This is my second Whistlestop Marathon and I have had very good experiences. The course is primarily soft and flat. The whole town gives support for this, and it is fun! If you plan on doing this, book lodging early or you will be doing a lot of shuttling. I am sure with a few more ideas they will fine-tune the shuttling, but it pays to do your lodging homework. Plenty to do after the race as well. Very scenic and romantic area. I plan on doing this race for years to come.

This is my second time running this marathon. I first ran in 2007 and always planned on coming back... not again. I really enjoy everything about this marathon except for the running surface - it has degraded since I last ran. The people, town and area are great.

My experience with this marathon was pretty good. It was my 6th one and I was shooting for a sub-3. I finished in 3:00:38, which I am happy with. I think that I could have come under three hours if the footing were better. The race is described as a flat and fast course with firm footing, but the majority of the trail was loose gravel/dirt. Just be aware of that when you sign up. Everything else about the race was superb. The water stops were plentiful. The spectators were few, but it was through the coutryside, so that was to be expected. The spaghetti dinner was great, with nice live music. The Blues and Brews party was a lot of fun. The volunteers were great, especially the ones at the finish line. I was immediately wrapped in a blanket and given water and sports drink. Lake Superior was close by for a post race ice bath. I had fun, but would have liked a little more of a firmer running surface. The medal was mediocre, but the shirt was awesome.

The 2010 Whistlestop was my first full marathon, and I don't think I could've chosen a better race to start with! The course was essentially flat (there were a few elevation inclines, but compared to training runs I wouldn't even call them small hills!), so it's excellent for a beginning marathoner. The trail was soft in spots, but pre-race announcements warned exactly where those trouble spots were and how to best avoid them.

The volunteers at the start, aid stations, and finish area were all great! Of any race, no matter the length, I have never seen an overall group that was so positive, helpful, and genuine in their cheering! There weren't a whole lot of spectators, but those on the course cheered heartily for everyone who went by!

The only negative I found was that, as a back-of-the-pack finisher, I didn't get the size of shirt that I ordered. (I was registered way before the early bird deadline, so it was a bit disheartening to not get the right size.)

Even so, I would recommend this event to everyone! It was a great atmosphere and great location! Thanks to all the organizers and volunteers for making my first marathon a great one!

The course was flat, but the ground was very soft with lots of loose rocks. Had to watch the trail closely as not to fall. If you are looking for a race with lots of spectators and support, this is NOT it. Almost no one on the entire course. The pasta feed was simple but good and Blues and Brew fest was a MUST-attend. Overall, I liked it but will probably not run it again.

I had a great experience at WhistleStop! I didn't decide register until all of the hotels were already full, but I got on waiting lists at a few hotels in Ashland. I ended up staying at the River Rock Inn and Bait Shop, which felt like home. It was about nine blocks to the finish line from the hotel, but it wasn't a bad walk. The weather was cold on race day! But after running Twin Cities 2007 and the Minneapolis Marathon in 2009, I have had enough of running marathons in temperatures above 70 degrees! It was a little windy too, but the trees protect the trail from most of the wind.

As far as I know, the marathoners didn't have any trouble getting to the start line on the shuttle buses, but I know there were issues for the half marathon and 5K runners (not enough shuttle buses). At the start line, I was able to stay in the Iron River Resort to keep warm. The owner was so gracious to let anyone in that wanted to. I came back for one of his famous Bloody Mary's the next day. :) The trail is soft in certain places, but the organizers did a great job of making the runners aware of the trail conditions. I don't like soft surfaces because it feels like you're putting more energy into each step than one you're getting out of it, but at least I knew what to expect. The runners seemed to thin out pretty quickly from the start. There weren't a ton of spectators, but the ones that were out were awesome - especially for standing out there in that cold weather! Great water stops too, and great volunteers. The scenery and fall colors were very pretty.

I beat my previous PR by 20 minutes and ended up qualifying for Boston! I wasn't expecting to do that well, but I think the cold weather and flat course really helped me. The course is overall downhill, but it was so gradual that I honestly couldn't tell. The post-race Blues and Brews fest was so fun! The community seems very supportive of the whole event. I would definitely come back to run this marathon again.

This was a well-organized marathon with a small-town atmosphere. The fall colors along with snow on the course made for a unique experience. The course is soft in places, and may be easy on the joints, but it requires more effort to run on than asphalt. Sign up early if you're interested in this race; nice lodging fills up fast. Overall, an excellent race to run. Put it on your list.

It was in the low 30's and windy with some ice and snow on the ground at first, but as long as you prepare ahead of time for what could be challenging weather conditions, it's a great race to run. It's well organized and a beautiful course. If you want to run on consistent, hard surfaces, this isn't it. There were a few soft places, but overall the course was in good shape. I'd consider it a fast course, but the elevation drop wasn't as noticeable as I expected.

The spectators are enthusiastic and the town of Ashland is very supportive and a great environment for a race. Good pre-race dinner too. The post-race party with a heated tent, beer and good bands was great. If you're someone who values having fun when the race is over, this is one to do.

The course is beautiful with the changing fall colors. The elevation map is a little deceptive; while the course does drop, there are some mild hills on the way. There were few spectators, which was to be expected. The people at the aid stations were all incredibly supportive, though, especially given that the race-day weather conditions were challenging (low 30s, windy, recent rain/snow). It is a trail run, so the weather can be more of a factor.

The race is well-organized, and the small community is quite supportive. If you plan to go, make sure to try to get lodging arrangements secured early, as the few hotels in town book up quickly.

I really enjoyed the entire course and the scenery. The course was flat and protected from the wind. I ran a personal best and a BQ. Nice celebration at the finish. Great medal, and the windbreaker race "shirt" was also good.