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Marathon Details - Rails to Trails Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > WI > Norwalk > Rails to Trails Marathon

Rails to Trails Marathon

Rails to Trails Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K

Norwalk, WI USA

~~October 6, 2024~~ - CANCELLED

https://www.railstotrailsnorwalk.com

Marathon Results

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2023 2022 2021 2019 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

features 3/4 mile tunnel along the elroy-sparta state trail!!! Bring a flashlight!

Contact Information

Name:	Race Director
Address:	Rails to Trails Marathon 210 Railroad St Norwalk, WI 54648
Phone Number:	608-823-7377
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (62)

Course 4.5

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.5

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Number of comments: 62 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

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

Robert Klein from Paradise, Michigan (10/8/2019) "Cool, Damp, & Off The Beaten Path" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is one more of Wisconsin's marathon events that uses an old railroad bed converted to a sports trail for riders and runners. Rails to Trails and Elroy's Apple Dumpling Marathon both have a tunnel, and these two towns are not all that far apart from each other geographically, but I think Elroy's trail is flatter. The race director sent informational e-mails ahead of time so the runners were well informed about the details. There were several races going on, but there were only about 50 marathoners. The staff people who I spoke with said that the registration numbers were likely down this year because they had cancelled the previous year's race due to excessive rainfall, flooding, and trail washouts. Rain was a factor again this year, but rainfall this year was not significant. Participation required a drive across Wisconsin, through lots of farmland to get to Norwalk, from my home in the Upper Peninsula. My GPS served me well. Norwalk is a small town in a valley that primarily serves the area farms and dairies. Coming into town from the east, there were a lot of narrow farm roads with lots of sharp turns. So it took a while to drive the last 10 miles or so. I stayed in Tomah - where I-90 and I-94 converge - because I could not find accommodations in town. When I arrived on Saturday, it was easy to find the Community Center (it is a small town). That is where packet pick-up was, and where the spaghetti dinner was held. Packet pick-up was a breeze and the dinner was great. Lots of volunteers pitched in on this event. The start time for the various races were staggered, so there was not a lot of congestion at the start line. The start/finish was right across the street from the community center, and there seemed to be adequate parking to everybody. They did have an early start, but they only offered it to walkers. The rest started as a group at 8:00 a.m. The trail seemed to go pretty much east and west. Since they wanted us to avoid going into the town of Sparta - to the west - the course started out from ground zero with a 1.5 mile out and back going east. Then we went about 11.5 miles west, and returned to ground zero. The trail was in good condition, although there were still some lingering signs of the rainfall from earlier in the week. The tunnel was about mile-post 6, it extended for about ¾ of a mile, and it was lit with lanterns from one end to the other. They were spaced at, perhaps, every 20 feet, and they were in pairs, one on the right side and one on the left side. You could see all the way through the tunnel as you were approaching it. It looked like a runway at night. The area between each pairs of lights was dimly lighted, but the area between successive lights was in a shadow, and was quite dark. And the ground surface was like sandstone with bicycle tire ruts in it. Then there was a lot of water dripping down from overhead, and it made divots in the ground, and they created little mud puddles we had to navigate; they were potential trip hazards too. I am not aware that anyone fell, but the possibility was increased. Then there is a law - with signs posted - that you can not ride bicycles through the tunnel; you were required to dismount and walk your bike through. On the return, I encountered four bicycle riders, riding through the tunnel, and they refused to dismount. That just make is dangerous for everyone. The law is necessary for safety of everyone, but it is hard to enforce. One other runner said that there is a 1,000-foot incline over the course. I did not find out officially, but it seemed uphill during the return. It was hard to judge from the landscape. For most of the course there was a canopy of trees growing on both sides of the trail, with branches hanging high over the trail. So it was mostly cool and damp. The last two miles before the turn-around to the west seemed to have a lot fewer trees, and there was a lot more sun getting through. Still, with the temperature near 60, with a damp landscape, and lots of shade, it was a great day for a marathon. Then there were volunteers passing out fluids and carb snacks (pretzels, potato chips, and sliced oranges) about every 1.5 to 2 miles. They did a great job. But there were no gels on this course. We were told that before the races started, but by then it was probably too late for most runners to obtain their own gels. At the finish-line, there was roasted chicken, potato chips, a bread roll, and some kind of drink for the runners. There was an abundance of cookies and baked goods too. Jugs of water and Gatorade/Power-aid were still available too. Overall, the organizers and volunteers did a great job putting on this race. The smaller size and their attention to detail make it highly desirable.
K. V. from Madison, WI (10/9/2017) "Beautiful alternative to a big marathon" (about: 2017) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I guess attendance was down this year (2017) due to coinciding with the Chicago Marathon (bat habitat issues forced the organizers to move the race from it's usual November date). I've previously run Chicago and there is no comparison, but this is a beautiful race in a beautiful part of the state, put on by nice people who are proud of their town. I pretty much ran the final 5 miles solo (which was fine with me!). There's ~ 1000 ft of overall elevation gain, so it's a challenging course (long and steady inclines and declines!)
R. P. from IL (10/9/2017) "A Great Country Race" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 One of the most friendly races, simple beautiful bike trail course with an AWESOME 3/4 of mile railroad tunnel. I highly recommend this beautiful race.
J. F. from Southeastern Minnesota, USA (4/16/2017) "Small rural town competes with cities" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The marathon begins and ends in a small rural town in western Wisconsin. It is very well run, with dedicated volunteers. Course follows the path of a former rail line, trough farmland. Most of the course is over bare limestone. It originally had a crushed stone surface, but most of that is gone. A great job was done blowing leaves off of the course. Part of the course goes through a rail tunnel. On marathon day, lanterns are placed in the tunnel to provide dim lighting. There are some groves in the tunnel floor, but I did not find this to be a problem.
J. T. from Edina, MN (11/13/2016) "A Beautiful Fall Run" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Due to calendar issues I was having a hard time finding a fall marathon that fit into my schedule but did settle on the Rails to Trails Marathon in Norwalk WI. I hadn't run a marathon for a couple of years and wanted to do one for my 65th birthday with the goal of qualifying for another Boston Marathon, I couldn't have picked better! I run for the solitude, this beautiful rail trail course through western Wisconsin was one of the most scenic marathons I've done. The course for the most part was relatively flat, the only challenge being a long five mile gradual uphill climb between miles 17 and 22. The volunteers were fantastic with lots of water/gatorade stops and plenty of encouragement. This is a trail run over crushed limestone which I really liked, definitely easier on the feet and knees. As it's a small marathon, I was able to park within a hundred yards of the start finish and just stash my gear in the car, no bag check needed. They also provide a great spaghetti dinner the night before and a fantastic chicken bbq at the finish along with free beer. Overall a fantastic marathon experience enabling me to achieve my goal!
D. B. from Minneapolis 'burbs (12/1/2014) "Maniacs Take Note: Great Small Wis. Race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Do not come to Norwalk looking for loads of frills. If you're the type who needs huge crowds and a band at every mile, keep looking. If, however, you're hoping for a fun run on a picturesque course that's supported by nearly everyone in the small local community, you've found a good candidate. The course is crushed limestone, out-and-back. Not very wide, which for the first three or four miles can be slightly crowded. After the run thins out, there's plenty of room to look around and enjoy the scenery. The tunnel is odd essentially a very long limestone (I think) cave. It's a little wet and damp, and there are a few potholes to watch for. But the race lights it up pretty well so it's more of a fun thing than a danger. The crowds are as you'd expect for a small-town race: not huge, but very energetic and friendly. Water stations are well-stocked with water and some form of sports drink (I think it was Powerade, but I could be wrong.) There are a few stops that have buckets of gel packets for runners to take. A nice touch, but I do wish they'd mentioned it somewhere so I wouldn't have carried my own. Post-race chicken barbeque is awesome. So much food. Really, you'll not leave hungry. And it's good, too. The chicken is slow-cooking at the start, so you know what you're running for. :-) The medal is very nice for a small-town race, even in comparison to some bigger races. Parking is simple, fifty or so yards from the start. There is a gear check (your bag) but you're unlikely to need it given the proximity of parking. Packet pick-up is very simple here's your number and shirt but it features a good seemingly home-cooked spaghetti meal served by the nicest of people. This is included in your entry fee. Hotels in the area are pretty inexpensive, and the nearby town of Tomah has all sorts of stores and restaurants. Overall, a great race, and an even better value. I'll likely be back next year.
Mark Stodghill from Duluth, Minnesota (11/3/2014) "Great little race" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Rails to Trails Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've run marathons in all of the states and all of the continents and this marathon and the Walker, Minnesota North Country Marathon are two of my favorites for the same reasons: Friendly running communities, nice scenery, easily runable trails and no hassles to deal with getting to and from the start and finish lines. I give it five stars for spectators because there aren't many, aside from the friendly and helpful volunteers. I like the quiet and don't like cow bells, senseless hollering and fake, or unearned, praise. The town of Norwalk and the folks who put on the race do a great job.
J. R. from New York, NY (10/22/2014) "Beauitul little marathon" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Definitely the smallest marathon I've ran and the best bang for my buck. A beautiful, unique course (only four stars there though because I'm not in love with out-and-backs) and the support was friendly and tremendous; it felt like most of Norwalk was out for us. Nice to get the pre-race and post-race meals (and BEERS! MANY BEERS!) included. Ran a PR; a nice, relatively level course. Would/will do again.
A. H. from SD (11/8/2013) "Beautiful course; well run" (about: 2013) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 You can't get a much better course for a small marathon. Scenic with fall colors and I loved the tunnel. If your looking for lots of crowd support, this is not the race for you. It's a good thing it's a there and back course so you see some other runners. Quite different from other big races. My only complaint is its a very steady small incline from mile 15-23. I'd rather have rolling hills or a big hill that ends! Overall loved it. It's nice to drive right up to the start line 30 minutes before start time.
J. W. from Kansas City, KS (11/7/2013) "Beautiful part of the country for a fall marathon" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my 13th marathon in my 13th state. My only criticism is lack of information about the course. I wanted to run a time in this race, but it had an overall elevation gain of nearly 1,600 feet, most after mile 15. So, no P.R. for me. That said, it was well worth the trip. The scenery is beautiful and not running on pavement is a bonus. The aid stations were plentiful and the train tunnel on the way out made me feel like a big kid. (The way back I was pooped from the climb and was just focused on getting through it.) The spaghetti dinner wasn't very good and I don't eat chicken, but it's nice the race includes the free meals in the marathon entry. I would recommend this race simply for the beauty. Thanks.

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



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Robert Klein from Paradise, Michigan (10/8/2019) "Cool, Damp, & Off The Beaten Path" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is one more of Wisconsin's marathon events that uses an old railroad bed converted to a sports trail for riders and runners. Rails to Trails and Elroy's Apple Dumpling Marathon both have a tunnel, and these two towns are not all that far apart from each other geographically, but I think Elroy's trail is flatter. The race director sent informational e-mails ahead of time so the runners were well informed about the details. There were several races going on, but there were only about 50 marathoners. The staff people who I spoke with said that the registration numbers were likely down this year because they had cancelled the previous year's race due to excessive rainfall, flooding, and trail washouts. Rain was a factor again this year, but rainfall this year was not significant. Participation required a drive across Wisconsin, through lots of farmland to get to Norwalk, from my home in the Upper Peninsula. My GPS served me well. Norwalk is a small town in a valley that primarily serves the area farms and dairies. Coming into town from the east, there were a lot of narrow farm roads with lots of sharp turns. So it took a while to drive the last 10 miles or so. I stayed in Tomah - where I-90 and I-94 converge - because I could not find accommodations in town. When I arrived on Saturday, it was easy to find the Community Center (it is a small town). That is where packet pick-up was, and where the spaghetti dinner was held. Packet pick-up was a breeze and the dinner was great. Lots of volunteers pitched in on this event. The start time for the various races were staggered, so there was not a lot of congestion at the start line. The start/finish was right across the street from the community center, and there seemed to be adequate parking to everybody. They did have an early start, but they only offered it to walkers. The rest started as a group at 8:00 a.m. The trail seemed to go pretty much east and west. Since they wanted us to avoid going into the town of Sparta - to the west - the course started out from ground zero with a 1.5 mile out and back going east. Then we went about 11.5 miles west, and returned to ground zero. The trail was in good condition, although there were still some lingering signs of the rainfall from earlier in the week. The tunnel was about mile-post 6, it extended for about ¾ of a mile, and it was lit with lanterns from one end to the other. They were spaced at, perhaps, every 20 feet, and they were in pairs, one on the right side and one on the left side. You could see all the way through the tunnel as you were approaching it. It looked like a runway at night. The area between each pairs of lights was dimly lighted, but the area between successive lights was in a shadow, and was quite dark. And the ground surface was like sandstone with bicycle tire ruts in it. Then there was a lot of water dripping down from overhead, and it made divots in the ground, and they created little mud puddles we had to navigate; they were potential trip hazards too. I am not aware that anyone fell, but the possibility was increased. Then there is a law - with signs posted - that you can not ride bicycles through the tunnel; you were required to dismount and walk your bike through. On the return, I encountered four bicycle riders, riding through the tunnel, and they refused to dismount. That just make is dangerous for everyone. The law is necessary for safety of everyone, but it is hard to enforce. One other runner said that there is a 1,000-foot incline over the course. I did not find out officially, but it seemed uphill during the return. It was hard to judge from the landscape. For most of the course there was a canopy of trees growing on both sides of the trail, with branches hanging high over the trail. So it was mostly cool and damp. The last two miles before the turn-around to the west seemed to have a lot fewer trees, and there was a lot more sun getting through. Still, with the temperature near 60, with a damp landscape, and lots of shade, it was a great day for a marathon. Then there were volunteers passing out fluids and carb snacks (pretzels, potato chips, and sliced oranges) about every 1.5 to 2 miles. They did a great job. But there were no gels on this course. We were told that before the races started, but by then it was probably too late for most runners to obtain their own gels. At the finish-line, there was roasted chicken, potato chips, a bread roll, and some kind of drink for the runners. There was an abundance of cookies and baked goods too. Jugs of water and Gatorade/Power-aid were still available too. Overall, the organizers and volunteers did a great job putting on this race. The smaller size and their attention to detail make it highly desirable.
K. V. from Madison, WI (10/9/2017) "Beautiful alternative to a big marathon" (about: 2017) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I guess attendance was down this year (2017) due to coinciding with the Chicago Marathon (bat habitat issues forced the organizers to move the race from it's usual November date). I've previously run Chicago and there is no comparison, but this is a beautiful race in a beautiful part of the state, put on by nice people who are proud of their town. I pretty much ran the final 5 miles solo (which was fine with me!). There's ~ 1000 ft of overall elevation gain, so it's a challenging course (long and steady inclines and declines!)
R. P. from IL (10/9/2017) "A Great Country Race" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 One of the most friendly races, simple beautiful bike trail course with an AWESOME 3/4 of mile railroad tunnel. I highly recommend this beautiful race.
J. F. from Southeastern Minnesota, USA (4/16/2017) "Small rural town competes with cities" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The marathon begins and ends in a small rural town in western Wisconsin. It is very well run, with dedicated volunteers. Course follows the path of a former rail line, trough farmland. Most of the course is over bare limestone. It originally had a crushed stone surface, but most of that is gone. A great job was done blowing leaves off of the course. Part of the course goes through a rail tunnel. On marathon day, lanterns are placed in the tunnel to provide dim lighting. There are some groves in the tunnel floor, but I did not find this to be a problem.
J. T. from Edina, MN (11/13/2016) "A Beautiful Fall Run" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Due to calendar issues I was having a hard time finding a fall marathon that fit into my schedule but did settle on the Rails to Trails Marathon in Norwalk WI. I hadn't run a marathon for a couple of years and wanted to do one for my 65th birthday with the goal of qualifying for another Boston Marathon, I couldn't have picked better! I run for the solitude, this beautiful rail trail course through western Wisconsin was one of the most scenic marathons I've done. The course for the most part was relatively flat, the only challenge being a long five mile gradual uphill climb between miles 17 and 22. The volunteers were fantastic with lots of water/gatorade stops and plenty of encouragement. This is a trail run over crushed limestone which I really liked, definitely easier on the feet and knees. As it's a small marathon, I was able to park within a hundred yards of the start finish and just stash my gear in the car, no bag check needed. They also provide a great spaghetti dinner the night before and a fantastic chicken bbq at the finish along with free beer. Overall a fantastic marathon experience enabling me to achieve my goal!
D. B. from Minneapolis 'burbs (12/1/2014) "Maniacs Take Note: Great Small Wis. Race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Do not come to Norwalk looking for loads of frills. If you're the type who needs huge crowds and a band at every mile, keep looking. If, however, you're hoping for a fun run on a picturesque course that's supported by nearly everyone in the small local community, you've found a good candidate. The course is crushed limestone, out-and-back. Not very wide, which for the first three or four miles can be slightly crowded. After the run thins out, there's plenty of room to look around and enjoy the scenery. The tunnel is odd essentially a very long limestone (I think) cave. It's a little wet and damp, and there are a few potholes to watch for. But the race lights it up pretty well so it's more of a fun thing than a danger. The crowds are as you'd expect for a small-town race: not huge, but very energetic and friendly. Water stations are well-stocked with water and some form of sports drink (I think it was Powerade, but I could be wrong.) There are a few stops that have buckets of gel packets for runners to take. A nice touch, but I do wish they'd mentioned it somewhere so I wouldn't have carried my own. Post-race chicken barbeque is awesome. So much food. Really, you'll not leave hungry. And it's good, too. The chicken is slow-cooking at the start, so you know what you're running for. :-) The medal is very nice for a small-town race, even in comparison to some bigger races. Parking is simple, fifty or so yards from the start. There is a gear check (your bag) but you're unlikely to need it given the proximity of parking. Packet pick-up is very simple here's your number and shirt but it features a good seemingly home-cooked spaghetti meal served by the nicest of people. This is included in your entry fee. Hotels in the area are pretty inexpensive, and the nearby town of Tomah has all sorts of stores and restaurants. Overall, a great race, and an even better value. I'll likely be back next year.
Mark Stodghill from Duluth, Minnesota (11/3/2014) "Great little race" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Rails to Trails Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've run marathons in all of the states and all of the continents and this marathon and the Walker, Minnesota North Country Marathon are two of my favorites for the same reasons: Friendly running communities, nice scenery, easily runable trails and no hassles to deal with getting to and from the start and finish lines. I give it five stars for spectators because there aren't many, aside from the friendly and helpful volunteers. I like the quiet and don't like cow bells, senseless hollering and fake, or unearned, praise. The town of Norwalk and the folks who put on the race do a great job.
J. R. from New York, NY (10/22/2014) "Beauitul little marathon" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Definitely the smallest marathon I've ran and the best bang for my buck. A beautiful, unique course (only four stars there though because I'm not in love with out-and-backs) and the support was friendly and tremendous; it felt like most of Norwalk was out for us. Nice to get the pre-race and post-race meals (and BEERS! MANY BEERS!) included. Ran a PR; a nice, relatively level course. Would/will do again.
A. H. from SD (11/8/2013) "Beautiful course; well run" (about: 2013) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 You can't get a much better course for a small marathon. Scenic with fall colors and I loved the tunnel. If your looking for lots of crowd support, this is not the race for you. It's a good thing it's a there and back course so you see some other runners. Quite different from other big races. My only complaint is its a very steady small incline from mile 15-23. I'd rather have rolling hills or a big hill that ends! Overall loved it. It's nice to drive right up to the start line 30 minutes before start time.
J. W. from Kansas City, KS (11/7/2013) "Beautiful part of the country for a fall marathon" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rails to Trails Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my 13th marathon in my 13th state. My only criticism is lack of information about the course. I wanted to run a time in this race, but it had an overall elevation gain of nearly 1,600 feet, most after mile 15. So, no P.R. for me. That said, it was well worth the trip. The scenery is beautiful and not running on pavement is a bonus. The aid stations were plentiful and the train tunnel on the way out made me feel like a big kid. (The way back I was pooped from the climb and was just focused on getting through it.) The spaghetti dinner wasn't very good and I don't eat chicken, but it's nice the race includes the free meals in the marathon entry. I would recommend this race simply for the beauty. Thanks.

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Marathon Details - Rails to Trails Marathon