I'll always remember the sound of gunfire about 8-10 miles down the gravel trail. There must be a shooting range located back there.

I had the most fun I've ever had running the half marathon. All the runners were super friendly and supportive of one another. The course is an out-and-back on a super flat, super straight gravel mix (converted train route). There were three water stops for the half marathon, at miles 1.5 and 7-ish, and then back to the 1.5 area for the final one. There was one porta-potty at about mile 4. There were very few road crossings; they were staffed by very friendly folks. Besides the road crossing guys and the water stops I didn't see any spectators. Very friendly event staff. Areas to improve: results need to be posted in a timely manner (I waited 1.5 hours and still didn't know where I placed), they need directions to the event (not everyone is familiar with Medford), they should pick a nice-looking color for the event shirts (I was barely able to hear over the super loud GREEN sweatshirt). I'll be back to run it hopefully next year!

Good race - probably 23 miles on a trail, which saves the knees. Could stand to have more water stops - talked to quite a few people who ran out of water near the end. You absolutely have to carry water/Gatorade if you run this race. The end was a little confusing - wasn't sure where to go once I got off the trail. Overall though, positive experience. People running it and organizing it were real nice. I would do it again and recommend it to anyone looking for a low-key event, and anyone looking to qualify for Boston (because it's flat and fast).

The Medford Marathon was a blast. The water stations are few, there are no time splits, but there are no crowds and the trail is great to run on. I loved the low-key atmosphere, and I qualified for Boston. I hope to run Medford again!

If you like low key events this is the marathon for you. Great organization and great course but not much in terms of spectators. Marathon finishers do get mugs which is a better souveneir than another medal. For 25 dollars to pre register you get a hooded sweatshirt. Awards for the marathon include gold, silver or bronze railroad spikes. Definitely a marathon to do if you are interested in low key but high quality marathon.

The course was great. Trail of limestone, dirt/gravel, and even some moss/grass. A strong headwind made the first half very difficult. The second half was quite a bit better.

Organization was fine. This was truly a shoestring event--no chips. Volunteers were spectacular. Not many of them, but they stood alone in the cold--30 degrees and 30 mph winds--for hours, passing out gatorade, water, and fruit. Very few people--I'd go a mile or two without even seeing another runner near the end--but everyone I met, runners officials and locals alike, were fabulous.

We got hooded sweatshirts and coffee mugs for doing the whole thing. And Wisconsin cheese, water/soda, hot chocolate, bagels, even pizza at the end.

This was my first Pine Line Trail marathon experience. Definitely a low-key marathon without a lot of bells and whistles - which makes it unique and nice. It is a tranquil run out in the woods, farm fields and swamps. I talked with a number of runners who were participating in it for the 'nth' time so there is some repeat appeal. I did enjoy it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a first-marathon-of-the-year run. I set a 'PR' in this marathon in spite of the gale force head winds for the first 13.1 miles.

Yes, it was cold, and yes it is sparse, but the people that were out there were cheering, and that makes all the difference.
And as a coffee drinker - I loved the mug!

Another good experience in Medford. This marathon is on excellent surface and runs out and back. Very few spectators due to remote setting and trail. Not many frills, but well organized. Weather can be tricky this time of year in central Wisconsin, so be prepared. No medals, but none are promised. I have run these twice and will be back.

I enjoyed this race, despite fierce headwinds & cold temperatures for the first 13 miles. The trail had a very nice surface, which is much easier on your body. I had less soreness the next day than I typically do after a marathon. I had one of my better times too, and that was probably due to the exceptionally flat/fast course. The miles are well marked, except some blew away in the strong wind. My only criticism would be that they do not have enough water stops, otherwise, a great race. I really liked receiving the ceramic mug vs. a finishing medal and a hooded sweatshirt vs. a t-shirt! The awards included a railroad spike which was kind of neat. Afterwards, they had pizza. This is a very small marathon so don't expect any spectators, but I would definitely recommend it if you don't like all the hassles of the big marathon.