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May 5, 2024

Wisconsin Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Wisconsin Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.0

Organization 4.2

Spectators 3.4

Number of comments: 91 [displaying comments 61 to 71]

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K. H. from St. Paul, MN (4/10/2010) "Fantastic Race - Flat, Pretty and Well Organized" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Wisconsin Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I loved this race and thought the organization was well done and more than sufficient for the size of the field and its inaugural year. The course was a little loopy but I didn't find it confusing at all and I'd take loopy over hilly any day. This course had nice neighborhoods and the beautiful lake - and did I mention how flat it was? Having run 8 previous marathons, this was my first flat course - wow, how much easier it is to get a PR! I thought the race organizer did a great job. With the exception of the starting line porta-potty problem, I thought the aid stations were fine, the volunteers fantastic and the overall energy just great. I traveled from the Twin Cities for this race and got a $85 airfare on Midwest, a $26 car rental and a hotel for less than $100 - easy, easy, easy. Parking at the start was super easy and convenient. I didn't find the starting area too congested, and again, compared to some of the BIG-city races, this was was just so easy, calm and convenient! Maybe add pace bands at the "expo," but I think most know to bring their own for a race of this size. Congratulations to the organizers on a great race. I wish I could do it in 2010, but it didn't fit the schedule. I will definitely consider it in future years.
L. K. from Chicago (1/20/2010) "Great race - looking forward to doing it again" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Wisconsin Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was a nice race; things were well organized, especially for it being the first year. The only downside was the lack of porta-potties, and the line for getting the beer and brat afterwards was WAY too long. The race was flat and fast, and the weather was beautiful. Can't wait for this year!
M. P. from Franklin,WI (5/11/2009) "First year marathon, some issues to fix" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Wisconsin Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 The course - even for being two separate out-and-back loops - had a lot to see, with lake views, parks, and nice neighborhoods. The volunteers at the water/HEED stops were friendly and efficient, and did a great job. The race course was almost 26.5-miles long, according to my GPS. The race also had promised Hammer Gels at mile 17, but there were none! The parking logistics of the downtown area were a bit confusing for out-of-town runners.
B. M. from Iowa (5/7/2009) "A nice race with few spectators" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Wisconsin Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I thought the weather was perfect and the course was very scenic along Lake Michigan and through the residential neighborhoods. The aid stations were plentiful and the volunteers were great. It seemed like only a few people came to watch. Even through the residential neighborhoods, there were very few spectators. Driving from out of state (not neighboring Illinois), I would have preferred a race-day packet pickup. It seemed like a relatively long trek from the motels (I-94) so I wasn't early to begin with; but, since I wasn't sure if there was a bag drop-off, I left my warm clothes in my car. This turned out to be fine as I had to park 10 blocks from the start/finish area and got to the starting line only a couple minutes before the race actually started. It took me nearly 40 minutes after the race to walk back to my car and then drive back to my motel. A shuttle both ways might have been nice. All in all, this was a good race with a beautiful course.
P. M. from Glen Ellyn, IL (5/6/2009) "Should be Called "Wisconsin Lakefront Marathon!!"" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Wisconsin Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 What a great first effort! My comments are based on running the half-marathon. I parked 3 blocks from the starting line. I walked to the starting corral 15 minutes prior to the race. The weather was perfect, which added to my enjoyment of the course. Within two minutes of the start there was enough spacing to find my stride. It seemed like 8 of the 13.1 miles were run along the Lake Michigan lakefront. On the first part of the course there were a number of inclines & declines that made the run a bit of a challenge. All of the water stops were well stocked and supported. Nice finish at a park along the lake. Great finisher's medal and tech shirt. Besides the usual post-run food, each runner was provided with a brat and a beer!! In regard to previous porta-potty complaints, I did not use one on the course. However, I did use one after the race and I am glad to report that they were clean and well stocked - clearly a rarity at this type of event. The crowd support was spotty, but that's to be expected at a small, first-time race. If you are looking for a smaller, well supported marathon, then this race should be considered. I suspect it will sell out rather quickly next year.
A. N. from Chicago, IL (5/6/2009) "Fun first year race" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Wisconsin Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Thanks to the race organizers and the city of Kenosha for a great marathon! There was very convenient race-day parking, and packet pick-up at Runner's Edge was a breeze. There were not enough porta-potties at the start, but I'm sure that will be corrected for next year's race. The double out-and-back course was very scenic, with views of the lakefront for much of the way. Aside from a couple of gradual inclines during the first half, the course was mostly flat. The "parade loop" in the beginning was distracting, and I heard a lot of runners griping about it. Thanks to all the volunteers and spectators for coming out on a beautiful Saturday morning; even some of the the motorcycle police officers were cheering on the runners! The HEED drink is receiving mixed reviews, in part because many runners are not used to it. I found it impossible to tell whether I was drinking water or HEED until I actually tasted it; having a flavored version would eliminate this problem. Smaller races like Kenosha have their own unique charm. I hope the Wisconsin Marathon becomes an annual spring tradition.
Dan Tempesta from Elmhurst, IL (5/6/2009) "Great new spring marathon" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Wisconsin Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 4th marathon and first inaugural marathon. Most comments on other marathons say to stay away from inaugural marathons till they have time to work out the kinks. This one was too tempting to pass up as it was within easy driving distance, was when I wanted to run, and is basically run on a flat course. The only marathon that I have run that compares to this one in terms of size is the Bayshore in Traverse City, MI, which is almost universally lauded as a very well run race on a scenic course. This race seemed to be as well run as Bayshore and was almost as scenic. (It is only "almost as scenic" as Bayshore because Bayshore stays on the shore for longer distances.) Pros and cons of the race: Pros: Flat course with only one real hill around mile 7 or 8, but you are still fresh at this point (or should be); it's within easy driving distance from Chicago, a spring marathon, but not too early (you can still get a decent amount roadwork in at temps above 30); it has double out-and-back loops - I like them, as you get to see more runners this way. This allows you to see runners that are both ahead of you and behind you in addition to just those around you (which may not be many in a marathon of this size); they have free beer - after 26.2, having a cold one before noon does not seem wrong. Cons: They could do without the initial loop back to the start, but it is good for the spectators; gels were not available on the course, which is a problem, since they were advertised; spacing of aid stations on the back half seemed inconsistent (could have just been my perception as I was slowing down); and a section of the course on the first out-and-back had many potholes and bad footing. All in all, a very good race. Sure, some things can be improved, but this race should only get better.
J. M. from chicago (5/6/2009) "Congatulations due for new race" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Wisconsin Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 For a first-year race, I think that congratulations are in order. The race was well organized and there was plenty of support directing runners. The spectators were scarce, but those that were there were great! On the negative side, a different sports drink would be nice and one was was not clear. On the mile 18 turnaround part, I saw several cars inter-mixed with the runners. One car was riding a two feet behind a runner, obviously upset. I suppose at this point we could probably have all of the runners on one side. Bands were advertised, but if they were there, I missed them. Same for gel. All in all, great job.
K. R. from Kenosha (5/6/2009) "Great in some respects and not in others" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 A friend of mine didn't even have her time recorded at all. HEED IS AWFUL; I thought I was going to be sick. Not enough bathrooms before starting, or porta-potties. I didn't like the loop in the beginning. However I liked running to the lake and back. I did the half marathon, and I would definitely do it again. Maybe I'll do a full this time.
B. H. from Kenosha, Wisconsin (5/6/2009) "Very nice inaugural event" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 Overall, this was a very good race. I was surprised at how many spectators there were out on the course. The course itself was exactly as advertised, although a lot of my training runs were run on the course, so it wasn't as scenic during the race as it was in training. The only problems with the race were the number of porta-potties at the start, and I don't remember seeing any gels out on the course. There was also a last minute change to the course that threw some people off, but it wasn't a major problem. I am looking forward to running it again next year.

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