The State of Wisconsin's oldest-running marathon, the Paavo Nurmi Marathon, celebrates its 40th running on August 9, 2008. As is tradition, the annual torch lighting will take place the night before the race, which coincidentally is the same night the Olympic torch will be lit on the other side of the world in China.

The Paavo Nurmi is a small and well-organized race that typically attracts between 250 and 300 runners. There is also a relay event which draws another 300 to 400 runners.

The race is based out of Hurley, which is one of northern Wisconsin's most beautiful and most visited areas. The moderately hilly course is of above-average difficulty, but runners say it's very manageable. It starts in Upson, about 13 miles west of Hurley and is a point-to-point race which ends in Hurley. Finishers are treated to Mojakka, which is traditional Finnish stew.

Registration can be done online at Active.com. For more information, visit the race website.