The Paavo Nurmi Marathon
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Paavo Nurmi Marathon
The Paavo Nurmi Marathon is a point to point road race held in Northern Iron County, Wisconsin on the second Saturday in August. The event has been organized since 1969 and in 2027 marks its 57th year, making it the longest running marathon in Wisconsin.
The course begins in Upson and follows Highway 77 through Iron Belt, Pence and Montreal. Near Carey the route turns onto County Highway C, passes the Gile Flowage and continues along U.S. Route 51 into Hurley, with the finish line on Silver Street. Finishers are served a traditional Finnish stew called Mojakka.
The Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce handles race details and states the course is a Boston Marathon qualified course on a verified measurement. As of 2026 the men's record is 2:19.10 set in 1978 and the women's record is 2:47.49 set in 1979.
Packet pickup locations are given for the event, including the Hurley K-12 School and the Iron Horse Trailhead. Event formats listed for the date include multiple options and a handcycle division.
Distances offered: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- 26.2 Miles full marathon and virtual marathon
- 13.1 Miles half marathon
- 26.2 Miles relay option
- 26.2 Miles handcycle division