This was my first marathon and I could not have asked for a better experience. The event was extremely well organized, the support was plentiful and the trail was flat and fast. Thank you, Medford!

1. You come to Wisconsin in April... don't complain about the weather. And I came all the way from Arizona! Don't complain about the lack of spectators either; do you really need a pat on the back? Be a big boy/girl and buck up; you're in northern Wisconsin.
2. I've run 30+ marathons and have never had food at every single aid station. Nice job, Medford.
3. They had pizza for post-race food - a welcome change from all of that tree-hugger fruit and bagel stuff most races have.
4. Awesome awards: rail road ties! And yet I can never win one!
5. Great shirt: a hooded sweatshirt! Never do away with the sweatshirt. We all have more t-shirts than we can stand.
6. Volunteers were standing out there for hours in the cold, snow, and rain; again, runners, you have nothing to complain about.

This was an easy, flat, course through a rail trail, much like the Whistlestop. The weather was horrible, blowing sideways snow, but that's just something you have to accept. I have to say, however, that the organization was poor. Any volunteers who came out were definitely appreciated, but there was a lot of confusion at the turnaround point when four of us went too far and had to be called back. Then we were called back again to recieve a stamp that rubbed off anyway.

It's a smaller race and that kind of thing is to be expected, but I think other runners were pretty upset. Also, at the end (before coming into the parking lot), there was no direction whether to go one way or the other or to go across the road to the continuing trail. After 25 miles, trying to remember such things can be hard.

Other than that, there were enough stations, it was friendly, the awards were unique, and it was a great race. If you're into the high-profile stuff, it's not for you, but if you enjoy small and low-key, this marathon is awesome.

I gave the 'Spectators' rating 1 star because there really weren't any, but who needs a million spectators? I wouldn't want to spectate a marathon either, especially on a day like that one.

I completed the half marathon and ran portions of the second half to support a friend. Based on earlier comments, I was prepared for a boring course with few amenities, but I was pleasantly surprised. The weather was the only bad part. It was cold (about 32 degrees) and we had terribly strong headwinds for the second half, but that's Wisconsin weather for you. There were many water stations. Apparently the organizers are listening and added extra water stations, so there was one about every 2 miles. The route was quite pretty and I thought it was an easy trail - well crushed gravel and grassy in some areas... not to mention, flat as a pancake. It is rural Wisconsin and the course can get quite lonely... very few spectators or other runners, but I found it peaceful. It was a nice change from the big races... no parking issues, fighting for position, tripping over people that line up in the wrong pace groups, etc. It is a very low-key race... no finisher's medal (but with so few participants, you have a good chance of winning an age group medal), very few people to cheer you on, not much pre- or post-race ceremonies, no race expo, and no timing chips. However, if you are looking for a low-key race, this is a good one. The organizers and volunteers were all very friendly. They took good care of the runners and there was plenty of food at the finish. It's also a great race for your fans to cheer you on. For the most part, there were spectator spots about every mile or two and it was very easy to get around the race course. Good job, Medford!

I had read the reviews of 2007 and still decided to give this race a try, and I'm very glad I did. I think it was one of the nicer marathons I've run. It just depends on what your looking for in a run. I prefer the smaller crowds and less hoopla. I found there to be plenty of water stops, but I've always worn a Camelbak for each run just in case. The scenery is really very nice and the wildlife was abundant.

The only thing I found difficult was the flat course. I prefer some hills just to use more varied muscle groups; my calf was very tight at the end of the race.

The race directors were very accommodating and let us start early. The hoody is very nice; there was a nice bag as well as a mug for finishing. The winners got a railroad stake that was bronzed, silver or gold. The food after the race was adequate. I would do this race again. It was my 2nd favorite route. My 1st would be Grand Island Trail Marathon. My least liked would be the Green Bay Marathon. Give this one a try. The weather did stink this year. I hope it won't sleet and snow for 2009. Good luck!

JH is being a little tough on JD in my opinion. I, too, did my reviews of this marathon and I felt a little blindsided. Yes, it is small and yes we didn't pay much, but I certainly think we deserved more than pizza and water that had been sitting out in the sun all morning. I generally think cool and smooth after a 26.2 mile run... not spicy and hot. Popsicles would have been a cheap and nice touch. Way, way, way too little water. What was offered was warm. I also agree that if you are not used to running on gravel trails then I would certainly do some prior to this. My first two toes were numb for three weeks after. The finish line HAS to be addressed. I came in with a respectable time (sub 4) and I was shocked that there were no more than three people present. A woman actually had to tell me that I could stop because I wasn't sure that it was really the finish line and I ran past it. A finish line clock would have been great! Lastly, I feel obligated to talk about the farms that abut the trail. This was never mentioned before. If you have a week stomach or tend to feel nauseated around the smell of cows, then this is not the race for you. The scent of cow manure is present for about 2/3 of this race. I actually thought I might lose it at mile 21. I do feel like this race made me dig deeper than any other.

I like the rail-trail marathons because they're easy on the knees, and this was a very friendly run. As for some of the comments below, you shouldn't expect much as far as spectators on a rail-trail, as it's out in the middle of nowhere. I do think there could have been a couple more water stops, however. Most people don't carry water with them, and it was pretty dry throughout the run. I think the organizers/volunteers did a good job but I would recommend having the finish line a little more exciting. Perhaps instead of having to walk up a steep hill after the finish to get to the water and food, the water and food could be at the bottom of the hill at the finish. Think "tables in the grass" next year and the finish will be an event, and not just a card table and a box of timing chips. And as for the finishing award, I have plenty of medals. The mug I can use. Thanks.

I would submit that JD is running marathons for all the wrong reasons. There was never ANY indication that this race was anything more than it is. The race website and reviews of previous races all spelled out the situation around water stops (the race website itself recommends carrying your own water). The race website said that they give out coffee mugs and sweatshirts rather than medals.

This was a small-time race, and as such, your expectations should be modified. If you need all the trappings of a big-city race, go race in a big city.

First, the Pine Line Trail is a great place to run. It's flat, smooth and easy on the eyes AND joints. Second, the on-course volunteers are super. They're friendly, encouraging and helpful. This was my 6th Pine Line and there were some issues I'd not encountered here before. 1st, the mile markers didn't look quite right. I think they had them placed at the mile and 2 tenths points instead of on the mile. The finish line was weird at best. No clock, no 'chute' and no banner that said 'Finish'. Just a picnic table and some folks milling around. It was a little odd. The registration folks were friendly, but the post-race food was lacking. The pizza was OK, but water/sports drink/fruit usually seems to go a bit better. Hopefully, the organizers will read all the comments here and make some pretty simple adjustments. I'd hate to see this race wither and die.

This was the most scenic route that I have ever run, but that does not account for the lack of orginzation. First of all, one water station for the half marathon runners was ridiculous. Secondly, there could have been a few more porta-potties in the park and on the pine line trail. Thirdly, there should have been water readily available to the runners at the finish line - not at the top of a long hill. Next, FROZEN PIZZAS FOR RUNNERS!!!! I don't know, but I guess there could have been more and better food available to the participants. The scenic route was very enjoyable, but that does not account for the lack of organizational skills present at this event. For the poor 5K runners, they were being stopped at the wrong finish line.... I mean come on!! Better communication? I mean $40... and this is the experience we got. I enjoyed the run, but better organization would have been appreciated by all.