This truly was a great marathon, but be warned that if you haven't trained on dirt roads or this type of course, then your legs will not make it. This was my second marathon this year and I trained hard to try to qualify for Boston with no problems with my legs. Halfway through my knees were killing me and I knew right away it was because the course was way too soft. I ran into others having the exact problem I was. I did finish the race with a 4:01 time. Thanks to all you runners and spectators that talked me into finishing the race.

I was so excited to run my second marathon up in ashland after reading all the posts here. I was very disappointed. The organization was great. The course is beautiful, but there is no variation - NONE ! It was a tough mental race, spectators were great, it is just a small race and so there were not enough spectators to keep me pumped up - we did 4:25, better than my first, but mentally draining - good beer at the end, I will do the half next time

This was my first marathon and it was a great experience. The sparse crowd was enthusiastic, and the volunteers and other runners were friendly and supportive. My wife did the 1/2 marathon and also had a good experience. The "packed limestone" wasn't very packed for most of the race (huge rains the week before), but it was clear the staff had worked hard to get the surface as best as it could be. Two suggestions; 1) Serve Gatorade, not that other stuff. 2) By the time many of the marathoners got in, the 1/2 marathoners had eaten most of the food - would have been a little nicer if it could have been put out in shifts.

This is the perfect course to qualify for Boston: a crushed limestone course almost entirely downhill in cool, fall weather. The northwoods scenery just adds to the splendor. The first mile is uphill, but the remainder of the race is flat or downhill on a forgiving trail. This race is becoming increasingly popular because the organizers are making it a destination race. I drove all the way from Cleveland to enjoy this experience even though our own Towpath Marathon is similar. The town really embraces this race and the finish in the middle of Ashland is exciting. (The PA announcer calls out the name and hometown of most finishers, a nice touch.) The attraction of this event is that it provides some of the big race amenities with the small town environment. I ignored the complaints about the lack of hot showers--most races don't have them, and who would go to a race because of shower facilities? I plan my racing schedule around Whistlestop because I believe it gives me the best chance to PR and improve my qualifying time for Boston.

Needless to say, I was disappointed. I did not like the course. Hey, to each his own, I guess. I would describe the surface as loose 'chip and seal.' The scenery? If you like staring at gravel and covered in trees, I guess it's ok. When I run a marathon such as this, I anticipate seeing a little of nature or perhaps the lake. The only nature I saw was a dead dear's carcas.

I would definitely not suggest to people that this is a PR course. I suspect I could have run around 3:15 (PR is 3:05). Taking into consideration I ran another marathon the week before. I was pacing a friend to qualify for Boston (3:45). I ended up running a 3:43 with little problems, but still - this is not a PR course - in my limited marathon experience (12, I think).

As for organization - it was adequate. The only problem was there was considerable confusion on (or maybe a shortage of) race shirts. Volunteers were friendly enough - pasta dinner was a nice plus. Refreshments after the race were ok - although I score it less than average on food. Lots of junk food (i.e. donuts, cookies, etc.). Not much along the lines of fruits - other than some cut up bananas.

Spectators were somewhat few and far between - but the ones that were there were supportive. Aid stations - adequate, although I don't particularly care for All Sport. I didn't even know they made that stuff anymore. Not complaining about this, though. I don't even drink sports drinks during marathons.

I'm just glad I got this in to get my 'Wisconsin' state in for the 50.

Overall experience: 2, maybe 2.5.

'Pleasantly surprised' is the best way to describe my reaction to this excellent event. I was cautiously optimistic about the race based on what I had read, and I wasn't disappointed in the least. If you are in the market for a smaller race but still want a well-organized event, consider Ashland next year.

Some reasons:

PR course - I shaved 15+ minutes off my previous 4:10 best. The gravel trails were much kinder on my knees and joints, too. Very flat and scenic.

Good value - $50 was quite reasonable considering it included dinner on Friday, a long-sleeve Cool-Max type running shirt and a quality finisher's medallion.

Great volunteers - aid stations seemed to be at just the right locations and well-staffed. The cheerful spectators were much appreciated.

Saturday Marathon - If you work most Sunday's like I do and can't make it to 90% of all marathons, you'll appreciate this off-day marathon.

My only minor complaint of the day was the shower facilities post-race: I only saw three showers in the men's locker room for every guy in the race (700-800 men?). Needless to say, most of us got cold showers. It might have been therapeutic, but it wasn't what most of us were hoping for after a long race! Maybe the organizers should not mention showers unless they can find a place better suited to handle a lot of people. Still, not a big deal.

The temps were perfect for running, not that the race director could take credit for that; just to mention that fall in Northern WI tends to be cool, and in my opinion, ideal running weather. I'm told they have had rain in past year's races, but this year's skies were clear. If you do get a gem of a day like 2005, you'll find yourself thanking whatever deity you subscribe to, as you cruise among birches and poplars and along idyllic stretches of green fields framed by the luminescent red and yellow hues of autumn's colors.

Thanks, Ashland, for hosting such a first-rate event. I plan on returning.

Fall temperatures, wide former railroad bed of crushed limestone, changing scenery, appreciative people... the antithesis of the urban marathon experience! We took a crew up last year and we're doing it again this year! Personally, I'm looking to PR by 15 minutes, and can't wait for my finisher t-shirt (technical material)! Affectionately, MN RED member from Saint Paul.

Usually I run the Chicago Marathon during the weekend of this race. What a GREAT change of pace. This was the anti-corporate, anti-concrete, anti-overcrowded, small-town, naturally beautiful race that refreshed my running soul.

Some highlights
(1) Seems like the entire town was supportive of the race. Great.
(2) Even though very small - well organized friendly organization.
(3) Fall colors are perfect
(4) Soft course - ran 2nd best PR and was still able to race another marathon 2 months later - easy on the legs.
(5) Great T-shirt - top quality
(6) Wife was able to encourage me at 6 places. Easy to get around.
(7) Two starting points for the 1/2 and the full marathon. The 1/2 started 13.1 miles out, and the full, 26.2. It was nice to catch some of the slower 1/2 marathon runners.

Only drawbacks are:
(1) Course a little too soft at times.
(2) Sometimes could have needed more crowds for support.
(3) A few ATV's ran along the race course.

Downhill, nice people, great colors, cold beer.

MY FAVORITE 'THON. As others have said -- flat to downhill, almost all dirt, few spectators but if you love running through the woods in the fall it's PERFECT. This year the weather was gorgeous blue skies, little to no breeze, incredible fall colors, cool 40-60 temps, no rain (for once!). All-Sport & water at all stops, though there is NOT water at every mile (this time of year you don't usually need it). I pr'd by 15 min at 3:55. Last PR was on this same course 2 yrs ago 4:10; I'm usually 4:34 or slower so there you have it. They really took care of people crossing the finish too.