ELY — After the surprise announcement that Pebble Spa was shutting its doors as of Nov. 25, it appears another Ely tradition is in trouble.
“We are deeply saddened to share that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the 2026 Ely Marathon is on pause until further notice,” announced Wendy Lindsay.
The race had become an iconic part of the Ely events calendar and earned mentions in the Guiness Book of World Records, with the addition of canoe marathon categories that had runners participating in the race while portaging a canoe the entire way. The race weekend included a 5K run the evening before the race, live music and food in Whiteside Park, and a kids “marathon” where children completed 25 miles prior to race day and then ran the final 1.2 miles on the official course. The half marathon also allowed leashed dogs to run the route, something that is not part of a more traditional race.
Stone Soup Events LLC, which puts on the marathon, is not part of The Pebble Spa Company, a corporation, but the LLC was also owned by Lindsay.
The 160 runners who had registered in advance for the 2026 race will have their money refunded this week, Lindsay announced. Many runners signed up for the next year’s marathon on race day, taking advantage of a significant discount. The early registrations have helped with planning.
“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every runner, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who has been part of this incredible journey over the past ten years,” Lindsay said. “The Ely Marathon has always been about more than miles — it’s been about community, adventure, and heart.”
The pause isn’t specifically related to the Pebble bankruptcy, Lindsay told the Timberjay.
“However, Ryan and I have personally contributed between $20,000-$40,000 yearly for the event and that is just not sustainable.” This didn’t include the Pebble Spa sponsorship dollars, she said.
In addition to the money issue, there are about 600 volunteer hours that she puts in each year. “Moving forward, I just don’t think I can commit to that,” she said. “It is time for me to move on to other life adventures.”
Lindsay said she had reached out to other race organizations and local groups this past year, but no one had expressed interest in taking over the race at that time.
But there is a chance the race may continue. 
“There is a group of locals who have expressed interest,” she said. “But again, it will take strong leadership and tons of volunteer hours to make it happen, as well as additional funding sources. This race is expensive to pull off. The budget sits around $100,000 yearly.”
Race fees collected each year do not even cover half the costs of putting on the event, she said. The 2025 race collected $43,000 in fees.
Lindsay said the only sponsorship the race had lost for next year was their own.
“We are very thankful for the amazing sponsors we have had over the years! We could not have done it without them,” she said.
The race involves at least 350 volunteers for race weekend. It has had about 25 sponsors, and money raised has been used to help support around 35 different community organizations over the years. Many local organizations recruited teams of volunteers to help with marathon logistics, staffing aid stations, and help at the finish line.
“Any money that has come in has always gone back out to local clubs and organizations,” she said.
The Facebook post announcing the pause for the race generated over 70 comments within a day, including from participants, sponsors, local business owners, and future participants.
“Love to hear all the great comments and support for Wendy and her great team. I Hope someone will take it over but during these times let’s honor the great work she did and the people who fell in love with Ely because of it…”
Kathy Nieman
“Hopefully you’re back in 2027. This is on my “goal” list of races to do (how can I not? Look at my name)”
David Ely
“Much appreciation for all the work and organization required to pull all of these races off so successfully - and for keeping it Ely-fun with the portage divisions.”
Jason Zabokrtsky
“Thank you for the decade of hard work and dedication you have put into it! My family and I appreciate it very much.”
Jake Hway
“Say it isn’t so! This is one of my absolute favorite races and they don’t get any more Minnesotan than this. The volunteers, the course, the canoes, the dogs, the community...it’s just the best. I rave about and recommend this race to everyone I know.”
Ashley Siebert
“We (Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters ) have been a sponsor for a number of years. We hope to continue helping sponsor this race if it gets a chance to happen in the future. We appreciate the community that it brings together.”
Virginia Nelson.