This was my 35th marathon and my 2nd Fox Cities and the over-all organization doesn't get any better. The volunteers were just awesome. Sure there were stretches of the race where there weren't many spectators but when there was, they were loud and brought a smile to my face. If you want a nice mid-sized marathon give this one a try next year.

This is the 6th different marathon I've run in Wisconsin, and it certainly is at the top of the list for overall organization and enjoyment. The course takes you through many of the communities of the Fox Valley over mostly flat terrain. The start area through the first 5 miles is the most scenic. Fan support is good, although somewhat placed in pockets on the course. All of the water stations (starting at mile 2 and every mile after) are outstanding. Plenty of liquids, vaseline, and cheering volunteers. Packet pick-up and shuttles helped me as an out of towner get to where I needed to be on time. Job well done, Fox Cities!!

As a Fox Cities local I ran this as a first time marathon in 1999, finishing in 3:59. The course gives a good view of the various towns in the Fox Valley. Not
many fans, but they were vocal. Great medical staff at the finish as I needed an IV. Very windy and desolate from miles 18 to 25. Seems to be stuck at about 700 runners every year. No traffic hassles though. My wife worked at the 7 mile aid station, then drove to meet me at the 17 mile mark and jogged the last 9.2 miles with me!

All I can say about the 2001 Fox Cities Marathon is that I've never run a more pleasant race. Everything was nearly ideal: the weather, the organization, the enthusiasm of the volunteers and spectators, and the mostly residential course. At several waterstops along the way they even cheer you by name and sometimes hometown. There is apparently a competition for the best waterstop. The only minor complaints: the combined start of the walkers and runners leads to runners darting in and out between walkers (they should ask the walkers to start on the right or at the back or start them 5 minutes later), and they ran out of XL T-shirts (promising to order more and ship them).

okay---let's see... if you are gifted to run under 3 hours you will not have a problem with walking 1/2 marathoners--cuz they are probably running. But if you are running between 3 and 3 1/2 hours, there was definitely a problem with walkers side by side. figure it out for yourselves...

I read the comment about the 1/2 marathoners in the way for the last two miles. Well....I disagree and I had plenty of them when I was finishing. I placed 2nd overall in 2:32:13 and with the course spectators spreading out in the countryside and battling the winds for the last eight miles, my pace dropped to over 6:00 pace for miles 20-24. When I merged into the 1/2er's I felt energized for the home stretch. It made me feel I was close to finishing and they were cheering me on. Mile 25. 5:55. Mile 26 5:48. Enough said about them getting in the way! Thanks for being there 1/2er's.
Brian Keno
Stevens Point, Wi.

Every step is a struggle the last 2 miles: you go against a strong head wind and you stumble across walkers 5 and 6 abreast--who make you run around them---a real bummer. It clearly takes away any good I would have to say about this race period.

(Run in 99). Organization and support enthusiastic. For spectators: at expo, ask info desk for detailed area street map (mine had a realtor's logo), which really helped us navigate course. Neighborhood cheering not as good as advertised/hoped for. Much of course is concrete streets... real leg-pounders. Shorter-distance races share course and walking is encouraged, which can mean avoiding walkers 2-3+ abreast. Last few miles in not-so-scenic housing developments and farm field remnants. A good alternative to yet another long-sleeve shirt (wind pullover) is given to finishers. Showers/changing avail. at finish. Get attention by wearing GB Packers logos or those of hated rivals (Vikings, Broncos, Lions, etc.). Reserve lodging early if Packers play at home race day Sunday.

Excellent marathon. Only two negative aspects, (i) the spectators are very sparce and uninvolved and (ii) the 1998 course had a number of knee-busting hills. It would be a better course if run in reverse because the current course has short very steep downhills and longer gentler sloping uphills.

The Fox Valley area really comes out to support this race well. Good fans cheer you on at several points during the race. It's a small turnout, so you may find yourself running alone at times, but you share the course with the 1/2 marathoners if you're fast enough to catch them. No big name runners though.
Some hills make it challenging but not impossible to turn in a PR. The course crosses the Fox river several times which makes a windy day even windier. I recommend it just because of all the friendly people.