or elite wave, placement, you must have skied in last year’s Noquemanon or petition in. Results from the 2018 Noquemanon will be used as a guideline. Petitions must be submitted in writing two weeks in advance of race. Contact the Registration Coordinator via email at registration@noquemanon.com.
Waxing Demo
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 !
Aid Stations
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!

Busing Schedule
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) to take skiers (and spectators) back to the Dome. Spectators may also take a bus to the finish line. 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.

Please reference final details in the racer bulletin.
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
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.