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DESTROYING LIMITATIONS

3rd annual Marji Gesick 100 set to draw hundreds to Marquette

MARQUETTE — Race organizers for the third annual Marji Gesick 100 are encouraging participants to find their limits — and destroy them — during one of the hardest endurance events in the country.

More than 600 racers from across the country will converge on Marquette County today and Saturday hoping to finish in one of four categories — a 100-mile bike race, a 100-mile run, a 50-mile bike race and a 50-mile run, all of which require racers to traverse uphill over unforgiving terrain from Marquette to Ishpeming.

The first racer to reach the finish line in each event category will receive a cash prize of $1, although race director Todd Poquette said the event is more about transcending personal limits than triumph over others.

“This event is not about winning, money, and fame,” Poquette said in a recent blog posted on the Salsa Cycle website. “It is about human struggle, overcoming adversity, pushing limits, and not accepting the excuses we make for ourselves and putting it all on the line for one day.”

Race participants should expect to be self-supported, Poquette said meaning racers are on their own — no aid stations will be provided by race officials along the route.

Racers should use a full suspension bike, a phone, lights, tools, tubes, tire levers and a pump as well as food and water for their journey.

In addition, all participants are required to use GPS during the race to navigate the route, the site states.

“While the course is signed from beginning to end you will be expected to handle whatever adversity is thrown your way,” the site states. “This includes the possibility of a sign falling down, being blown down or eaten by a bear.”

Participants in the 100-mile races will be required to collect ‘integrity markers” from four checkpoint locations that are not disclosed to racers, to ensure that racers follow the course properly and do not cut trail, Poquette said.

Bike racers can pick up their packets today from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Border Grill on Washington Street in Marquette.

The race will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday at the Forestville Trailhead near Marquette and end at 106 N. Main St. in the Marji Gesick 100 Celebration Zone in Ishpeming.

The zone will officially be open at noon, with racers expected to begin arriving at about 1:30 p.m., the race website states.

A beer tent and food truck will be available from 1:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for race participants and spectators along with live music.

Both the men’s and women’s ceremonies for the 100-mile race are expected to take place at 7 p.m., but the time is subject to change depending on the time of arrival of the top three finishers for each event, the website states.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.

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