2021 Noquemanon goes fully virtual

Fri, Jan  15, 2021 - By Noquemanon Ski Marathon

As of 1/14/2021 the Noquemanon Ski Marathon is shifting to our virtual format plan.

The Noquemanon Ski Marathon prides itself on hosting a high-quality one-of-a-kind experience with both safety and enjoyment at the forefront. These factors are paramount in our decision making as we evaluate our ability to safely host the Noquemanon each year. Every year we are humbled by the amazing volunteers and support we receive from our communities. As the Race Committee made preparations for the 2021 marathon, we paid a great deal of attention to the safety of our volunteers, the safety of our racers, our front-line workers, and the safety of our course options. It was important to the Race Committee that should any of these things come in to question we would err on the side of caution to ensure the Noquemanon Ski Marathon’s legacy was one of healthy enjoyment of a sport and trail system we love. For these reasons the 2021 Noquemanon Ski Marathon Race Committee is now shifting to the “Virtual Noque” format. All participants that registered for the Full and Half ski marathon will be automatically entered into the current Virtual event – all other events planned to take place (ie Junior Noque, 12K, 10K/5K Snowshoe, Adaptive, Skijour) have been cancelled for 2021.

Please note that any pre-registered 12K skier can participate in the Virtual if they choose but 12K registration is now closed.

We think it is important to let you know that the Race Committee put precautions in place that mirror what races around the world have used to safely host outside events throughout 2020-21. We limited our course and extended the duration of the event to limit group sizes, we removed spectators, removed touch points, and we eliminated inside gatherings. Unfortunately, there have been a number of recent factors that are outside of our control. Though we lowered our wave sizes to 30 it is not possible to meet the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) maximum allowable outside gathering restrictions that were reinforced this week. We also have had some challenging weather with low snow volume and higher temperatures resulting in a trail we do not feel can be maintained over the course of three days of racing. While it seems there may be a little snow on the way, there is not enough certainty that enough new snow will accumulate in enough time for appropriate course preparation for racing in waves over the timeframe we have planned for. The Virtual option will give Full and Half marathon skiers more time for improved snow conditions, including classic track for the classic skiers, and allow for a better experience overall.

We will continue on with our Virtual event and would love to see you here to participate in this option. It is likely we can offer more trail, a better course, and a better experience in this format for this year’s Noque. Virtual Noque registration will also remain open past the planned January 20th registration cut off giving even more flexibility to skiers wanting to participate in this years event.

We know that our trail system will provide you with the experience you truly deserve so we hope to see you out there if you were planning to travel to Marquette for the Noquemanon. Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, supporters and communities for believing in us and participating in our very first Virtual Noque. We look forward to seeing you out on the trail over the next several weeks. Stay in touch with our website for further Virtual Noque details including packet mailing, packet pick up for local residents, and course/route information.

~Noquemanon Ski Marathon Race Committee

Click Here to Register Now For The Virtual Noque

Virtual Noque Details

Complete your ski on your own time starting on January 15th at a time and or location that works for you. The NTN will have an on site route available on the planned Noque weekend (January 22nd-24th) at the NTN Forestville Trailhead...the course available will be based on snow conditions. Be ready for some possible access to trail that is only typically available during the Noquemanon!

The Virtual Noque option will count towards Founder and Legacy status. All virtual registrants will receive their official Swix Noque hat and be entered into a raffle for a chance to win prizes.

Virtual details are as follows:

• Participants residing outside of Marquette County will be mailed their bib, hat, and other promotional items. Your registration will count as a completed Noquemanon but your time will not be considered for wave placement in future Noquemanon Ski Marathon events.
• Complete your ski between January 15th – 30th to be eligible for some great prizes.
• Virtual Noque distance to be completed is 42K for the Full Noque and 22K for the Half Noque.
• The Noquemanon will offer a route within the NTN Forestville Trail system and partnering races in other areas will be doing the same on their local trails. There will be a specially marked route at Forestville during the planned Noquemanon weekend of January 22nd-24th.
• Participants will upload their times to a link on the race website to be eligible for raffle prizes. Results will be posted by Midnight on January 31st.
• The Virtual Noque does not have age group or overall awards due to varying course opportunities and weather variation.
• Raffle prizes will be mailed to those outside Marquette County.
• Share your photos and use the hasthtag #SaferOutside and #Noquemanon

Packet Pick up And Mailing

Virtual participants residing outside of Marquette County will be mailed their bib, hat, and other promotional items. Your registration will count as a completed Noquemanon but your time will not be considered for wave placement in future Noquemanon Ski Marathon events.

Details on local packet pick up location(s) will be made available soon.

All pre-registered 12K participants will have a packet mailed to them and those residing in Marquette County will have a local pick up option as well.

Stay tuned for more details!