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Pine Line Trail Marathon
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Pine Line Trail Marathon - Race Reviews

3.9
Average rating based on 40 Reviews

By: Kathryn Waldron

Posted: April 27, 2019

Absolutely Wonderful!

This was my first Pine Line Trail Marathon, and I definitely hope to run it again! I can't express how much I appreciate the race day registration option as well as packet pickup! And the sport of running can become quite expensive, so I SO much appreciate the affordability of this race. The volunteers and everyone involved in this charming, small town race are second to none! Thank you all so much for this most awesome marathon! God Bless You All!
5.0

By: Rob Klein

Posted: April 26, 2016

Small Town Marathon With Lots to Offer

Pine Line Marathon is a small town marathon, and unfortunately, it was not well known outside the area. I found out about Pine Line only a couple of weeks ahead of time. The reviews I read were not glamorous, and one person I talked to, who previously participated in it even said it was boring. In any case, I was looking for an upper mid-west April marathon to participate in, and Pine Line was it. One of the factors in getting race information was that the website was a Facebook page (which I could not access). But on the Medford Chamber of Commerce calendar, for the date of the race, information was available. I just needed to know where to look for the information. I had to drive 3 1/2 hours through the Wisconsin back-roads to get to Medford, and I enjoyed every minute of it. It seems that the race director, Andrea, also ran the Chamber of Commerce, and I registered with a volunteer over the phone. The other alternative was to mail in a paper copy registration form. Anyway, St. Pauls Church was the focal point for pre- and post-race activity. Check in was Friday evening or early Saturday morning. Pasta dinner was served by the church Friday evening too. It was great food, and lots to eat. There were local motels and camping options too. The campground was not officially open until May 1st, so they let us camp for free! The race started right around the corner from the church in the city park & campground, along the pond, where the river through town was dammed. The race started at 8:00 am, and a volunteer  and runner  named Tim sang the National Anthem for us  and he did an awesome job! The announcer coordinated with the timing organization, and at the sound of the siren, we were off. About a mile along the pond, we turned on to an arterial road, over a bridge, and then on the trail. The trail was really a mixture of several different running surfaces. It started as a mixture of gravel and sand, then part of it was like clay that had tracks and footprints in it that was kind of baked in by the sun (it was the most uneven part of the course, with potential for tripping). Some very short segments actually had raised crushed gravel, usually where repairs had been made by work crews. Then some was like thin mud, which had not dried out completely from snow melt-off. And a lot of it was just two track  with grass in the middle and on both sides too. But there was no standing water, and there was no muck or thick mud to track through. The conditions were probably a bit slower than if running on pavement, but it was a manicured trail, and was probably easier on the runners. There were volunteers stationed at places the trail crossed busier roads, and there were aid stations about every two to three miles, and strategically placed port-a-potties too. The turn-around was a barrel placed on the trail. The aid stations had water & Gatorade; fruit & cookies  but none had gels. And, as with any out-and-back, you do see the same things coming back. But it was a mix: A couple of small towns, farms and farmland, swamp and streams, and woods too. Still, it was a small event. I think there were only 29 marathoners. The shorter races (1/2 marathon and 10K probably drew many more participants). And after reaching the half marathon turn-around point, marathon runners seemed to be pretty spread out, and several runners were then running alone. The staff kept track of the runners in the course and the sweeper spent a few miles following me (yeah, I finished last, but still inside 6 hours). When I got back, the time-keeper was pretty much packed up and ready to go. He gave me my finish time & place, and said good-bye. Post-race was at St. Pauls. I got the last couple of pieces of pizza, a finishers medal, and had some fruit too. I also had a chance to chat with Andrea and her staff. Again, the race was small, but was well staffed. They took care of the runners, they were cordial and friendly, and the weather mostly cooperated (it was in the low 30s overnight and warmed into the 60s). Lots of sun early on, then overcast later in the morning. The wind was variable, but definitely a factor on the way back. Otherwise, it was great weather for running. And instead of the typical T-shirt, this race gave out hooded sweatshirts with a front pocket - with logo on the front and sponsors on the back. They did a great job.
4.0

By: Heather O.

Posted: May 12, 2013

Nice enough course, poor organization

'I ran the half marathon in 2013. I wanted to rate this race higher, but the lack of organization was really a downer. When they were announcing the winners, they got both the male and female winners wrong. It got sorted out, but everyone was wondering how accurate the results really were. the course is fine. It is an out and back on a dirt trail. Basically, a gravel road. Some spots still had snow on them and were pretty slippery. There is basically no crowd support, but the volunteers at the water stations are enthusiastic. No finishers medals. Hooded sweatshirt for the Half/full marathoners. I should have taken my own water on the course because the aid stations were pretty far spaced (6 on the half marathon course). I don't know if I would do this again, but they also offer a marathon relay, which could be a nice options for some of my friends who don't want to tackle a longer distance.'
2.0

By: Michele A.

Posted: April 30, 2013

Loved the course

I love small races. The people at the aid stations were super. I love running on dirt so this course was perfect. I put the fans at 4 eventhough no one was really on the course but the aid station workers made up for that.
4.0

By: Ellie V.

Posted: April 29, 2013

A Great Small Race

I just completed my first Pine Line Marathon this past weekend. We lucked out with fantastic weather! Though it was such a small race, the volunteers and organizers did a fantastic job day-of. The organization of the website and registration information left something to be desired, but they were very good at answering questions and concerns via email. There were 6 waterstops, and since it's out-and-back, you hit each one twice. The stops all had bananas and oranges and some had fig newtons too. My favorite part was since there were so few runners, the volunteers would see me coming while unscrewing my handheld water bottle top and they had pitchers ready to refill me! I've never seen that before and it was so appreciated. It would probably not have been necessary to carry water if it had been cooler, but that sun got hot by the end of the race. The surface varied from dry gravel, to soupy mud to snow and slush. I would recommend this race to anyone, but be prepared for solitude. This would probably not be a good choice if you've never run one before, but as long as you know what you're getting into, this is an inexpensive, well-run, and beautiful trail race.
5.0

By: Claudia R.

Posted: January 11, 2013

Outstanding

You will not find a better marathon for the money. Amazing organizers, volunteers, schwag and awards. You get a hooded sweatshirt and, if you place in your age group, the coveted bronze, silver or gold railroad spike! Home of Tombstone pizza so if you get done in time, there's pizza!
5.0

By: claudia roedl

Posted: November 04, 2011

Do Not Miss This Marathon

One of the best marathons I have done of the 50+ I've done so far. Everything is great, the flat out and back course, the volunteers, the aid, the organization AND I come all the way from AZ because I love that hooded sweatshirt and mug AND the pizza and chocolate milk at the finish! Oh, and it's taken me a long time but I finally secured the much sought after railroad spike in my age group. Way to go Medford; you never disappoint!
4.0

By: Wayne T.

Posted: April 25, 2011

Not a Fast Course

I did the Pine Line thinking it was going to be a fast course because it was flat. The trail is more of a grassy dirt mix and it isn't flat. It basically has 231 feet of gain to the turnaround point. You do get it back when you head back, but that is not flat. The elevation gain is slight and gradual, but is noticeable, especially when it is wet and your footing is not sure. I personally would rather run up 3 steep 100-foot hills, then have it dragged out of 3 miles or so. There is some gravel, but not enough to make the surface hard enough for good traction when it is wet. The course does get muddy in some spots. There is a lot of slipping and sliding. I spent so much time concentrating on my footing that I didn't really get the opportunity to take in the scenery. On the way back I tripped over an iron rod that was sticking about 3 inches of the ground dead smack in the middle of the trail! Needless to say, I was not happy. Luckily I did not get injured and I continued. I saw another one a few miles later. Things like this should not happen. If you are going to run this race, make sure you train on some trails. If you are not used to running on uneven surfaces, it can really pound your body. My lower back really took the worst of it. My back never hurts when I run. The race is a great value at $45.00. I thought the after-race food (pizza) was fine. The sweatshirt is nice and the volunteers were great. Registration was well organized. They do need some more bathrooms at the start/finish line. They also need to start providing GU or gel at the aid stations. I would rather pay $5 and not have to carry GU.
3.0

By: Laura W.

Posted: May 01, 2009

Great Experience

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!
5.0

By: claudia roedl

Posted: April 30, 2009

No Whining About This Marathon!

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.
5.0

By: Keith W.

Posted: May 11, 2008

This race was what I expected.

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.
3.0

By: Marcy M.

Posted: April 29, 2008

Low-key but well done

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!
4.0

By: Joanne L.

Posted: April 27, 2008

Beautiful trail; easy, flat course

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!
3.0

By: Toni J.

Posted: June 20, 2007

Not so much!

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.
2.0

By: Scott C.

Posted: May 22, 2007

Good race for a small town

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.
3.0

By: John H.

Posted: May 14, 2007

About J.D.'s Comments Below.

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.
3.0

By: Tom H.

Posted: May 02, 2007

Great course/Great Volunteers, but.....

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.
4.0

By: Matt Oley

Posted: May 01, 2007

Better organization would have been nice

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.
2.0

By: John Hanley

Posted: April 30, 2007

Great race, low-key.

This was my first Pine Line and I would run it again. The organization was good, although there could have been more water stops. If you have never run on a trail before, be sure to do a lot of training runs on gravel. A great, low-key race.
3.0

By: Richard D.

Posted: April 30, 2007

OK for the self-motivated!

The Pine Line Trail Marathon is a basic, low key 26.21-mile event on a nice gravel/grass trail 13.1 miles out and 13.1 miles back. Once you get to the trail (about 3/4 of a mile from the start) you won't see much except for greenery along the trail. For some, this is perfect, for others it may be boring. Seven aid stations are adequate and the workers are extremely nice and helpful. Because the race has a small field (even with the half-marathon and marathon relay) and because it is on an old rail-line trail there is very little spectator support. I would not recommend this to a first-timer or novice marathoner who may expect the hoopla that goes with the big-city marathons. My goal was to add to my marathon total and this marathon had everything I needed.
3.0

By: Jeremy D.

Posted: April 29, 2007

Ok practice marathon. Fast, but bare bones.

A lot of positive comments are listed for this marathon, which is why I signed up. To be perfectly honest, I will not do this one again. First, the race website did not have directions to the park. No big deal; I figured it out by inspecting a map of Medford. Second, when I got there nobody knew where the start line was. Serious! I had several people ask me if I had any idea (I didn't). Third, a porta-potty or two would have been nice. The park facilities for those in need of a restroom were horrible. Fourth, the water stations are too sparse, and there were no gel stops. Not that a gel stop is necessary, but it is nice when you get to miles 18-23. Fifth, the finish area couldn't have been any more uninspiring. A few people milling about and a couple race volunteers. Sixth, no medals. Coffee mugs. Lastly, the goody bags were the worst I have ever seen. A sweatshirt and a couple lotion packets. That was it. I got 3X as much at a local 10K where I paid 1/2 as much. If the race charged $50 and offered more amenities, I would have been happier. I appreciate the low cost, but come on.
3.0

By: Dr Thomas O.

Posted: January 07, 2007

The course is gorgeous; gravel is tough sometimes.

I have done this perhaps 5 times since the late 1980's. The organizers let me start 2 hours early, as I am so slow. The last time I encountered a skunk perhaps 4 miles into the race. I found a rock, hurled it and prayed. I won! This course is not for the timid but the few water stations were very helpful. Do not recommend for the novice but if you have done a few marathons, this is gorgeous.
4.0

By: Nick H.

Posted: May 21, 2006

Nice Race

I'll always remember the sound of gunfire about 8-10 miles down the gravel trail. There must be a shooting range located back there.
4.0

By: Matthew P.

Posted: April 26, 2006

Great time, few things to improve...

I had the most fun I've ever had running the half marathon. All the runners were super friendly and supportive of one another. The course is an out-and-back on a super flat, super straight gravel mix (converted train route). There were three water stops for the half marathon, at miles 1.5 and 7-ish, and then back to the 1.5 area for the final one. There was one porta-potty at about mile 4. There were very few road crossings; they were staffed by very friendly folks. Besides the road crossing guys and the water stops I didn't see any spectators. Very friendly event staff. Areas to improve: results need to be posted in a timely manner (I waited 1.5 hours and still didn't know where I placed), they need directions to the event (not everyone is familiar with Medford), they should pick a nice-looking color for the event shirts (I was barely able to hear over the super loud GREEN sweatshirt). I'll be back to run it hopefully next year!
3.0

By: Dave P.

Posted: April 25, 2006

Fast course, good surface, rough logistics

Good race - probably 23 miles on a trail, which saves the knees. Could stand to have more water stops - talked to quite a few people who ran out of water near the end. You absolutely have to carry water/Gatorade if you run this race. The end was a little confusing - wasn't sure where to go once I got off the trail. Overall though, positive experience. People running it and organizing it were real nice. I would do it again and recommend it to anyone looking for a low-key event, and anyone looking to qualify for Boston (because it's flat and fast).
3.0

By: Debra M.

Posted: April 22, 2006

I loved this marathon!

The Medford Marathon was a blast. The water stations are few, there are no time splits, but there are no crowds and the trail is great to run on. I loved the low-key atmosphere, and I qualified for Boston. I hope to run Medford again!
4.0

By: Steven K.

Posted: April 27, 2005

Hidden Gem in Wisconsin

If you like low key events this is the marathon for you. Great organization and great course but not much in terms of spectators. Marathon finishers do get mugs which is a better souveneir than another medal. For 25 dollars to pre register you get a hooded sweatshirt. Awards for the marathon include gold, silver or bronze railroad spikes. Definitely a marathon to do if you are interested in low key but high quality marathon.
3.0

By: Ryan C.

Posted: April 26, 2005

Fine out-and-back

The course was great. Trail of limestone, dirt/gravel, and even some moss/grass. A strong headwind made the first half very difficult. The second half was quite a bit better. Organization was fine. This was truly a shoestring event--no chips. Volunteers were spectacular. Not many of them, but they stood alone in the cold--30 degrees and 30 mph winds--for hours, passing out gatorade, water, and fruit. Very few people--I'd go a mile or two without even seeing another runner near the end--but everyone I met, runners officials and locals alike, were fabulous. We got hooded sweatshirts and coffee mugs for doing the whole thing. And Wisconsin cheese, water/soda, hot chocolate, bagels, even pizza at the end.
3.0

By: Cam R.

Posted: April 26, 2005

Great Training Marathon

This was my first Pine Line Trail marathon experience. Definitely a low-key marathon without a lot of bells and whistles - which makes it unique and nice. It is a tranquil run out in the woods, farm fields and swamps. I talked with a number of runners who were participating in it for the 'nth' time so there is some repeat appeal. I did enjoy it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a first-marathon-of-the-year run. I set a 'PR' in this marathon in spite of the gale force head winds for the first 13.1 miles.
2.0

By: Kevin P.

Posted: April 25, 2005

Nice first time run

Yes, it was cold, and yes it is sparse, but the people that were out there were cheering, and that makes all the difference. And as a coffee drinker - I loved the mug!
4.0

By: Adam G.

Posted: April 25, 2005

Great small town event.

Another good experience in Medford. This marathon is on excellent surface and runs out and back. Very few spectators due to remote setting and trail. Not many frills, but well organized. Weather can be tricky this time of year in central Wisconsin, so be prepared. No medals, but none are promised. I have run these twice and will be back.
4.0

By: Carolyn J.

Posted: April 24, 2005

Small race but well done.

I enjoyed this race, despite fierce headwinds & cold temperatures for the first 13 miles. The trail had a very nice surface, which is much easier on your body. I had less soreness the next day than I typically do after a marathon. I had one of my better times too, and that was probably due to the exceptionally flat/fast course. The miles are well marked, except some blew away in the strong wind. My only criticism would be that they do not have enough water stops, otherwise, a great race. I really liked receiving the ceramic mug vs. a finishing medal and a hooded sweatshirt vs. a t-shirt! The awards included a railroad spike which was kind of neat. Afterwards, they had pizza. This is a very small marathon so don't expect any spectators, but I would definitely recommend it if you don't like all the hassles of the big marathon.
3.0

By: CLAUDIA R.

Posted: February 27, 2005

RUNNING 26.2 MILES MERITS A MEDAL... NOT A MUG!!

Award medals; not mugs.
4.0

By: Jeremy M.

Posted: December 21, 2004

This marathon is excellent for first-timers

I would suggest runnning this marathon. It would be great for first-time runners. Very flat and marked well.
4.0

By: Cheryl F.

Posted: November 28, 2004

Won't Be Back!!

After driving most of the night to get there, it was very disappointing to find ourselves driving even farther to have breakfast as there were no restaurants open in the area. Then at the 1/2 marathon race, to have the truck crew come along and tell us that our time won't count even though they were asked if walkers were welcome and told us yes, we were very welcome. Well it sure didn't feel that way after we started the race. Thanks to the other participants and volunteers at the road crossings who were very supportive and showed great spirit.
4.0

By: Angela S.

Posted: September 06, 2004

26.2 miles of peaceful bliss

Coming from California I was unprepared for the freezing cold but the overall experience definitely made up for it. I didn't mind running on the trail since the impact was a little softer but I think I got a few more blisters though. The volunteers at the intersections blocking traffic did a great job cheering, as did the volunteers at the aid stations. Since there are not a lot of spectators every little cheer helps. Each mile was marked off and that helped tremendously. I don't get much of a chance running out in the country and I have to say that it was such a peaceful experience. It truly was a positive experience and I think I'll run smaller marathons more often. Thanks for the hospitality Medford!
4.0

By: Derek S.

Posted: April 28, 2003

beware of the gravel

Thanks to all of the organizers and volunteers! Nice rural setting but beware of the 20 miles of gravel, which will have your feet screaming.
4.0

By: Satisfied Runner

Posted: April 27, 2003

Overall I'm very satisfied (2003)

Just a beautiful course! Flat, crushed stone trail, scenic. The weather was perfect this year though I heard some stories from other years that indicate that you can never be sure at this time of year in this part of the country. Organization was minimal. It was adequate but really nothing extra. It was obviously run on a shoestring. But that's how they get by with only charging $25! So I'd say it was worth it, though it would also be worth $5 more for a few more amenities. [such as? well, perhaps ... 1 more water stop, finisher medals, Friday packet pickup]. Spectators ... well there basically aren't any. A few folks who came out for a specific runner, the volunteers, and relay team members basically comprise the whole crowd. For most of the course you just don't see anyone but other runners. I didn't mind this, but if it's important to you then you might mind. This was my 10th marathon in 20 months.
3.0

By: Anonymous

Posted: July 08, 2002

Flat with solitude

Nice small town atmospere. Enough waterstops. Beware of spring weather in Wisconsin(snowstorms). Soft surface but push-off of stride reduced due to gravel on this flat out and back course. If you train alone the solitude in the last miles won't bother you and the trail is scenic.
4.0

By: Anonymous

Posted: February 23, 2001

Flat, scenic and friendly!

The Pine Line is a small, low key and friendly event. About 100 runners participate in the full marathon, with more people involved in the relays, 10k race, etc. The course is excellent: It's a smooth gravel recreational trail that winds through the scenic northwoods of Wisconsin. The aid station and other volunteers are great, the transportation convenient and the whole event generally comes off well. The last few miles can get a bit lonely due to the small field, though. All in all, it's an excellent event.
4.0
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