Marathon Details - Eisenbahn Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > WI > West Bend > Eisenbahn Marathon

Eisenbahn Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

West Bend, WI USA

July 13, 2024

http://www.adrenalineraces.org

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Results:	2023 \| 2022 \| 2021 \| 2019 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2012 \| 2011 \| 2010 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact Organizer

Name:	Mary Simon
Address:	N169 W21005 Meadow Lane Jackson, WI 53027
Phone Number:	262-677-2155
Fax Number:	262-677-2124
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.2

Organization 4.1

Spectators 3.2

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Number of comments: 20 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

Rob Klein from Paradise, MI (7/31/2019) "Simple and Flat" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a marathon that was cancelled last year, then brought back into existence this year! Last year, I had it penciled in on my calendar, then came to find out that the marathon had been cancelled. The race director invited me to participate in the half marathon, and I declined. But this year, they brought it back. It was a small race. And they offered a 6:00 a.m. start for slower runners/walkers. West Bend is a rather small town and downtown is compact; at least that is how it felt driving through. Everything happened on Saturday. Packet pick-up began at 5:30 a.m. There really was no packet; they gave you your T-shirt and number, and you had to pick up four safety pins, and you were out the door. These guys and gals were handing out T-shirts and numbers right around the corner from the start/finish line. So around the corner and up a slight hill and we were at the staging area. The ten 'early start' runners gathered, were briefed, and we started the race at 6:00 a.m. The start line was on the trail, and the coordinator told us, it is straight run on the trail for 13.1 miles, a course reversal, then back. The early start was a blessing. The sun was on the horizon, it was cool, and there was lots of shade early on. At the beginning the trails was paved - asphalt - I think. In short order, it changed to crushed gravel, and stayed that way the rest of the way out. For the early starters, we did not have fluid stations workers, but we knew that ahead of time. After 7:00 a.m., the stations were staffed. There was water and Gatorade at all stations. Gel was available at most stations. The stations seemed to be about 1.5 to 2 miles apart. It was very workable. Coming back, the sun was high in the southern sky - and we were running south coming back. At/after that time, the position of the sun eliminated most of the shade, so the last 5 to 7 miles were pretty brutal. Little to no shade, lots of sun, hot & humid. We just kept pushing on ahead. Finally, the finish line. There was still a lot of food available. Peanuts, fruit, hot chicken, rolls, Granola bars, chocolate milk, and chips. Water and Gatorade were available too - over by the finish line. This is a small size race that provided well for their runners. Well done! The T-shirt said nothing about a marathon on it. They should change that for next year.
A. A. from Milwaukee (5/3/2017) "Great for a small marathon" (about: 2017) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Course- On the Eisenbahn trail in West Bend Wisconsin. Yes, it is a 'trail' however large sections were paved and the rest was gravel. Parts were scenic, mostly it felt like running on a trail that is surrounded by farms and quintessentially Wisconsin. Very straight, very flat, out and back. Organization- For the size of this race, it was fantastic. Very simple and easy packet pickup. The volunteers were fantastic. Aid stations ranged from every mile to 2 miles (I think..?) but they were frequent. Also, the finish line had some quality food options for runners! Spectators- Really non-existent unless you count the volunteers at the aid stations.
Michael Kowalske from Delafield Wisconsin (4/29/2015) "Great training run" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The course is an out in back that runs on the Eisenbahn trail. You couldn't ask for better weather 55 and sunny . Unfortunately I was under the weather and did not run the time I wanted. The marathon itself was very scenic and flat. No twists and turns just straight out and back. I thought that the venue was put together on a shoestring budget. Virtually no packet goodies. Race shirt didn't even have the name of the marathon on it. They did have ample port of Johns on the course. This race was a fundraiser for elevate a drugs and alcohol rehabilitation organization. I guess overall the race was good but the venue itself could use a little sprucing up.
J. B. from USA (4/27/2015) "Excellent and simple race!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This marathon was very nice. I parked 300 yards from race start, packet pick-up very efficient with no lines, plenty of port-potties! The course was a simple out and back, plenty of port-a-potties and well supported. Not a whole lot of spectators, but I that doesn't matter to me. Medal and shirt were nice. I felt my value was worth it!! Simple things to improve on... perhaps bananas around half way point, something other than Gu and larger cups at the aid stations. Very good volunteers!
A. K. from Naperville, IL (5/2/2014) "Scenic course, friendly volunteers" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my 24th marathon, and I really enjoyed it. The course is really scenic, going into farmland, passing rivers, cows, and woods. The water stops were abundant, and the volunteers were really friendly. A big huge Thank You to the volunteers at the water stops! The temperature was in the low forties, which is perfect running weather. Overall I really enjoyed the race and may do it again. However, the YMCA showers were not available as promised, and that was a huge disappointment for me. I have chosen to run this race, not several other ones in the area, because it was going to be a cold, windy, and rainy on the race day. Besides, nobody announced that the showers are closed. Better communication in the future would be greatly appreciated. Still, I really liked everything almost everything about this race, and will definitely consider doing it again.
Tim W. from Charlotte, N.C. (4/28/2014) "Great small marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Here's what you'll get with this marathon: _ A flat course on a forgiving limestone trail, with almost no vehicle traffic that takes you through beautiful Wisconsin farmland _ No crowds _ Well-stocked, frequent aid stations with volunteers so friendly and supportive it's like they're trying to live up to the Midwestern stereotype _ A reasonable shot at a PR (the trail is a slight downhill on the way back and there are essentially no turns on the course) if the conditions cooperate. Now, about those conditions ... If you read down in the comments, you'll see that the organizers have had the darndest time trying to figure out when to run this race. Holding it in June or August runs the risk of excessive heat, which is something they've had problems with in the past. So the date is now the last weekend in April, when you've got a shot at nice, springlike conditions or what happened in 2014: temperatures in the mid-30s, rain and a steady 18 mph wind, with gusts to nearly 30 mph. I personally think they've got it right. If things come up lucky, they've got ideal marathoning conditions, while the downside risk of cold weather is much less than that of excessive heat. Just don't sign up for this one if you're looking for a guarantee of 55 degrees and clear skies. The other stuff: good-looking technical T, medal was fine, friendly and communicative organizers. I enjoyed my short stay in West Bend, which has a beautiful downtown and riverwalk district and a brand-new art museum and YMCA (open for showers after the race).
K. C. from small town Wisconsin (4/23/2013) "This is what marathoning in Wisconsin is about." (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 28th marathon and I really enjoyed it. In my opinion its what marathoning in Wisconsin is all about small town races put on by some genuniely nice people and supported by members of the local community, many of whom seemed genuinely excited to have a marathon going on in their little towns. Pros (in my opinion) -Small race (less than 50 marathoners) -Abundant water stations (approximately -12-15 for the entire course) -out and back course layout(which I really like, but others may not) -Showers available at the YMCA afterwards -Nice tech shirt -reasonably priced (I signed up relatively late and paid 65) -post race food was simple but honestly better than I expected for a race this size and this price. -benefits a worthy cause (the Washington County Council on AODA) Cons- Small race -the trail would have been more scenic if winter in Wisconsin didn't last until May this year (but there's nothing race organizers can do about that) I really struggled to come up with any other cons overall I thought it was a very well organized race and would highly recommend it. I plan on returning next year. I also think they've found a great weekend for it.
m. s. from mansfield, tx (4/22/2013) "Great small race" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Great race with a small town atmosphere. Out and back course on a former railroad trace, thus overall a very flat course. Not many spectators but those that were there were awesome! No expo or past party but this is one I enjoyed for the small field and no crowds. This is Wisconson and April can be (and was) cold and windy. Overall a great race with unique trophys and a nice medal.
J. v. from Deephaven, MN (6/27/2012) "Great event with plenty of small-town charm." (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I thoroughly enjoyed this race. There were plenty of concerns online from the previous two runnings of this event but I didn't see any of those this year. They addressed and corrected every issue. It was well organized, well supported and a great course. This was my 11th marathon ranging up to 30k people at Boston and I would certainly consider running this one again in the future. Crowd support was sparse but exactly what I expected for a 100 person racing starting at 5:30AM due to projected heat. Start time was adjusted well before the start due to the forecast and we were notified by email, website and even personal phone calls to every runner. Over and above the call of duty! My compliments to the race director who organized a fantastic event!
Kerry Demler from Tanner, AL (6/13/2012) "recommend if you like nature because it's great" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Prior comments were heard. Everything went smooth from start to finish. Spectators are few but their great. Director did well by starting an hour early and did a great job of making sure we knew via email and phone. I would run this again. It's a great small race with country and small towns. The trail was in great shape. The hills in the beginning are challenging but realistic. After mile 13 its a gradual downhill the rest of the race.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

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Rob Klein from Paradise, MI (7/31/2019) "Simple and Flat" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a marathon that was cancelled last year, then brought back into existence this year! Last year, I had it penciled in on my calendar, then came to find out that the marathon had been cancelled. The race director invited me to participate in the half marathon, and I declined. But this year, they brought it back. It was a small race. And they offered a 6:00 a.m. start for slower runners/walkers. West Bend is a rather small town and downtown is compact; at least that is how it felt driving through. Everything happened on Saturday. Packet pick-up began at 5:30 a.m. There really was no packet; they gave you your T-shirt and number, and you had to pick up four safety pins, and you were out the door. These guys and gals were handing out T-shirts and numbers right around the corner from the start/finish line. So around the corner and up a slight hill and we were at the staging area. The ten 'early start' runners gathered, were briefed, and we started the race at 6:00 a.m. The start line was on the trail, and the coordinator told us, it is straight run on the trail for 13.1 miles, a course reversal, then back. The early start was a blessing. The sun was on the horizon, it was cool, and there was lots of shade early on. At the beginning the trails was paved - asphalt - I think. In short order, it changed to crushed gravel, and stayed that way the rest of the way out. For the early starters, we did not have fluid stations workers, but we knew that ahead of time. After 7:00 a.m., the stations were staffed. There was water and Gatorade at all stations. Gel was available at most stations. The stations seemed to be about 1.5 to 2 miles apart. It was very workable. Coming back, the sun was high in the southern sky - and we were running south coming back. At/after that time, the position of the sun eliminated most of the shade, so the last 5 to 7 miles were pretty brutal. Little to no shade, lots of sun, hot & humid. We just kept pushing on ahead. Finally, the finish line. There was still a lot of food available. Peanuts, fruit, hot chicken, rolls, Granola bars, chocolate milk, and chips. Water and Gatorade were available too - over by the finish line. This is a small size race that provided well for their runners. Well done! The T-shirt said nothing about a marathon on it. They should change that for next year.
A. A. from Milwaukee (5/3/2017) "Great for a small marathon" (about: 2017) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Course- On the Eisenbahn trail in West Bend Wisconsin. Yes, it is a 'trail' however large sections were paved and the rest was gravel. Parts were scenic, mostly it felt like running on a trail that is surrounded by farms and quintessentially Wisconsin. Very straight, very flat, out and back. Organization- For the size of this race, it was fantastic. Very simple and easy packet pickup. The volunteers were fantastic. Aid stations ranged from every mile to 2 miles (I think..?) but they were frequent. Also, the finish line had some quality food options for runners! Spectators- Really non-existent unless you count the volunteers at the aid stations.
Michael Kowalske from Delafield Wisconsin (4/29/2015) "Great training run" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The course is an out in back that runs on the Eisenbahn trail. You couldn't ask for better weather 55 and sunny . Unfortunately I was under the weather and did not run the time I wanted. The marathon itself was very scenic and flat. No twists and turns just straight out and back. I thought that the venue was put together on a shoestring budget. Virtually no packet goodies. Race shirt didn't even have the name of the marathon on it. They did have ample port of Johns on the course. This race was a fundraiser for elevate a drugs and alcohol rehabilitation organization. I guess overall the race was good but the venue itself could use a little sprucing up.
J. B. from USA (4/27/2015) "Excellent and simple race!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This marathon was very nice. I parked 300 yards from race start, packet pick-up very efficient with no lines, plenty of port-potties! The course was a simple out and back, plenty of port-a-potties and well supported. Not a whole lot of spectators, but I that doesn't matter to me. Medal and shirt were nice. I felt my value was worth it!! Simple things to improve on... perhaps bananas around half way point, something other than Gu and larger cups at the aid stations. Very good volunteers!
A. K. from Naperville, IL (5/2/2014) "Scenic course, friendly volunteers" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my 24th marathon, and I really enjoyed it. The course is really scenic, going into farmland, passing rivers, cows, and woods. The water stops were abundant, and the volunteers were really friendly. A big huge Thank You to the volunteers at the water stops! The temperature was in the low forties, which is perfect running weather. Overall I really enjoyed the race and may do it again. However, the YMCA showers were not available as promised, and that was a huge disappointment for me. I have chosen to run this race, not several other ones in the area, because it was going to be a cold, windy, and rainy on the race day. Besides, nobody announced that the showers are closed. Better communication in the future would be greatly appreciated. Still, I really liked everything almost everything about this race, and will definitely consider doing it again.
Tim W. from Charlotte, N.C. (4/28/2014) "Great small marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Here's what you'll get with this marathon: _ A flat course on a forgiving limestone trail, with almost no vehicle traffic that takes you through beautiful Wisconsin farmland _ No crowds _ Well-stocked, frequent aid stations with volunteers so friendly and supportive it's like they're trying to live up to the Midwestern stereotype _ A reasonable shot at a PR (the trail is a slight downhill on the way back and there are essentially no turns on the course) if the conditions cooperate. Now, about those conditions ... If you read down in the comments, you'll see that the organizers have had the darndest time trying to figure out when to run this race. Holding it in June or August runs the risk of excessive heat, which is something they've had problems with in the past. So the date is now the last weekend in April, when you've got a shot at nice, springlike conditions or what happened in 2014: temperatures in the mid-30s, rain and a steady 18 mph wind, with gusts to nearly 30 mph. I personally think they've got it right. If things come up lucky, they've got ideal marathoning conditions, while the downside risk of cold weather is much less than that of excessive heat. Just don't sign up for this one if you're looking for a guarantee of 55 degrees and clear skies. The other stuff: good-looking technical T, medal was fine, friendly and communicative organizers. I enjoyed my short stay in West Bend, which has a beautiful downtown and riverwalk district and a brand-new art museum and YMCA (open for showers after the race).
K. C. from small town Wisconsin (4/23/2013) "This is what marathoning in Wisconsin is about." (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 28th marathon and I really enjoyed it. In my opinion its what marathoning in Wisconsin is all about small town races put on by some genuniely nice people and supported by members of the local community, many of whom seemed genuinely excited to have a marathon going on in their little towns. Pros (in my opinion) -Small race (less than 50 marathoners) -Abundant water stations (approximately -12-15 for the entire course) -out and back course layout(which I really like, but others may not) -Showers available at the YMCA afterwards -Nice tech shirt -reasonably priced (I signed up relatively late and paid 65) -post race food was simple but honestly better than I expected for a race this size and this price. -benefits a worthy cause (the Washington County Council on AODA) Cons- Small race -the trail would have been more scenic if winter in Wisconsin didn't last until May this year (but there's nothing race organizers can do about that) I really struggled to come up with any other cons overall I thought it was a very well organized race and would highly recommend it. I plan on returning next year. I also think they've found a great weekend for it.
m. s. from mansfield, tx (4/22/2013) "Great small race" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Great race with a small town atmosphere. Out and back course on a former railroad trace, thus overall a very flat course. Not many spectators but those that were there were awesome! No expo or past party but this is one I enjoyed for the small field and no crowds. This is Wisconson and April can be (and was) cold and windy. Overall a great race with unique trophys and a nice medal.
J. v. from Deephaven, MN (6/27/2012) "Great event with plenty of small-town charm." (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Eisenbahn Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I thoroughly enjoyed this race. There were plenty of concerns online from the previous two runnings of this event but I didn't see any of those this year. They addressed and corrected every issue. It was well organized, well supported and a great course. This was my 11th marathon ranging up to 30k people at Boston and I would certainly consider running this one again in the future. Crowd support was sparse but exactly what I expected for a 100 person racing starting at 5:30AM due to projected heat. Start time was adjusted well before the start due to the forecast and we were notified by email, website and even personal phone calls to every runner. Over and above the call of duty! My compliments to the race director who organized a fantastic event!
Kerry Demler from Tanner, AL (6/13/2012) "recommend if you like nature because it's great" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Prior comments were heard. Everything went smooth from start to finish. Spectators are few but their great. Director did well by starting an hour early and did a great job of making sure we knew via email and phone. I would run this again. It's a great small race with country and small towns. The trail was in great shape. The hills in the beginning are challenging but realistic. After mile 13 its a gradual downhill the rest of the race.

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Marathon Details - Eisenbahn Marathon