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Whistlestop Marathon

Ashland, WI
Saturday, October 10, 2026


  4 Stars from 6 Reviews

Course Description
From the race website - The Whistlestop Marathon course offers a flat and fast running trail surface that is firm but is much more forgiving to the knees then asphalt.

The course stretches from two miles east of Iron River, Wisconsin and features ten re-decked railroad trestles, wetlands, trout streams, Chequamegon National Forest woodlands, dairy farms, residential neighborhoods and traffic-free quiet. Being a fall marathon, the course will feature some of the nation's finest autumn colors.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Wisconsin Marathons near Ashland, WI



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Saturday, October 10, 2026
2025: Saturday, October 11, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Trail

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 47°F (8°C)
Average High: 57°F (13°C)
Average Low: 36° F (2°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 100.44
Course Score: 100.44

Race Size

2025: 200 Finishers
2024: 209 Finishers
2023: 376 Finishers
2022: 219 Finishers
2021: 276 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 10.5%
2024: 9.1%
2023: 14.1%
2022: 17.4%
2021: 8.7%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 15 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 56°F  (13°C)
Low: 40°F  (4°C)

Race Start Conditions

47°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 80%

Overcast
SW 8 mph

PR Score

100.07

Course Score

100.48






Whistlestop Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Whistlestop Marathon was the 268th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 232nd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 10.5% of Whistlestop Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 9.1% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Whistlestop Marathon ranked 130th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 182nd in 2024. In Wisconsin, it ranked 7th in 2025 and 12th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Whistlestop Marathon has a Course Score of 100.44, ranking it as the 35th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest marathon course in Wisconsin.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Whistlestop Marathon a PR Score of 100.44. The PR Score ranks the Whistlestop Marathon as the 25th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 1st best marathon for a PR in Wisconsin.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Whistlestop Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Wisconsin for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Whistlestop Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed35th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 1st fastest marathon course in Wisconsin
Top 8% Nationally#1 of 19 in Wisconsin
PR Potential25th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 1st best marathon for a PR in Wisconsin
Top 6% Nationally#1 of 19 in Wisconsin
Boston Qualifier Rate130th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 7th highest BQ percentage in Wisconsin
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 28% Nationally#7 of 22 in Wisconsin
Race Size268th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 11th largest marathon in Wisconsin
Based on 2025 results
Top 46% Nationally#11 of 26 in Wisconsin

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 1182 feet (360m)
Min Elevation: 614 feet (187m)

Elevation Gain: 322 feet (98m)
Elevation Loss: 755 feet (230m)


Whistlestop

Course updated 05/06/2025




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Race Reviews


4.0
Based on 6 reviews
Write Your Own Review

It’s Fall Time!

Full Review:

Ashland goes above and beyond to involve the community through volunteering. So many people love to help and it’s very organized.

Race Tips:

It’s may be cold and rainy some years and warm others. But it is fall time and the colors are beautiful.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Book your stay in advance if you can.
Reviewed by WK About 2025

Great small Town Race

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by Nick B. About 2018

Footing?

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Had a wonderful meal at the Deepwater Grill and a Nut Brown Ale pretty good also.
Reviewed by H.J.H. About 2018

Full 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.
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2015

Full 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.
Reviewed by MJ About 2014

Full 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
Reviewed by k socia About 2014