By JUSTIN MARIETTI

Mining Journal,

Marquette

ISHPEMING — The 12th-annual Iron Range Roll is set to kick off at 1 p.m. Eastern time Saturday.

Race registration is open, and volunteering opportunities are still available. Packet pickup for the race will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Eastern time Friday at the Marquette YMCA.

The race will begin at 1 p.m. from the Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum in Ishpeming. From there, competitors will make their way down the Iron Ore Heritage Trail through Ishpeming, Negaunee, and finally into Marquette Township, where the race will end near Barrel+Beam.

“This 12-mile, point-to-point bike race is a family friendly yet competitive event that in previous years has seen racers from as young as 6 years old to over 80 years old competing as individuals or racing as a team,” said Kari Getschow, Co-chair of the Iron Range Roll.

After the race, Barrel+Beam will host a party where racers can enjoy a complimentary meal and the awards presentation for the top-placing racers.

“Connect Marquette is proud of this event and so grateful to our community for supporting us all these years,” Getschow said. “This year, race proceeds will again benefit the YMCA of Marquette County’s youth programs, and additionally Aspen Ridge Middle School, whose students will be generously helping with this year’s race.”

In 2024, the Iron Range Roll raised more than $8,000 for the YMCA of Marquette County’s youth programs and over the past 11 years, the Iron Range Roll has donated over $60,000 to the youth programs at the YMCA, according to a news release.

For additional information, including registration details and early bird pricing dates, go to the website at connectmarquette.org/events/iron-range-roll/.