Paavo returns with 52nd running Saturday

HURLEY - For the first time in three years, there will be a Paavo Nurmi Marathon this weekend.

It was canceled, like pretty much everything else, in 2020 because of the pandemic and it didn't happen again in 2021. Fans of the Paavo are pretty excited to have it back for the 52nd running Saturday.

As of midday Wednesday, over 160 people were signed up across all the events, including 43 half-marathoners and a similar number for the full 26.2 miles.

They may get a lot more signed up in the final moments, especially if the rain fades from the forecast, said former longtime race director Ricky Kelly, who is helping new race director Ashley Sorrels.

The path of the race changed completely in 2019. It started and finished in Hurley with a course designed to avoid putting runners and aid stations on busy U.S. 51.

It's changed again for this year. It still avoids 51, but it is much less like an out-and-back this time.

The race is back to its traditional starting spot in Upson. The starting line is just to the east of Hoyt Avenue. Runners will turn off 77 onto Sessions Street, then Second Street and Wisconsin 122 from there.

The course then heads right onto County E. Runners rejoin Wisconsin 77 just before mile 7 and they continue east on that until going through the center of Gile.

They then rejoin 77 briefly before turning on Odanah Road, which they take to County C. Instead of going all the way out to 51 and then heading north to Hurley, runners will turn around between miles 20 and 21, taking County C back to 77 and then taking that highway into downtown Hurley.

Runners will be finishing on Silver Street, but entering from the opposite direction than usual, from the west.

The finish line will line up with the west edge of Bucko's Saloon.

This course is certified, which means it's a qualifier for the Boston Marathon as the Paavo has typically been.

It may go back to 51 someday, Kelly said, but there was uncertainty with road construction this year, so they didn't make the move there again for this year's race.

The full marathon and the relays start at 7 a.m. with the half beginning at 8 in Gile.

The new fun bike ride of the entire course begins at 6:45 a.m. in Upson.

None of the big Paavo winners were signed up as of Wednesday, but handcyclist Dean Juntunen, of Mass City, a regular at the Paavo since 1993, is signed up for his 100th marathon.

"We're honoring him at the torchlighting Friday night," Kelly said. "He's going to be wheeling in with the torchrunners, lighting the torch."

That is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday night in Hurley.

SCHEDULE

Friday

4:00 to 7:30 p.m. - Registration and bib pickup at the Heritage Park (across from the Iron Nugget)

7:30 p.m. - Torch Lighting Ceremony

Saturday

Location: Upson on Wisconsin 77 at Hoyt Avenue

6:45 a.m .: Start Bike the Paavo

7 a.m .: Start of the full marathon, the two person relay and the five person relay

8 a.m .: Start of the half-marathon in Gile

9 a.m.-2 p.m .: Craft and vendor market, Silver Street

10 a.m. to 2:00pm - Kids Zone: Bungee Jump and Bouncy House and more

11 a.m. to 2 p.m .: DJ music

Noon: Medal ceremony at the Heritage Park