Maritime Marathon - Race Reviews

This race is the most well-organized and most beautiful marathon anywhere. My brother also ran this one today and we can't stop talking about how much fun we had! If you run this one, you will definitely want to return next year. I want to say thank you, so much, to the race director, the whole committee, and all the friendly volunteers! You are the best!

A well-run race that supports runners to the extreme. The course is a beautiful out and back along Lake Michigan. Highly recommend this race.

This was my first marathon after Covid, and I am so glad I chose this one as my WI race. Packet pickup at the Maritime Museum was quick and easy. Plenty of parking and porta potties on the UW campus. Even though it was a very hot, sunny day, Lake Michigan was absolutely beautiful. Most of the course was on a paved path with stunning views. There are many car pullouts which made it extremely easy for spectators to park and cheer. The volunteers at every water stop were terrific, although I was especially partial to those handing out ice! I was quite grateful that as a slower runner they still had cold water and Gatorade at the last few aid stations. Manitowoc is a nice, visitor friendly city. I highly recommend this marathon; it's well organized and you can't beat the scenery.

HFM Maritime Marathon is top-notch in every possible way! Race Director Dave Nickels kept us well informed about everything, including weather forecast for the day! Most enthusiastic volunteers, spectators and everyone involved! This is the most beautiful and well organized marathon! Thank you so much to all of you!

This Boston Qualifier marathon is one that everyone should experience! Mostly on trails along beautiful Lake Michigan and by far more scenic than any marathon I have run before, and quite flat if you are looking for a BQ. The race director, volunteers, spectators, and everyone involved are super-friendly and encouraging! You will be glad you ran this one, and will definitely want to repeat! Thank you to everyone involved in this most awesome event!

This is a runner's race. If you have done a few races you will want to do this one. The race kit pick up was easy with free parking. Race day I showed up an hour in advance and was able to park less than 100 feet from the start and finish for free! The race was along the waterfront for most of the course and featured 17 aid stations with gatoraid, medical staff and water. Two spots to get gels as well. small rolling hills with a couple of small hills as well. Great scenes and very friendly volunteers. The finish featured all you can drink chocolate milk and bratwurst, ice cream and beer! A charming town and the local Holiday Inn had a $10 all you can eat pasta buffet the night before the race.

Very scenic and well organized small marathon, great for spectating. 2017 was my first time running this race, and while I would've wished for better weather (it was a bit humid) a sunny day and the breeze off Lake Michigan made it a lot of fun. Positives- Great views of Lake Michigan for most of the race, which also made for a pleasant breeze. Manitowoc is small enough that it's easy to get around, but there's still enough to do for the family, and we found a great place to eat the night before the race. Packet pick up was incredibly easy. With the course running right along the lake, it was also very easy for family to stop and spectate at plenty of locations. We stayed at the Baymont (which is fine, despite some mixed online reviews) and it appeared that a lot of other race family stayed there as well, this is the perfect place being right on the course. The start and finish area at UW Manitowoc is easily accessible and nicely laid out, with very good amenities for a small race. Areas for improvement: while the out and back course allowed for very frequently placed aid stations, there was one stretch near mile 20 where there was a larger than expected gap between the water stops and this was a bit of a challenge so late in the race. And it was also a bit lonely running towards the end as the small field became really spread out towards the final stage of the race. Overall, a great experience and I would highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for scenery, for flat, and for easy accessibility for spectators to see you.

I'm so glad I found this race for my WI marathon - I'm surprised I haven't heard more about this race - we gotta get the word out there that this is a fantastic flat and fast little race in a beautiful historic town! It's almost like a small-scale version of Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN, but has plenty of unique character. :) This race is nearly all along the gorgeous shoreline of Lake Michigan, which makes for stunning views the entire 26.2 miles! Things that stood out to me about this race: 1. Awesome for spectator viewing - seriously, your supporters could stop to see you at about every mile along the course! :) 2. The breezes off the lake feel amazing! 3. Super flat and super fast course, except at the very end (last 2 miles) when the small hills leading to the finish line make you work hard! 4. This race is small but the energy by the race organizers and the town/volunteers is contagious! 5. Plenty of well-supplied aid stations that were spaced perfectly apart. 6: Huge, easily visible mile markers. 7. Highly recommend touring the Maritime Museum where packet pickup is held! Make sure to tour the submarine! :) Would recommend this marathon to anyone hoping to BQ AND enjoy the views along the way! :)

This has to be the most beautiful marathon course on the planet! The parking areas along the trail and Lake Michigan made it super easy for family members and friends to cheer on their runners. I was Blessed to have my brother Bill, and sisters Rose and Nettie yelling their hearts out for me! The gardens along the trail as well as beautiful Lake Michigan almost make you forget you are running 26.2 miles! Everyone involved in this race is super friendly and just plain AWESOME! I hope I can keep running this one! Thank you to Dave Nickels and all involved in this most awesome marathon! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I ran the marathon the first two years with my wife and switched to the half every year since (she still runs the full). We do multiple runs and continue to do this one every year because the organizers seem to improve something each year. The medal sucked the first year, now it's better. The shirts sucked the first couple years, now it's better. I PR'd last year, taking about 5 minutes off my time for the half! Course is flat and fast with the exception of the start and finish in residential area. Be prepared for the weather....June in Wisconsin can go either way, 80 degrees and high humidity or a cool 50 degrees by the lake. Course thins out by the time you get to the trail so passing is not a problem.

This was my second marathon and it did not disappoint. Even though it's a small, low-key race, it was very well organized and had excellent volunteers and staff along the course. The course is an out and back along Lake Michigan and is pretty flat most of the way. I imagine anyone looking for a BQ could do it here, if the weather cooperates. Even though the weather wasn't as pretty as I had hoped for, the cool, foggy conditions allowed me to go faster and didn't take away from the race. The course is also VERY spectator friendly. My family just kept getting in the car, driving to the next beach, getting out and cheering me on. After the race there was beer and some other food options, which was a nice plus. Highly recommend for anyone wants to run a PR.

If you are like me and prefer smaller races over large ones, this is a really nice one. Volunteers were very attentive and friendly, the weather was perfect for runners, the little town was very welcoming to all runners, from the few hotels to restaurants and bars. Everything was easy, from bib pickup to finding a room to stay at, finding a place to eat awesome carbs the night before to running to finishing. Awesome work, keep it up!

Beautiful course, near perfect weather, great logistics and support. I had a blast at this big little marathon. I could see this developing into a much larger field and more involved race weekend if the course would support the numbers. One small critique: 180 degree turns aren't fun (or nice) at 26.1 miles.

This race is a wonderful event if you like a marathon with less than 400 participants. Packet pick-up was a breeze. I don't need an expo. I stayed at the Best Western hotel on Maritime Street, 400 yards from packet-pick-up. Hotel supported us marathoners with early breakfast and late-checkout. Free parking 400 yards from start and finish. The course was very flat and scenic. Volunteers were superb! Nice medal and shirt. Post race food was perfect. This is a great marathon for spectating. Great job!

This a very friendly and great small race. As a slower runner, I am always worried about getting lost in the small races. Never a worry here. Very well marked and scenic course. Thanks to all for making my visit to WI a memorable one. I would recommend to anyone looking to knock WI off of the list in the quest for 50 states.

I am so glad I chose this as my Wisconsin marathon. I drove up from Chicago area with my brother and we ran the race together and spent an incredible weekend in friendly Manitowoc. I simple loved the course. I live in California and have run over 50 marathons there, so you would think the Lake Michigan views would not wow me - but they did. The coastal path was beautifully arrayed with gorgeous flowers and breathtaking lake views. All of the spectators and volunteers were so supportive. The race organization was fantastic. The great hamburger I had at the finish was probably the best post-race food I've had. I hope that when I finish my 50 state quest, to return to Manitowoc and run again. It surely is one of my favorite marathons! Do not short change your stay! This is a charming little town with some fantastic eateries. I used Trip Advisor ratings to find them.

I thought the course was nice. An out an back by Lake Michigan. Organization was perfect, port a johns by the start, food at the end and quick awards. Spectators were awesome at aid stations and even other runners are spectators since it is an out and back. If you need a Wisconsin marathon do this one.

This was two communities coming together to host a marathon run along the Lake Michigan shore. Check in was at the Maritime Museum downtown, and it was a breeze. The start line was at the UW Manitowoc. There was lots of parking, and it was very organized, and well done. A guy even said a prayer for the runners. The weather was about as good as it could have been. Especially for a race reputed for having little shade along the course. It was a low overcast with some fog too. The temperature was said to be in the upper 50s at the start of the marathon. By mid-day, it was 65. By early afternoon, the sun was trying to break through the overcast, but not before I was off the course. The course exited the campus into a residential area. After a few turns and small hills, we passed by the dock of the Lake Michigan car ferry Badger. We crossed over the Manitowoc River on a draw-bridge, passed by the USS Cobia submarine - at the Maritime Museum - and then continued along the lakeshore to the north, on the Mariner's Trail - a foot and bike path. After a few miles along the Lake Michigan shore, we came to Two Rivers. Through the town, we crossed across two more bridges - the West and East Twin River, and then continued along the lakeshore again. Approaching the turn-around point, we were on a gravel trail for about a mile then the last mile was down a country road - where suddenly we were in farm country. The turn-around was a path carved out of the woods, and we were headed back. Only one aid station - about 1/2 way back had GU (gel). None, that I saw, was available heading out. Still, it was appropriately placed and certainly helped out. Of course, the volunteers there were wiling to give us a spare gel or two for later on the course. Heading back, the SS Badger was returning from Ludington, and with the low cloud ceiling and the fog, the ship had it's fog horn blaring away. Eventually, the Badger came into view enroute to its dock. That was fun to watch, but it was docked and unloading before I passed the dock. Approaching the finish line, the course did a hair-pin turn off of the road on to a gravel trail and then a right turn to the finish line. That part was staffed with volunteers, so there was no chance of getting off the course. Overall, the course was very well marked, was staffed with cheerful volunteers at the critical turn points, and there were adequately spaced aid stations along the course with first aid folks along the course too. As always, local law enforcement was present from both communities and they effectively directed traffic to protect the runners. And at the finish-line Dave Nickels, the RD, was there to congratulate you and shake your hand. Both hot and cold food was available to runners after the race. This race was well done and I recommend it. Note: I gave 5 stars for spectators. Though it was not a big race, the enthusiastic and cheerful volunteers and support staff encouraged us as spectators would have.

Well organized, interesting course that was not boring. Change of terrain and diverse neighborhoods as well as scenic lake front.

I had a great time and found the race to be well organized. For such a small event, the organizers really did a fantastic job. The water stops were well manned. This is my 6th marathon, and I found the volunteers to be the most helpful. They were at every twist and turn and eliminated any course confusion that I otherwise could have had. They were all enthusiastic and smiling. I found the food and beverage selection at the end to be very good. The medal was nice as well - beautiful design. I liked the port-a-potty to participant ratio; there wasn't much of a line to use the restroom. I had to give it a 3 on the spectators, bc there just weren't many. However, I did not choose a small race looking for spectators. The ones that were there were very enthusiastic and cheerful. Overall, great race for a great value.

I have nothing bad to say about this course. I really enjoyed it. My only minor complaint is that my size small shirt is way too big for me. Everything else was perfect. :-) Out-of-towners: this course is extremely easy for family/friends to spectate! Lots of waysides along Lake Michigan w/ ample parking...and a huge parking lot at Neshotah beach in Two Rivers.

It was a pretty nice course, except the trail part near the turn-around, but at least this was fairly short. The humidity was 100% and even though the temp's weren't bad, the humidity took a large toll on me in the 2nd half. With the small amount of shade, a normal June 23rd could bring brutal heat to this event. Since the Madison Marathon has been moved to November, there aren't many marathons in WI around Memorial Day. RDs should consider moving up this race. Normally I wouldn't run a race this late in Spring in WI, but I was unable to race earlier in Spring, and wanted to get back to Boston for 2014. The humidity put an end to that... Organization was OK, spectators sparse. I liked the area, but won't do this one again in late June.

What a pleasant run along the shores of Lake Michigan. Loved everything about the course. Well, maybe not the small hills in the last few miles but seeing as it was out and back on the same route, at least I knew they were coming. The volunteers were incredible, both in sheer number and the support they gave. And as others have remarked, you can't do better than beer and brats post-race. Ice cream, too! My only quibble is the race shirt. I wish the design had been different so you could read where this race took place (it was dark lettering on a dark background). Likewise, it would have been nice to have 'Manitowoc' on the medal, though the medal was super-cool as is, and I'm not sure there was a place to put the town name. All in all, a nice summer marathon. I recommend it. For out-of-towners, the Westport B&B is a good place to stay. Friendly folk and convenient.

This was my first HFM Maritime Marathon and I don't ever want it to be my last! Thank you Race Director, Dave Nickels, and all the volunteers for this fantastic event! You would not know that this was only the second running of this event with how organized everything was. There are not words to describe the feeling you get from running all those miles along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. They don't make spectators any more friendly than they have here in Manitowoc. The medals are very classy, as was this whole marathon. Thank you so much for this awesome event! I plan to do this one every year!

This race has a beautiful out-and-back course along the shore of Lake Michigan, and also through woods and towns. Fans are few but wonderful. Aid stations are well spaced and staffed (thanks to the nuns, Packer fans, and everyone). Organization, including packet pickup, was great. Finish area had lots of refreshments, including beer and brats. Visit the Maritime Museum while you're there!

Want to drive your car to a parking lot adjacent to the start/ finish? Done. Line up to start the race with 5 minutes left before the start? Sure. How about crossing the start line timing mat 30 seconds after the gun goes off? You betcha! Sure, these are all characteristics of a small race, of which there are many. But I haven't done many of them and it sure is nice. Don't mistake a small field for short on planning and organization though. The RD and all the volunteers did a phenomenal job with aid stations, port-a-johns, medical, course markings, post-race party, and the medal too. I would definitely recommend this marathon.

I love it, was a great little marathon about 400-500 runners. great course along the lake.

Awesome race! Particularly impressive since it was an inaugural event. This is the prettiest marathon course in Wisconsin - certainly a good choice for 50 staters. Great organization, plentiful aid stations and great finish line food. Ice cream? Meat? Freaking fabulous! The only totally nitpicky comment I'd have for a possible improvement would be to upgrade the medal. This is a great race!

If you're a 50 stater or Marathon Maniac, this is a great race. all the details are covered well, and not crowded. Plentiful port-a-potties along the course, great aid stations, easy parking. Lots of post-race food, even for the back of the packers. Fun!

Wow! What a great inaugural event! It was clearly evident the race director and his team are seasoned runners. They put on a race like all runners dream a race should be done. I felt like I was running a marathon 'Rave Run'. Course - Absolutely beautiful! You run along the Lake Michigan Shoreline out and back and you will not get bored with all the beautiful scenery. The views for me were reminiscent of Big Sur and Grandma's Marathon without having to travel to a far away destination. Water stops were evenly spaced. Water and Gatorade were provided at each stop. Water first, then Gatorade. The water was even refreshingly cold! GU was provided at mile 18 as promised. Nice signage all along the course offering motivating support. The national athem was sung by a participating runner. Each runner was provided with post-race sandwich (brat, burger, hotdog) and a Dairy Queen frozen dessert. The Race Director & Team were very thorough and communicated via emails leading up to the race date and were very reponsive to my email inquiries. Runners - There was a very nice friendliness and comaraderie among the group. Runners exchanged support to each other as those who were on their way back passed those on the other side of the course. Spectators and Volunteers - The spectators and local community should be proud!!! I was not aware of how beautiful Manitowoc is and how nice the crowd was. There were not many spectators, but those that were there, were so supportive and welcoming. The community and city as whole is well maintained. The volunteers did a great job communicating with the runners and monitoring the course. This was my 3rd marathon in the past 3 months. I will do my best to run this race as often as I can. It is a MUST DO! I would be fine with the race continuing in the same manner. But if I could make a few changes, here is what I recommend: 1. Start line - Set up pace markers for runners to line up with expected pace times for a more even paced start. 2. Start Line - The race was chip timed. However there was not a mat at the start. Everyone had the same gun start time. Mats were only at the half and finish. If you were trying to qualify for Boston, you might lose a few seconds getting to the start after the gun goes off. 3. Food - Would like to have seen a vegetarian option (cheese pizza, veggie wrap, cheese sticks or something similar?) 4. Award Ceremony / Medal - There was no age group award ceremony. All age group winners received the same exact medal and it didn't indicate age group winner, etc. Could have had a few more details included on the medal. It looked almost identical to the finisher medal. 5. Restrooms - Would have been nice to have access to the the UW Campus where the race started and finished, especially after the race to freshen up. Ample porta-potties were available, but not conducive for freshening up post-race.

The weather was perfect and the course, well, almost perfect - about 60% along the shore of Lake Michigan. The organisation was very good for a first time - no complains from me. However, I would like to make just two suggestions: 1. Please, consider to move the start time to 6 AM. This is summer, even in Wisconcin! The same beatiful course along the shore will turn into a killing zone if the weather turns hot - there is no shade whatsoever! 2. If there is a run day packet pickup, please, indicate it on the Web site. Other than that, it has been a very pleasant experience and I will definitely come back again. Did I mention that we have taken a dip into the lake after finish? - It is a couple hundred yards from the finish line.

For an inaugural small marathon, the race organizers did a fantastic job! The race was everything as promised, plus more. The course was mostly along Lake Michigan on a very nice bike path. In Two Rivers, you had a little of everything, which included streets, packed gravel path and a small section of path through some woods. I actually enjoyed the small 'variety' of the course. The only reason I didn't give the course 5 stars is because of small sections of the course with road construction and we had to run on the sidewalk. The race organizers made it very clear there was construction, so it wasn't a big deal for me. I was surprised how many spectators were out cheering us on. I didn't expect that much support. A very pleasant surprise. Organization was as good as it gets!! Top notch! Post race was amazing. After getting my beer, I walk over to a table and I'm asked 'peanut butter cup or oreo cookie blizzard?'. You kidding me? Then, I was asked 'Cheeseburger or Brat?'. Wow, I love these small marathons!