Hans Gottsacker, right, of Marquette approaches the Superior Dome finish line along with other participants at the Marquette Marathon on Saturday. From left are Adam Gudbrandson of Mount Pleasant, Donna Haist of Utica and Daniel Phelps of Marshfield, Wis. Gottsacker and Gudbrandson competed in the full marathon and Haist and Phelps in the half-marathon. (Journal photo by Katie Segula)

MARQUETTE — Rain on Saturday morning didn’t stop racers or organizers at Northern Michigan University’s Marquette Marathon from running through the full schedule of events.

Despite the rainy weather, the event was filled with supporters, with many families waiting for the loved ones on Saturday morning while officials organized for the arrivals.

Some racers ran for personal times, while some ran to qualify for bigger races.

“I ran the marathon,” Lori Taylor of Grand Blanc said. “I ran for time and I did very well and was very happy I got a new personal record today.”

Race supporters waited along the final stretch on Saturday morning, with NMU’s Dining Services offering a concessions table with snacks and drinks for onlookers and racers.

“We developed a special menu for today,” said NMU Executive Chef Alden Griffus. “We talked to a lot of runners and and asked them what they like to eat after they’re done. So that is what the menu is about.”

The finish line, which was placed alongside the dome, lead racers to tents posted up with officials providing drinks to participants as they received their medals.

The event allowed participants to race a marathon, half marathon or 5-kilometer distance, with the marathon starting in Ishpeming and following the Iron Ore Heritage Trail down to Marquette.

The race involved a net elevation drop of 814 feet from Ishpeming to Marquette, with the race ending at NMU’s Superior Dome in Marquette.

“This course has quickly become known as one of the fastest Boston (Marathon) Qualifier Courses in the country,” according to the Marquette Marathon’s website.

For more information, visit www.marquettemarathon.com.

Katie Segula can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is ksegula@miningjournal.net.