Rails To Trails Marathon Reviews

  Thank you Norwalk!

By RLA about 2022

Review

This was my first marathon and I absolutely loved it! We had signed up to run the Milwaukee lakefront marathon that same weekend and when it was canceled 3 weeks before the event, we scrambled to find another race in Wisconsin and came across this jewel. I'm a trail runner anyway so I preferred the packed gravel trail and the scenery was lovely. The people of Norwalk were delightful and so supportive. I loved seeing them along the route

Race Tips

The tunnel was so cool and I'm sure quite unusual. It definitely slowed down my goal pace as it was tricky with the dim lighting, uneven footing and dripping water. But since it was my first marathon, my time was still going to be my PR!

The race was well supported with aid and viewing stations interspersed quite frequently.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Spectator viewing, following and support was so easy!

  Gorgeous course, well-organized and supported

By ACG about 2017

Review

I ran this in 2017. It was my first marathon and so I didn't pace it quite right (the hills make that slightly tricky) but that's obviously not the organizers' fault.

The people of Norwalk were great. I liked how small this race was and the people who raced it were quite friendly. Some older guys really helped talk me through the last miles when I was struggling. The fall leaves up there in October are gorgeous! Running on trails is great and so I enjoyed that aspect of it - these were packed dirt trails so you won't lose time from difficult trails.

Race Tips

Don't use my pacing strategy (which was to fly down the first downhill and pay for it later).