The Paavo Nurmi Marathon
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Event overview
The Paavo Nurmi Marathon takes place in Northern Iron County, Wisconsin, with race weekend dates listed as August 7-8, 2026. The marathon is a point-to-point course that finishes in downtown Hurley. The course is verified but is not a Boston Qualifier this year. Organizers report a course change for safety because of increased traffic on State Highway 77 and a bridge outage on Route 122. The route includes sections that are closed to regular traffic during the event and passes the only standing mine headframe in Wisconsin and groves of pine trees. The event has a long history; 2025 marked its 55th year. Marathon, half marathon, and relay finishers receive custom wooden finisher medals made from local wood.
Events and practical details
Events listed for the weekend include:
- Marathon (The Paavo)
- Marathon - Virtual
- Half marathon
- Marathon relay
- Handcycle marathon
- Twilight 5K Run/Walk
- Youth Twilight 5K (ages 12 and under)
The race location is 316 Silver Street, Hurley, WI 54534. Entry fees shown include $70 for the marathon and virtual marathon, $50 for the half marathon, $175 for the marathon relay, $55 for the handcycle marathon, $25 for the Twilight 5K, and $20 for the youth 5K. Several events have price increases after March 1, 2026; the Twilight 5K price increases after May 30, 2026. Youth registration closes on August 7, 2026. Additional event information is available from the race organizers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.