Trailbreaker Marathon - Race Reviews

Nice variety of trails. Bike trail around lake to start, asphalt trail in good condition and dirt trail with hills for variety. I liked the tower turn around point very fun. A small well organized race with race day pickup. It was nice to wait inside before race started. The showers were also very nice before your drive home.

I did this race as a last-minute supported training run for my marathon coming up next month. I really wasn't too picky or looking for anything in particular other than an affordable race in a state I hadn't checked off yet. This race was totally acceptable. The good: 1) Organization was great, no expo, but race morning pickup was completely smooth, and we got to hang out in heated rec center literally until seconds before the gun went off. Course may not have been well-marked in previous years, but was fine this year. 2) Very affordable entry fee. 3) Plenty of hotels/restaurants very close to race start. 4) MOSTLY flat course (except where it wasn't!) 5) Going to the top of the observation tower and ringing the bell at the turn-around: definitely unique, still not sure whether having to climb all those stairs was cool or annoying, but the view was great! Cons: 1) Really, really cold (14 at start line, though sun and absence of wind made it not so bad). 2) Almost 17 miles of the race were on boring bike path. 3) The 4 or so miles on trail... mud, mud, mud. And the mud got worse as the temps climbed and more people churned up the trail. It seriously slowed down my pace and was completely unenjoyable. 4) No spectators! I may as well have been on a training run on that bike path. I saw as many recreational runners out there as marathon participants. Even the last 2 miles through town there was absolutely no one out at all, to the point where I was thinking, don't any of the other marathoners have family, or anything? Overall I can't complain about the race, but there's no way I would choose this over other more urban Wisconsin marathons if I hadn't had to consider time of year, distance, finances, and other stuff.

This was a good marathon to get the ball rolling again after being away from distance running for a spell. The park was easy to find; but GPS was still very helpful in getting there. I stayed with a friend in the Milwaukee area the night before, so I only had a short drive. Check-in was all done race-day morning at the recreation center/gym. It was very organized and streamlined. There was a mini-expo there (kind of). Some were handing out free stuff - like water bottles, and it looked like a race committee person was selling Gatorade. The start line was in front of the recreation center - in the road. Everybody congregated there as 8:00 a.m. approached, then the race director spoke his lines before the race started. One thing he said was that the race course was a deviation from the climax at the highest point in the county, because there was ice/snow there that made it unsafe. Hence, Plan B. Another was that the course was asymmetrical, which, he said, meant the end was different from the beginning (but I - and other runners I spoke to - had no idea how that was laid out or defined. I will get back to this shortly). So the race began. To me, the course was not precisely defined - early on, as well as near the end. The first few miles were in town. We started out following walkways along the river, and for the most part, there were orange cones periodically, marking the way through town. On a couple of occasions, I confirmed that with a support person or police officer. And by the way, the portion of the course in town - in both directions - was effectively staffed with police officers for traffic safety. Great job! Eventually, we left town, turning onto a bike and pedestrian path. It looked to be an old railroad bed that had been given up by the railroad and converted for recreation use. There was a pair of porta-potties earlier (before the 1/2 marathon turn-around). The path was an uphill grade that eventually came through an old Welsh town. Here, there were public toilets that were locked (dumb). Then with a few bends and curves along the way, the path headed out along a highway. Perhaps half way through the remaining distance there were two more porta-potties). It was really pretty lonely out there. Finally, we reached the half-way/turn-around point, got our number recorded by a race official, got to ring the bell! dAfter a U-turn, we were headed back. They said it was all downhill going back, but that simply was not the case. A couple of other things bear mentioning at this point. There were some refreshments available about every 3 miles, it seemed. But on the way back one station ran out of Gatorade. Another station - probably close to mile 22 - where a sharp diagonal road crosses the path, had everything packed up and had been abandoned. It was very disheartening. There were two porta-potties here too, and at least they were still available. The other thing: There were no gels (GU, Clif-shots, or the like) available for this entire marathon. I did not become aware of that until perhaps ½ way back - when I finally asked. Anyway, when the paved trail rejoined the sidewalk, back in town, is where confusion set in. There were arrows painted on the sidewalk from both directions, pointing onto the trail. There were no arrows pointing out the return - from the path onto the sidewalk. Also, there were multiple arrows - on the sidewalk - pointing past, and away from the trail, and, as it were, scribbled out! There were no cones visible and no person stationed there to direct the runners. I saw one guy actually go the wrong way! Finally, I saw a runner way in the distance, and opted to follow him (the other guy then followed too). Then, where the return course deviated from the outbound course was totally unclear. I had to ask some police officers - on multiple occasions - where to turn to ensure I was staying on the 'correct' course. Finally, about the last mile or so, a volunteer said, 'just follow the river the rest of the way to the finish-line'. I made it. I think the 8 or 10 people still behind me figured it out too, but it should have not been so difficult. People get really spread out at the end, and you are kind of on your own. And that is when volunteers might tend to get bored, think they are done, and leave There were adequate refreshments at the finish line, but no Gatorade. Apples, bananas, bagels, and bottled water. The last word is about the weather. It probably started out in the mid-30s, and warmed to the mid-40s. So it was a race for long sleeves, and warmer running clothes, though I did see some in short sleeves. It briefly rained about mid morning - on and off a couple of times, and more briskly once, but not for very long. I did not get soaked, but was still on the cooler side. So this was a pleasant alternative to the blistering heat and high humidity that some races have during the year.

This is a perfect, early spring run. Well organized and a bargain run for the price. Volunteers did a very nice job! Reasonably priced motels in the area. Quality shirt. It as better than I expected!

I loved almost everything about this race, especially the course going along Fox River, then between farms and hills. I like the no-frills approach, I am OK carrying my own gels and such, but one essential thing was totally missing: the last two miles of the course were not marked properly. Three times over those last two miles I'd run to an intersection and have absolutely no idea where to run next, every time losing a minute or two to ask for directions. I should not have to do that. I understand that you might not want to paint on sidewalks, but at the very least you should provide a detailed and accurate map of the city section of the course, which I could print and carry with me. Also you should put big and clear signs with arrows on each and every intersection. Putting only one red cone in the middle of an intersection, with no other clues in sight, is ambiguous and misleading.

5 stars I love home town marathons that are not out of reach of the working runner with family members that can enjoy the course and cheer. This is event is what made our country a wonderful place to live. A real home town fun marathon that was put together by home town people. I took my time and enjoyed the each mile. Thank you

I ran this marathon to get out early in the season and to train for a later spring marathon. There certainly could have been more water stops - there was always a bottleneck of runners at the few stops. It should have been suggested on the website/registration form to bring your own water and gels. I didn't like the fact that the race shirt was a men's shirt and the smallest size available were still way too large for me - it would be nice if they realized that small women run these events too and would like a shirt that fits. And, I agree with the comment that food should have been saved for marathoners, not mostly taken by the runners in the shorter races. It was good to have indoor bathrooms available before and after the race; volunteers were very friendly; parking was great.

For a small-town race, this one was well done. Simple packet pick-up, and plenty of water and tables to sit at and wait indoors at before the start (which was right outside the recreation center). Indoor bathroom facilities and the finish were right behind the building. Easy, free parking, and everyone was pleasant. Course was as expected and the middle part with the trail and tower were great (just wish the halfway point would have been marked). I didn't think I would like coming back on the half-marathoners - but gave me plenty of incentive to pass one more. Spectators were sparse (as I expected), but if you are looking for large crowds to cheer you on, might want to find a different marathon.

The course needs more porta-potties and water stations. Also, the last 4 miles of the race were poorly marked; they need more cones or arrows.

This marathon is a joke. The course was poorly marked. There weren't any mile markers between the four-mile mark and the six-miles-to-go marker. The three-mile hiking trail wasn't marked at all. I wasn't sure if I was going the right way. This course isn't certified so you can't use it as a Boston qualifier. Finally there weren't any awards (except for a certificate) for the age group winners.

I've run this marathon for the third time and will never run it again. Although the seven-mile trail run is challenging, most of the marathon is run on an old railroad right away that is flat and rather boring. As mentioned before, there is no finisher's medal, which is odd as this marathon is billed as "one of North America's 25 most difficult." The only thing it had going for it was discontinued this year: Your finisher's shirt was somewhat personalized with tower chevrons on the sleeve indicating the number of times you've run the marathon. Now you have to run it ten times before this is done! This change was not indicated on the entry form. It's obvious that the race organization is catering to the 1/2 marathoners and 5K run/walkers. For the second year in a row there was basically no food left by the time my friends and I finished the marathon (we were in the middle of the pack). Why let 5K walkers eat all the food? What are they recovering from? A friend of mine heard the race director say, prior to the 5K race, that they didn't spend any money on this race this year. THAT WAS QUITE OBVIOUS! I understand that the proceeds go for a worthy cause (Children's Hospital of Wisconsin) but at least offer some of the amenities that you find at other small marathons.

This was my second straight year doing the half marathon, again as a motivator over the winter and a good gauge of where I was at for a late spring marathon. This year it was cold, rainy, and windy as opposed to just cold last year. Nothing has changed from the previous year as far as race organization/supplies. Course is a flat black topped out and back. Bring your own GU and water! Great fun after the race, got to love beers with other runners!

Positives: low cost, nice dry-fit shirt, runners did a great job supporting each other since spectators were minimal. Negatives: boring trail followed by a very difficult trail will not give you a PR in this race, dissappointed with the finish (no finisher medals for anyone), waited 3 hours for the award ceremony to get a piece of paper with my finish time on it. Do this one as a training run only.

The run on the ice age trail and up the tower is very difficult, but makes the run more interesting than most. There are very few water stations, and you have to bring your own Gu, etc. I suggest using the bag drop, which will drop your bag at the mile 10/16 mark (you can put extra Gu, fruit, water, etc., or anything you think you might need. There is also very little fan support. However, there seems to be an even stronger camaraderie between runners on this course. I recommend this race if you are looking for marathon that is a bit more challenging.

I ran the half marathon in 2007 and thought that it was OK. I have run around 10 other half marathons, and this was by far the most low-key of any race I've ever done. The course was almost completely flat and paved, which was a nice change of pace... albeit a bit boring. One word of warning: There were mile markers between miles 1-4, and 10-13, and none in between. I ran with a first-timer who found this to be extremely frustrating, so wanted to send that warning out! Overall, a nice race, but not recommended for a first-timer who deserves to be more spoiled the first time around. :)

Not sure I will do this again. The out-and-back course is great for the first 16 miles, but when you get back on the bike trail (especially with a headwind) it's really boring. The organization was good, it's very low-key, and if that appeals to you, go for it!

I did the half marathon this year so that I had something motivating me to keep active over the winter. I ran the race with 2 very good friends and met some nice folks along the way. The police did an excellent job at the intersections. There could have been maybe one more water stop somewhere along the 1/2 course, mile 3 and 7 and then back at 10 when you looped back seemed like a long stretch near the end of the race. No GU (it was bring your own), and after-race munchies and drinks were sufficient, but nothing fancy. I'd suggest it as a first race of the season.

Excellent, well organized, low-key run, Wisconsin style - munchies and beer at the finish. Great wind-shirts and hats for finishers. Beautiful course through town, farmlands and woods. If you need to be pampered on the marathon course, go run Chicago.

I loved the course, the hardcore runners, and just the simplicity of the whole thing. This race was all about getting back to basics - running and good people. Again, I just loved it.

This was a very tough race and is not a "blow you away" marathon. It was a very scenic run and is a great way to open up the season. Very friendly atmosphere but not for those who need spectators clapping along the whole route. If you bring your own spectators, though, it is very easy for them to jump in the car and jet up ahead to the next checkpoint to cheer you on. Also, they worked very hard to slice up hundreds of fresh oranges for most of the stops. The only real hard part was going off on the trails through a wooded area and climbing to the top of a lookout tower which is bad for race times, but great for a fun run!

The previous comments accurately describe the course. The "non-trail" areas were pretty and pleasant and quiet. Race organization was just fine. By the time I was done with the full marathon, the remaining food was bagels, popcorn and peanuts. Volunteers were great, aid stations were well stocked and staffed. More portable restrooms available than most races. The trail wasn't too rugged, and made the run more interesting and scenic. Police did a great job with traffic control at the few places where it was needed. Obviously not a race for you if you need spectators or something fancy as far as post-race food, but I'd recommend it otherwise. Nice little race that doesn't cost much.

I've run this marathon or half marathon many times and they keep getting better. This year they had a really nice wind shirt for both half marathoners and full marathoners. I heard many comments from other runners that they really liked the shirt. The half marathon course is quite flat, being on an abandoned railway bike path. The full marathon does have about 6 miles on the Ice Age Trail and includes climbing a tower. That portion of the race is the only real challenge, as in some areas I felt I had to walk because of being either too slippery or too rocky. Bascially, there are no spectators--it's difficult for them to access the trail. There definitely are not enough water stops and the mile markers still aren't accurate, but I keep hoping they'll improve these things eventually. The finish had beer, popcorn, hot dogs, etc. which I rather enjoyed! It was better fare than at Boston, which basically gave you a bottle of water and a tiny bag of pretzels. Despite some of its flaws, I still like this race and I'll be back. It's a good early-spring race to get you fired up about the upcoming racing season.

Only 6 actual miles of trail. Paved bike path does not qualify (get real). There were few aid stations, and those that were there were poorly stocked, leaving one very depleted. The shirt I was given went straight into the trash when I got home - the worst shirt I've ever rec'd. I should mention that when this event started about 14 years ago I had a bad experience and vowed I'd never return; yet it did fit into my training plans for '05 and so I thought it had to be improved--WRONG! And it is true: hot dogs, potato chips, and beer for a post-race feed. Yikes! Look elsewhere!

The course is accurately described by others. I would only add for someone thinking it may be beyond their talents... it isn't. The difficulty isn't too great and you'll have fun. Just don't expect a PR here. You won't find plentiful, accurate mile-markers, so if you're anal about paces and finishing time projections you might as well stay home. There aren't any fancy trinkets for finishing, either. Why you should come participate can be summed-up in one word... CAMARADERIE! Most people don't come here to get too serious about racing. It is a good early season conditioning barometer. Many of the Ice Age Trail 50 ultramarathoners use this as a training run and a chance to drink some beers with old friends. Many races try to pretend they're something they're not. This race is very comfortable and successful with its identity. It raises funds and awareness for the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and through the many enthusiastic volunteers puts on a great event. This was my first year, but I will definitely be back. I'm not real fast, so save some beer for me at the finish!

The trailbreaker marathon is terrible. The race didn't start on time, there were almost no spectators, and the post-race party was for pigs. Typically one is served beer and hotdogs at a baseball game, not a marathon. The website for the race is as poorly run as the race itself. Stay away from Wisconsin!!!!!

This race is billed as one of the 10 most difficult marathons in the country. I fail to see how this can be. The vast majority of the race is on a pancake flat paved bike path - not at all difficult. A portion of the course is on rugged single track (which was slick the year I ran it) but I wouldn't really call it 'difficult' for anyone who has ventured off roads before. The turn-around is at the top of a 40-foot lookout tower. This is unique and somewhat difficult, but it is nothing compared to the uphills of western trail marathons in the mountains. Organization was good, post-race food was good, and the T-shirt was unique in that it had a small lookout tower on the sleeve for every year you ran the race (you indicated how many Trailbreakers you have run on the entry form). Unfortunately the shirt was not great otherwise (large picture of the Remax ballon), and there were no finisher's medals.

This marathon starts in downtown Waukesha, crosses numerous streets before heading out on a flat bike path. At about mile ten runners head into the woods on a very rugged, narrow trail that is very challenging and slow going. You go up and down, but mostly up until you reach a 40 foot fire tower that serves as the turn around point. You then head back down the trail meeting runners along the way. Everyone was saying 'Way to go', it was pretty neat! Volunteers stayed at their post even though it was very cold and windy. A few more mile markers would have been nice.Overall I was pleased with the event.

Does it make sense to call a marathon 'Trailbreaker' when it is less than 50% trail? The best part of this race is the section on the Ice Age Trail and the turn-around at a 40' look-out tower! Overall it is a nice, small, event that will please most people who don't want a full trail marathon. I would have preferred more trail running. T-shirt was OK, but there were no medals for finishers.