Whistlestop Marathon Reviews

  Footing?

By H.J.H. about 2018

Review

Enjoyed the town. Had excellent meal and beer pre-race but...footing not quite as advertised, until one gets to the start line where they warn about "washboard" conditions among other issues. Something to consider for those hoping for a BQ time. I have run five BQ times in nine marathons, so much for street cred. More of a Chamber of Commerce marathon than one put on by a track club. Beautiful setting though.

Race Tips

Be careful for footing--twisted ankle a real possibility over 26.2 miles.

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

Had a wonderful meal at the Deepwater Grill and a Nut Brown Ale pretty good also.

  Great small Town Race

By Nick B. about 2018

Review

The The residents of Ashland treated me like a welcome guest. Warm greetings and heartfelt appreciation an every turn. Very friendly community.

The marathon website more accurately describes the course than this website does. Although a net downhill, I would call it 'flat'. Very little noticeable grade either way. I wasn't a fan of the trail surface - firm, packed gravel with a loose, fine gravel surface. I wish I had brought my trail gaiters. Due to the fact that the course runs thru the beautiful, northern Wisconsin woods, there were very few spectators along the way so I could not advise this race to those runners who NEED crowd support. It can get lonely.

I have run 40 or so full and half marathons and overall, this experience ranks in by top 2 or 3!

Oh! And a great race shirt to boot!

Race Tips

Shuttles were easy to catch,and relatively comfortable. Start area was rustic (in the woods), but had all the amenities, including bag / lost and found (I picked up my throw away jacket at the finish line). Water stops were quick and efficient with more than enough port-o-potties. The course is beautiful, but somewhat desolate so be prepared to entertain yourself.

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

We stayed at the Ashland Super 8 Hotel. Nothing fancy, but clean, friendly and convenient. It's an easy, 1-mile walk to the start line shuttles / finish line / festival area.

The Friday night pasta feed was first rate! Catered by a local restaurant, you can count on this for Friday night dinner.

After the run, we tipped a few local brews and had a fabulous pulled pork (The Big Pig Sandwich) at South Shore Brewery. Again, first rate and very friendly.

  

By Anonymous about 2015

Review

While very scenic, the trail is NOT packed gravel. It is mostly very loose, soft gravel that takes a lot of energy to run on, and twisting an ankle is very possible. If the course wasn't so loose / soft, I would love to run this race again.

  

By k socia about 2014

Review

This is the second year I've done it. Cold at the start but lots of fun the colors on the trees was great

  

By MJ about 2014

Review

Cool fall temps and scenic (if a bit lonely) course. Because it is on a trail there are very few spectators, but the water station volunteers are lovely and enthusiastic. Not a ton of port-potties along the course, but plenty of woods! Trail is not as hard-packed as I believed it would be and I spent a significant amount of time trying to get footing and/or weaving around softer areas. Fresh gravel applied in some areas prior to the start of the 2014 race made some spots pretty tough to run over (as the blisters on my feet attest to). Easy packet pickup, great volunteers, finish is by the train depot and train which are both beautiful. Shuttle from Primrose Lane was a breeze. Great medals and race finisher jackets!

Race Tips

Be prepared for any and all conditions along the trail. The trail is open to ATV\'s which significantly contributes to it's loose condition. Not as firmly packed as it\'s advertised.