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Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.9 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 5.0 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.3 
 
 
Number of comments: 117 [displaying comments 51 to 61]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 4 5 6 7 8 .. 12 > ]

 

B. O. from Twin cities (12/26/2012)
"wonderful, low-key spring marathon" (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 4-5 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


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'.
 

Arvid Fristad from Visalia, California (12/26/2012)
"Very scenic course." (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 4-5 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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.
 

C. G. from Sauk Rapids, Mn (12/26/2012)
"Excellent course in a rural environment" (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 4-5 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


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.
 

L. T. from USA (8/16/2012)
"Good course, but not doing it again" (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


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.
 

S. W. from Virginia, USA (5/26/2012)
"Outstanding Race in All Regards" (about: 2012)

2 previous marathons | 1 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


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.
 

A. W. from North Dakota (5/18/2012)
"Wonderful Small Marathon" (about: 2012)

2 previous marathons | 1 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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.
 

A. H. from Minneapolis (5/17/2012)
"Beautiful course, great value" (about: 2012)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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.
 

P. G. from Iowa (5/14/2012)
"Very Nic e Race" (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


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.
 

A. N. from Minnesota (5/14/2012)
"Another Fantastic Job!" (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This is my second running of the Lake Wobegon Trail marathon, and once again, they did not disappoint. The organization is fantastic, from logistics, volunteers, to gear at the end, no stone is left unturned. What other race can you wait inside until 5 minutes before the start, walk out to beautiful conditions, and then run a flat, fast course for a PR? Not many, Sharon and her crew hit another homerun!!!
 

J. B. from Maple Grove, MN (5/14/2012)
"Best small town marathon in America" (about: 2012)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The 2012 race is the second time I have done Lake Wobegon, and it continues to be my favorite marathon experience. The course is beautiful, winding through the scenic Garrison Keillor-esque small towns and the pretty central Minnesota countryside. It is also a very flat course, good for anyone seeking a PR or a first-time marathoner, I would think.

The race is extremely well organized by a local running club who knows what runners like and need. They gave us cool medals, long-sleeved tech shirts, and a great garment bag with the race logo, and the entry fee was only $45. I've done marathons that cost twice as much and didn't have stuff this nice.

Spectators get 5 stars, not because there were a lot of them, but because the roving band of them that would appear every couple of miles at trail intersections were wildly enthusiastic and supportive. It was like a traveling party! Amazing, friendly volunteers, too. They were great at the aid stations and so helpful at the finish.

This is a top notch small town marathon, and to date it is the only marathon I have run twice. Looking forward to making it a third time next year!
 

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