Marathon runner-up Richardo Alvarez of Danville, Ill., cools down after completing the Marquette Marathon on Sept. 5, 2015, along Third Street in front of Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette. (Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — Registration has officially opened for 12th annual Marquette Marathon races to be held late this summer.

Set for Sept. 4, this Boston Marathon qualifier is under the direction of Northern Michigan University and race directors Derek Lindstrom and Kevin Thomsen.

“We are pleased that Derek and Kevin will be leading this year’s event,” NMU director of athletics Forrest Karr said. “Their positive energy and connections to the Midwest running community will help as we strive to make sure marathon weekend exceeds the expectations for all participants.”

The marathon follows the scenic Iron Ore Heritage Trail from Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum in Ishpeming to Negaunee and downhill on through to Marquette and has received rave reviews from past participants. The half marathon starts at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum trailhead in Negaunee Township.

“I am beyond excited about this opportunity,” said Lindstrom, a running coach and Minneapolis real estate broker. “As a lifelong runner, and having grown up in Marquette, this race means a lot to me and to the community.

“We have a lot of plans for 2021, minor changes that may not be immediately noticeable, but plans that are intended to enhance the experience for participants, sponsors and volunteers.

“I look forward to receiving input and working hard to put on an event that will showcase the beauty that is Marquette and Northern Michigan University.”

Runners can register right up until the Friday night expo on the eve of the race.

“We’re really looking forward to taking on this race,” said Thomsen, owner of Queen City Running Company. “The running world is going to be on the rebound this year and we’re fully confident that we’ll be able to provide a safe and great event.”

Registration is available online at https://nmu.universitytickets.com/w/?search=marathon&cid=181. For more information, visit marquettemarathon.com.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@ miningjournal.net.