Award medals; not mugs.

I would suggest runnning this marathon. It would be great for first-time runners. Very flat and marked well.

After driving most of the night to get there, it was very disappointing to find ourselves driving even farther to have breakfast as there were no restaurants open in the area.

Then at the 1/2 marathon race, to have the truck crew come along and tell us that our time won't count even though they were asked if walkers were welcome and told us yes, we were very welcome. Well it sure didn't feel that way after we started the race.

Thanks to the other participants and volunteers at the road crossings who were very supportive and showed great spirit.

Coming from California I was unprepared for the freezing cold but the overall experience definitely made up for it. I didn't mind running on the trail since the impact was a little softer but I think I got a few more blisters though. The volunteers at the intersections blocking traffic did a great job cheering, as did the volunteers at the aid stations. Since there are not a lot of spectators every little cheer helps.

Each mile was marked off and that helped tremendously. I don't get much of a chance running out in the country and I have to say that it was such a peaceful experience. It truly was a positive experience and I think I'll run smaller marathons more often. Thanks for the hospitality Medford!

Thanks to all of the organizers and volunteers! Nice rural setting but beware of the 20 miles of gravel, which will have your feet screaming.

Just a beautiful course! Flat, crushed stone trail, scenic. The weather was perfect this year though I heard some stories from other years that indicate that you can never be sure at this time of year in this part of the country.

Organization was minimal. It was adequate but really nothing extra. It was obviously run on a shoestring. But that's how they get by with only charging $25! So I'd say it was worth it, though it would also be worth $5 more for a few more amenities. [such as? well, perhaps ... 1 more water stop, finisher medals, Friday packet pickup].

Spectators ... well there basically aren't any. A few folks who came out for a specific runner, the volunteers, and relay team members basically comprise the whole crowd. For most of the course you just don't see anyone but other runners. I didn't mind this, but if it's important to you then you might mind.

This was my 10th marathon in 20 months.

Nice small town atmospere. Enough waterstops. Beware of spring weather in Wisconsin(snowstorms). Soft surface but push-off of stride reduced due to gravel on this flat out and back course. If you train alone the solitude in the last miles won't bother you and the trail is scenic.

The Pine Line is a small, low key and friendly event. About 100 runners participate in the full marathon, with more people involved in the relays, 10k race, etc. The course is excellent: It's a smooth gravel recreational trail that winds through the scenic northwoods of Wisconsin. The aid station and other volunteers are great, the transportation convenient and the whole event generally comes off well. The last few miles can get a bit lonely due to the small field, though. All in all, it's an excellent event.