Over the weekend, people fluttered around the Superior Dome, forming small clumps among roads leading to a finish line. Among them, bibbed racers took long strides towards loud screams and blasting music. Some crossed the line with their arms raised in triumph, while others gasped for air.
The 5k, Half and Full Marathons took place in Marquette this weekend, and runners traveled the country to race it. With them, NMU students and faculty were seen in packs along the course. Audience members held posters high and screamed for family and friends as they crossed.
Long distance running has a particular culture that cannot be ignored. In Marquette, it brings strangers together and pushes runners to their limits. Student Kiran Healy made friends in this way during her half marathon.
“I warned them about the hilly course and we bantered back and forth,” Healy said. “It was nice to have that connection and have someone to pace yourself, and it felt good to pass them at the end.”
As runners pushed themselves to the finish, colorful signs were held up and those watching jumped with joy. Finishers left with a shiny metal and big hugs from their supporters.
“The running community is a very tight-knit community, and that’s why there’s so many people here,” Healy said. “It’s cool that marathons have such big pull.”
