8/08/2025

HURLEY - Hurley is set to host the state’s longest-running race, established in 1969 and named after Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi. The Paavo Twilight 5K Run/Walk also takes place Friday evening, and then on Saturday, 320 runners will participate in the full and half Paavo Nurmi marathons, starting at Whitecap Mountains Resort and Gile Park, respectively, and concluding with a “Finnish Line” party in downtown Hurley. The Hurley Chamber of Commerce, now under the direction of Melissa Teeple, has reassumed ownership of the race. Teeple aims to expand the event and revitalize Hurley. Finnish sports historian Kalle Virtapohja and Paavo Nurmi Games CEO Jari Salonen were at a Monday meeting of the Hurley Chamber and met with Teeple about plans to grow the Paavo race.