Whitefish Point Marathon
With sadness, we report that Rob Klein, who was the inspiration of the Whitefish Point Marathon passed away in May, 2022 at age 65. Rob enlisted the Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce to host the marathon as one of its events in 2013. He was the race director for 2013-2015. He did the measurements and paperwork to have the Whitefish Point Marathon course certified by USA Track & Field so that the race would be eligible as a Boston Qualifying marathon beginning 2014. Rob had retired in Paradise in 2011 after a career as an engineer at Boeing. During his retirement, he worked as a night clerk at the Magnuson Grand Hotel Lakefront Paradise. Rob was a member of Marathon Maniacs and ran hundreds of marathons over the years and will be missed in the running community. A tribute to Rob was posted on the Grand Magnuson Hotel Facebook page. His obituary may be found at Beaulieu Funeral Home, Inc. of Newberry, MI. www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
ANNOUNCEMENT Any Whitefish Township Resident interested in directing the 2023 Whitefish Point Marathon needs to reach out to (906)492-3219.
In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, this road race meanders along Whitefish Point Road, traveling along the edge of Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay, crossing the Betsy River. Kissing the shores of Lake Superior, it passes by the Whitefish Point Light Station, and skirts the edge of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Whitefish Point. The finish line is across the street from the start, at the Whitefish Community Center on the southern edge of Paradise. After the race, we encourage you to unwind by visiting Tahquamenon Falls, Crisp Point Light House, Point Iroquois Light House, the Whitefish Point Light Station or Oswald's Bear Ranch.
Nine of the seventeen runners that obtained BQ's at our 2018 Whitefish Point Marathon registered for the 2019 Boston Marathon held on April 15, 2019. GOOD LUCK and GOOD RUNNING to Adam Schaaf, 1501; Collin Elek, 3042; Jeff Young, 10921; Dave DeVet, 13951; Keith Kuykendall, 18586; Peter Wertanen, 24073; Barbara Trudeau, 24782; Bill Sved, 24352; and Wayne Christopherson, 24699. The weather has to better than last year, right? posted 4/10/19
The key to the success of the event is the volunteers. Over the years, many of the runners have expressed their appreciation for being able to participate in running our marathon in Paradise. Thank you (volunteers) for helping to make this year's Whitefish Point Marathon a success! Total finishers 73, first-time marathon finishers 18, Boston Qualifiers 11, first wheelchair competitor." Bill Sved 2021 Race Director
"I just want to say what a great marathon last Saturday (June 12, 2021). This was my first WhiteFish about 5 marathons overall and this is right up there. I liked the milk jugs for mile markers and the water station folks, GREAT volunteers. I loved the rock medals, I get enough plastic crap made in China and also got a BQ mug (got a BQ by 33 mins so should be good for next year in Boston) and the painted rock for age group winner was excellent! ....GREAT organization, GREAT volunteers and tell that rock painter you have, EXCELLENT job, love my rock, BQ mug, stone medal, and the memories" (2021) John Niven Swartz Creek, Michigan
"I have run 71 marathons and tons of other races of various distance from 5K to 103 miles, and your race stands out as perhaps my favorite (apart from Boston anyways). For what it is worth, from a hard core runner -- nice work, really nice work. Thank you for doing what you do." (2016) John Klees Grand Rapids, Michigan
Bill Sved of Marquette, Michigan has served the Paradise community in directing the Whitefish Point Marathon 2016 - 2021. His genuine passion to share the unqiue attributes of the Paradise area was evident in his collaboration with area businesses, community organizations, and passion for the Upper Peninsula.
In 2013 Rob Klein, Paradise resident and avid runner approached the Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce to sponsor and support a full marathon with the hopes of bringing more visitors to the area in June. The Chamber got behind the effort and the Whitefish Point Marathon was established. In 2014 Rob Klein took the steps to get the course certified as a Boston Marathon Qualifier. Rob Klein served as the race director from 2013 - 2015.