I had a great experience at WhistleStop! I didn't decide register until all of the hotels were already full, but I got on waiting lists at a few hotels in Ashland. I ended up staying at the River Rock Inn and Bait Shop, which felt like home. It was about nine blocks to the finish line from the hotel, but it wasn't a bad walk. The weather was cold on race day! But after running Twin Cities 2007 and the Minneapolis Marathon in 2009, I have had enough of running marathons in temperatures above 70 degrees! It was a little windy too, but the trees protect the trail from most of the wind.

As far as I know, the marathoners didn't have any trouble getting to the start line on the shuttle buses, but I know there were issues for the half marathon and 5K runners (not enough shuttle buses). At the start line, I was able to stay in the Iron River Resort to keep warm. The owner was so gracious to let anyone in that wanted to. I came back for one of his famous Bloody Mary's the next day. :) The trail is soft in certain places, but the organizers did a great job of making the runners aware of the trail conditions. I don't like soft surfaces because it feels like you're putting more energy into each step than one you're getting out of it, but at least I knew what to expect. The runners seemed to thin out pretty quickly from the start. There weren't a ton of spectators, but the ones that were out were awesome - especially for standing out there in that cold weather! Great water stops too, and great volunteers. The scenery and fall colors were very pretty.

I beat my previous PR by 20 minutes and ended up qualifying for Boston! I wasn't expecting to do that well, but I think the cold weather and flat course really helped me. The course is overall downhill, but it was so gradual that I honestly couldn't tell. The post-race Blues and Brews fest was so fun! The community seems very supportive of the whole event. I would definitely come back to run this marathon again.

This was a well-organized marathon with a small-town atmosphere. The fall colors along with snow on the course made for a unique experience. The course is soft in places, and may be easy on the joints, but it requires more effort to run on than asphalt. Sign up early if you're interested in this race; nice lodging fills up fast. Overall, an excellent race to run. Put it on your list.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!