Running is more than movement–it's transformation. With every heartbeat and footfall, runners tap into a deep well of strength and purpose, and choosing to run a marathon becomes their personal quest. It's a challenge many take to reduce stress and anxiety, for growth, or as a moving meditation to process things and emerge calmer. Some do it to beat their previous time, to win, or to qualify for another marathon; still, many run a marathon because they never thought they could. Whatever the reason, the experience is often life-defining, and there's no place quite like Ely to take that journey.
With its breathtaking wilderness, supportive community, and quirky charm, the Ely Marathon offers a truly special experience. From the start, deep in the woods at Camp Du Nord to the festive finish in the heart of the city at Whiteside Park, runners get to experience a gentle incline of forest trails to paved roads, pristine lakes, and the opportunity to spot wildlife. The Ely Marathon is a Boston qualifier and USATF Certified, and in a place where canoes are queen, it's home to the only canoe marathon portage in the world. Runners can enter the portage category and run the half-marathon with a canoe on their shoulders. People can also enter a category with their dog. Both categories are quirky and uniquely Minnesotan.
Marathons in places like Ely turn into one big communal event or big city-wide party. The weekend is packed with fun, including the popular 5K Glow Run the night before, a beer tent, and food trucks. Music and bounce houses entertain families in Whiteside Park. Locals come out to cheer on racers, and Ely's local businesses set up stations to provide drinks and friendly faces offering encouragement when fatigue sets in. It's become a tradition to celebrate the strength of runners traveling near and far.
There is something special about hosting a marathon in your backyard. In Ely, people who would never dream of lacing up and running one elsewhere get emboldened to try it close to home. It's a great way to welcome Fall and celebrate the beauty of transformation. Ely invites everyone to be a part of something extraordinary in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Join us on September 20th for the 2025 Ely Marathon. It's sure to be a memorable time!
Dates: September 20, 2025
Time: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
