This marathon exceeded my expectations from start to finish. From the packet pick-up to the Pasta feed to the shuttle transportation to the course and spectators and the great finishers jacket. I could never tire of the scenery. Being from a small western Wisconsin town myself it brought me great joy to see the atmosphere lives on. Well done. I worry you will outgrow Ashland.

I wasn't sure what to expect in a small-town marathon, but what I got has kept a smile on my face. Great course, people in town are very friendly, and the beer was great. Not running on pavement, and running past trees instead of buildings was a welcome change. The weather could not have been any better. One of my new favorites.

I had read many comments about how this was a great PR or BQ course. I did not think that the course was at all fast (even though I did PR). The surface for the first half was more soft sand/dirt rather than crushed rock. The soft surface was nice for the joints, but it was not fast to run on. Also, there were numerous tire ruts in the dirt, which the runners had to be really careful of. The scenery was pretty, but it did get repetitive over 26.2 miles. Spectators were few and far between, but those that came out were very vocal and supportive. The race was extremely well organized, and the finisher jackets were great. Shower availability at the finish was much appreciated.

What a great change of pace! After several road races, it was great to get "off-road" and get away from the traffic. Mother Nature cooperated with colors and perfect temps.

The race organizers did a GREAT job. Just have the beer guys give us races a free beer or two (it is really good beer), and we don't have our wallets when we finish.

What a beautiful course, great weather, and great community support! Loved the two little boys that were on the course cheering with high-fives!!! (I ran the 1/2 marathon.)

Overall great experience - I will be doing this again. This was my first half-marathon and I loved it. The limestone is wonderful to run on and the course is beautiful. The race is organized very well and I like the food at the water stops. Spectators are VERY thin along the course so don't expect too many cheers along the way. I ran it with two other people and I think it would have been a tough mental race had it not been for them. Also be sure to bundle up on your way to the starting line because it's cold!!

This was a great race. About 800 marathoners running down an old railroad right of way, now covered with fine gravel. The fall colors were beautiful. The aid stations were plentiful and well run. The organization was superb. I gave it 5 stars for spectators not because there were a lot, which there weren't, but because my support crew could easily get to the aid stations to cheer me on. The main road is close to the railroad trail, making for easy access. It was great fun. Thanks, WhistleStop.

This is just a great race. Well organized, awesome course, and beautiful scenery. It is a pretty small race (under 1000 runners), and not well spectated. But there are places that people can spectate from if you want to bring family. It is just great!

Beautiful course with packed limestone surface to run on - heaven for your joints!! Trail lined by birch trees with sunny yellow leaves and dark green pines for contrast. Run past log cabins, old red Wisconsin barns and streams. Weather is unpredictable, so pack for all circumstances. Our friends who ran it in 2003 ran in 75-degree weather; we ran it last weekend in the low 30's. I would recommend running this race with a buddy (or as our group did with five people) in order to give yourself some entertainment, because you're out there on your own!! There are only 400 runners, spread out over a long, straight, gorgeous trail. Had a blast. Was totally (pleasantly) surprised by the selection of clothes/shoes/products at the expo, for such a small race. Eat dinner at the hotel restaurant overlooking Lake Superior the night before - it's a treat. Spectators were few, but mighty! And the cookies, bananas, crackers and cheese they had available starting at the mile 13 water stop were fantastic!! Just what the doctor ordered. Overall, this was just perfect for my first marathon - fun, beautiful and low-key, so I didn't get nervous. If you prefer a quiet course with scenery and don't need fans to keep your feet moving, this is for you. It's completely flat - great place for beginners or to PR. Would do it again in a heartbeat (after my legs recover). :)

Excellent course for a pr or Boston qualifier. I just started running marathons 3 years ago at age 50 and my previous pr was 3:52. This year I ran 3:39! 1st time the starters had to pick up chip at the start line but it went very smoothly. Course is flat as a pancake and mostly all downhill. Over 20 miles on limestone gravel which was nice to run on. Loved the smell of pine trees along the route. I ran this 2 years ago and had to stop a couple times to get small rocks out of shoe so I wore short gaitors this year which worked beautifully. Water stops were staffed well and efficient with plenty of toilets if you needed one. Great finisher shirt, high quality cool max! Small crowds scattered along the way were very supportive and motivating. Overall, super friendly town and people. Will definitely run this one again.