Maybe because of its size or its location . This is a GREAT small marathon. They provide 'something that the '30,000 of my close friends marathons don't', personal attention.... I have completed over 65 marathons (Including 5 of these) and 'The Lake Woebegone Trail' Marathon is one of my favorites.
The only thing missing is Garrison Keillor singing the National Anthem.....

What stands out about this race is how low stress it is.

No stress about getting to the start line - I could wait in the gym (200ft away) until right before the gun fired.

No stress about porta-potty lines - the school bathrooms were open all morning. (There were still porta-potties outside for that last minute emergency.)

No stressing about the crowd of runners to fight through to get a spot near the front - with only a couple hundred runners, everyone was at the front!

No stress about the water stops - there was plenty of water/treats and the volunteers knew how to hand-off a full cup of water. (Most of them were runners.) There are plenty of stops along the way too.

I can't say enough about how relaxed this race is. I could really focus on preparing for the race and not on all the other pre-race stuff that can mess with my confidence.

P.S. The course is super-fast and even though it's a small race, they still have pacers.

I'm registering for my 6th consecutive LWTM. I've done it every year and can't get enough of this well run, scenic race. Although a small race, the organization is excellent and support is A-1. If you are looking for an alternative to a big city event, look no further this one is 'Minnesota nice'.

This marathon is one of those rare gems. I have run it every year of its existence and I hope to continue the trend for a long time. In fact I enjoy this race so much I continue to come from California just for this marathon. The director does a fabulous job making sure every single detail is well thought out. Her (many) volunteers are well informed of their responsibilities.

They are the friendly, encouraging, and even entertaining. This course brings out the best of Minnesota in every way. The country side, churches, farms, animals, wildlife, friendly folks along the way, make this race every marathon enthusiast should do. You will not be the least bit disappointed and will want to add this one to your 'must do' list every year.

I have run in this race each of the 5 years it has been run. I am an older runner and use a 'walk-run' method to complete the course. The race is well run. An excellent way to spend a Saturday in May in Central Minnesota.

If you are looking for a very flat and boring run, you've found it! There is one turn on this course (around mile 11) and then it's a dead straight away. Ugh! If it was lined with spectators, that may have helped, but it was very boring, which made it difficult for me. However, if you are looking for a BQ, this may be a race for you. The course is flat!

I'd say give it a go if you are thinking about it; however, I gave it a go and won't do it again. I feed off of spectator energy and the every-so-often change up. It was also very hot running toward the finish line, nothing but the bright beating sun. The spectators were great, when I saw them. I was fortunate to have my boyfriend at every patch of spectators (which was every few miles, I suppose one benefit of having a straight away). Overall, well organized and very flat course, but if you need spectator energy, I'd go for another marathon.

Nothing but good things to say about this race. If you are looking for a fun small town marathon in a beautiful rural location this is it. Started with a great pasta party the night before. Race was perfectly organized and all the details taken care of. Water stops are a little more spaced than some races so be aware - I carried water bottles. Also would be a good course for headphones as there are times when you are alone out there but it is a perfect course and no turns so can't get lost and great support along the way from the few spectators (truthfully there weren't many as this is run in a really rural area). Highly recommend to all. It is mostly flat and scenic rural farmland and woods. Race organizers were super friendly and helpful.

This is a fantastic marathon. A 350 runner cap, and an event focused on the runners, not the event. Pre-race communication was excellent without being overwhelming. Every detail was thought through and successful for the runners; the pasta dinner, the bag, the course, the on-course support, the shirt and the finish area. Everything was exactly as advertised, if not better. I was lucky enough to win one of the mugs, but do agree with a previous poster that it would be awesome to be able to buy items with the beautiful logo. Great job by the organizer and volunteers - a race I've already recommended to all my running friends.

This was my second LWTM and it was just as wonderful. The course is flat and scenic and easy to get to. The registration fee of $45 is such a treat! Race organizers, volunteers, and spectators are great. My husband was able to meet me 10 times along the course, so it's an easy race for spectators to navigate. The shirt is great and the finish line food is the best I've seen at a marathon. My only suggestions are to add more porta-potties along the way and more water stops if temps are going to rise above 60. This is the only marathon I've repeated, and I'll definitely plan to sign up again in the future.

This race is a great bargain. For the $45 entry fee you get:

Tech fabric shirt with a great design
Very nice medal with respect to size and design
Nice carry bag
Great food at the finish
Flat course
Friendly fans
Great logistics and organization

The only thing to note is that on a warm day (like it was in 2012 by the end) some of the water stops are further apart than ideal. So, when you get to a water stop, have a double or triple shot to carry you to the next stop.