Wisconsin Marathon Reviews

  Wind off the lake was out of control

By Steve about 2017

Review

The course was okay, the sights were really nice but the long stretch of dirt road bruised up my feet a bit and the wind off the lake was out of control. Like really out of control. It made pacing really challenging. That being said, I finished with an okay time because it was very flat.

  

By HM about 2017

Review

I liked running through downtown Kenosha. However, I did not like running for so long on a dirt road and the wind off the lake was absolutely hellacious for 16 out of the 26.2 miles.

Race Tips

Although I finished within my goal time, my pacing was too fast in the beginning. I don't like when they put half-marathon runners with marathon runners. It throws off the pace. The course is pretty flat but expect it to be windy because you're running right on the edge of the lake for most of it.

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

I live fairly locally so hotel and restaurant were not necessary.

  

By tjb about 2017

Review

Pros: The course was well marked and the volunteers were great.

Cons: I feel like this was a budget race. There was no expo, no pacers, no age group awards. The food choices at the end were mini bagels, cheese, water, or a granola bar. I've never been to a race (even very small 5k's) with so little post race food. You could also get a brat and beer with the tab from you bib (the beer was served in a cup the size of a water cup).

Race Tips

The course wasn't bad but it looped around too many times for my taste. If it's windy (which is was in 2017), you are running the last 6 miles or so straight into the wind.

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

I stayed at Country Inn & Suites and was really happy with the hotel. They provided late check-out and put breakfast out early for the runners. There was plenty of parking on the streets before the race.

  

By YG about 2017

Review

The course is pretty. A lot of miles next to Lake Michigan. However with the lake, it comes with wind. The 2017 Marathon compared to 2016 had much less wind. But the last 6 miles still felt very windy.

Race Tips

Mile 10-20 for sure the best strech of the course. Seems the final distance was longer than the actual 26.2. Both my running app and Garman telling me I finished the race ahead of the actual finish line.

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

Parking is kind confusing. It seems you can only park along the side street. We arrived one hour before the race, it was not difficult finding a parking space. There are parking lots but no signs about you can't park there. But apparently you can't.

  Great Race

By DK about 2014

Review

Great race, run by a very good race director who loves the running community. Races and race directors like this need our support!

  

By EMR about 2012

Review

Very flat, smaller fun race. Along Lake Michigan gives runners nice views but also wind. They had an outdoor gear check which is not a good idea when it rains like it did this year. Great race marshalls at every intersection.

Race Tips

Parking is nearby and since race is smaller you don't need to arrive 2 hours early.

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

I camped about 20 miles away but the host hotel (where the packet pick-up was)is very close.