The Minocqua No Frills Marathon is an out-and-back course run twice starting and ending at the Bearskin Park trestle, downtown Minocqua. The course is run on the gravel Bearskin Trail through the Northwoods of Wisconsin passing lakes and marshes, crossing old wood bridges, and in the company of mature pines lining the route.
The Minocqua No Frills Marathon was the 485th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 421st largest in 2022.
This year 15.5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 6.8% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Minocqua No Frills Marathon the 277th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 78th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 97.26 ranks it as the 367th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 21st fastest course in Wisconsin.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Minocqua No Frills Marathon a PR Score of 96.19. This PR Score ranks it as the 369th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 18th fastest in Wisconsin.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Minocqua No Frills Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 1698 feet (517m) Min Elevation: 1516 feet (462m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Minocqua No Frills Marathon
View available accomodations around the Minocqua No Frills Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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Sean R.'s review of 2019 Minocqua No Frills Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Small Up North Wisconsin marathon. Boston Qualifier, and although most of this is on the Bearskin State Trail, don't let that scare you, this isn't a "trail run". It's flat, and compact ground, taking away the pounding your legs would endure if you were running on the roads the whole time. Footing was perfect. Shaded almost the whole time.
Race Tips
Flat course. Great footing. Perfect Boston Qualifier course. I will without question be doing this race in the future.
Sean's review of 2019 Minocqua No Frills Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Though this race is small, that's what makes it perfect. Up north Wisconsin, 20 miles on a perfect trail through the woods/lakes of up north Wisconsin. The trail surface isn't too soft, but soft enough to not destroy your legs like asphalt would. Had perfect footing the whole time. Shaded majority of the race, cool temps. Ample water/food stops, and it was nice being able to have the half marathoners to pass/catch in the later stages of the marathon (small enough race where congestion is no problem whatsoever).
Qualified for Boston, and will be doing this race in the future without question.
Race Tips
Pretty flat course, soft ground (not too soft), the granite/limestone ground is compact enough for great footing.
