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Apr 27, 2024

WhistleStop Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.1

Organization 4.7

Spectators 3.7

Number of comments: 77 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]

S. B. from Decatur, IL (10/12/2009) "Fun race in a great area" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 WhistleStop Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
C. S. from Oshkosh, Wisconsin (10/11/2009) "Weather could be interesting" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 WhistleStop Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 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.
T. T. from New London, Minnesota (5/30/2009) "Great course, great people, great weather." (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 WhistleStop Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
C. C. from Georgia (1/3/2009) "Awesome leaves; charming small-town race" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 WhistleStop Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 If you want to run a fun and charming small-town race with the most beautiful fall leaves one could wish, then Whistlestop is your race. If you want to run a Boston qualifier, I found the soft ground gradually wore down my legs, much like running on a beach, and my hope for a good time disappeared around mile 16. Even so, this was a fun race, and it was very well organized.
T. I. from Ankeny, IA (12/3/2008) "Best Marathon Yet" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 WhistleStop Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 We're doing 50 marathons in 50 states, and we'll be back to do this a second time - that's how good it is!! Course is a straight-shot on wide trail, completely tree-lined. The fall colors were at their peak while we were there, which was nothing short of awesome. Not a lot of room for fans, but the ones who are out are great! Some were handing out homemade chocolate chip cookies!! Post-marathon Blues and Brews was a lot of fun... who doesn't like microbrews?!?! Can't ask for a better town.
Thomas Schrank from De Pere , WI (11/30/2008) "Great race, but need more fluid in the first half" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 WhistleStop Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I fell in love with this race three years ago and keep coming back. It's a fast course, easy on the body, offering a chance to get lost in nature. I wish that you would have more aid stations in the first half of the race, like every two miles. It is easy to NOT get enough fluids on this course. Two aid station had at best 2 ounces in the cups only, and a third had no one handing out the PowerAde. Get the aid station problem fixed, and you have a GREAT RACE, as the party, medals, people, food, and everything else are EXCELLENT! I set a PR: 3:18.
H. B. from St. Louis, MO (10/18/2008) "The most beautiful course ever." (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 WhistleStop Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was by far the most beautiful course (5K to marathon) that I have ever run on. You can't beat the enthusiasm of the organizers, aid stations, and townsfolk. If you're old enough and from a small enough community, think back to your first road race and this setting will restore the moment. I was hoping for a PR, but my impression is that the rain earlier in the week wasn't kind to the course. A lot of energy was expended that didn't result in me moving forward. Nonetheless, I wouldn't trade it for Chicago. Great event, great people, great setting.
G. P. from Lakeville, Indiana (10/14/2008) "The Perfect Marathon" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 WhistleStop Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This entire event is well orchestrated! Add in the perfect course and there is nothing that compares! I love the straight line course - being able to tell friends to check their Wisconsin map and see how far I traveled is quite an ego boost. All the people at the Ashland Chamber of Commerce were enormously helpful with all of my travel related questions. Just loved the entire experience. Bravo to the entire Ashland area! Well done!
C. I. from Detroit Lakes, MN (10/13/2008) "Pretty good race" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 WhistleStop Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I thought this was a good race. Overall it was well organized. There were a couple of aid stations that didn't have very many people manning them, but I didn't have any problems. The course was fast and easy. There were a couple of soft spots, but on the whole it was pretty fast. I was going to use this course as a BQ, but I missed my time due to cramping at mile 23. The weather was a little warmer than I am used to, which could have played a role at the end. I would definitely recommend the race to anyone. My one major complaint is that the map that is handed out to show the course and where to go for the spectators needs some work. My wife spent the better part of an hour trying to find one of the spectator places to see me run by. Next year place a few more signs and revamp the map so people from out of town can find their way to spectate the race.
A. J. from Twin Cities, MN (10/13/2008) "Course was soft" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 WhistleStop Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The fall colors were awesome, and for the most part this is a well organized race. However, I would agree that this is not a course for a PR, despite the gradual drop in elevation. The first half of the course was very soft, with lots of loose gravel and sand. My calves were pretty worked by mile 15, despite running numerous 18's and two 21-milers on dirt in training. There was also the occasional 2-4 inch diameter rock ankle-breakers on the course that you had to look out for. I'm guessing they recently graded or added dirt because of the recent rains, but still, the course was too soft. The local crowd was sparse but very enthusiastic. The aid stations were ok, but the first couple were understaffed and a little inattentive. I got two cups at the first couple of aid stations that only had about two ounces of fluid in them. This is a great course if you are not looking to run for time and just want a small-town charmer.

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