Journeys Marathon - Race Reviews

Weather was definitely going to be a factor for this marathon. Forecasts were for light snow and sub-freezing overnight weather. And this time, the weatherman seemed to get it right. The night before, check-in was at the local high school, and the Chamber of Commerce had a spaghetti dinner for the participants. Check-in was a breeze and the food was good, with plenty to eat. Buses were to depart the school parking lot at 6:45 a.m., to have the runners to the start-line in plenty of time for the 8:00 a.m. start. The start was at some kind of resort, so runners got to hang out inside until close to start time. The first half was rather hilly, and headed east, ending up where the 1/2 marathon start was. It looked like there were lots of lakes in the area with many summer homes along the way. The second half was flatter, though there were some turns, and we had to cross Highway US 45. After perhaps 2 to 3 miles on Highway 45, the course turned right, coming into town by the airport, missing and heavily traveled automobile routes, ending just past the foot-bridge over the river. The event was very well organized, and there were lots of volunteers. The course was very well marked. It would have been difficult to have gotten off-course. There were adequate hydration stations, and there were one per mile for the last 5 miles or so, but 3 of the last four hydration stations had been abandoned by their staff workers, while there were still runners out on the course, and at least one of the stations left no resources for the runners. That was really dumb. Then this race - advertised to have a 6-hour time limit - had awards after the course closed. Because of this, there were lots of people trying to cram into the tent where awards were to be handed out. To facilitate this, they moved all the post-race food to the back of the tent, then with everybody in the tent, the food was basically inaccessible. I was told by someone that the food was gone - not knowing the food was there, just pushed back out of the way. In any case, I was back at the school before I learned there was still food there for the runners. Tough luck for me. Anyway, it looked like they had some really nice prizes to hand out. But the medal was small, unspectacular, and mine was rather scratched up, with the copper coating coming off. I was not too happy about that, but those are the medals they chose for us and they were not as good a quality as they could have been. Still, a great marathon event and a very beautiful setting.

This was my 25th marathon, and one of the best I've ran so far. The course is really scenic, going through pine woods, by lakes and rivers. The hills may be kind of steep, but none of them are longer than a couple of minutes at most. The only thing I did not like about this race was the stretch along Highway G, when we had to pass groups of slower half-marathoners, running on the right side on a road with some traffic. To stay safe, I had to pass them on the right, running in a ditch, which I did not like at all. Other than that, I enjoyed the race at all, and I will definitely consider doing it again. There were many water stops with very friendly volunteers - thanks to all of you! Also the T-Shirt and post race food were really good.

'I ran the half marathon in 2013. It starts halfway through the marathon course and doesn't have the huge hills that the marathoners have to deal with during the first 13 miles. There is almost no crowd support...literally I didn't hear a single cow bell! But, I did have a deer dart across the road about 50 feet in front of me. Packet pick up was a breeze. The T-shirt was thin and flimsy. Really sub-par. No 'expo' to speak of. There are busses to take you to the start lines. The course ends in a park and the bus brings you back to the high school, where they offer free use of the showers in the locker rooms. Post race food was the standard fare...bananas, bagels, grapes, cookies, gatorade. It was really cold so I didn't stay long at the finish line. Everyone who crossed the finish line had their name announced and that was a nice touch. Each mile was clearly marked with large signs (different for the full and half). Very few porta potties and I only saw one photographer on the course. For most of the race, I was running pretty much by myself, so I was really grateful for my ipod to keep me company, although I can see how nature-lovers would enjoy the relative solitude of this course. The course was open to traffic, but most of the vehicles seemed to know what was going on and they slowly made their way around the runners. The fast marathoners and wheel chair marathoners had to weave their way through the half marathoners as they caught up, but I think it is encouraging to see the faster runners. If you don't want a big event, you may like this race.'

This was my third running of Journeys. First half of course changed from 12 years ago but still a challenge with all the hills. Second half pretty flat. Very beautiful running through the northern WI forests. Only complaint is having to weave around and through the half marathon walkers. Plenty of water stops and enthusiastic volunteers. Race director very professional and seems to enjoy putting on this event. Plenty of great door prizes during awards ceremony so stick around for that. Note that Days Inn does not allow late check out so look for a different hotel.

This is a nice course and challenging marathon, but not well planned for the marathon participants, who caught up with the 13.1 mile walkers and had to constantly weave around walkers who were walking up to 3 abreast on a county highway, and sometimes were not willing to move to the right. Very frustrating in the last miles of a marathon. Also, there were sausages for sale at the end, nothing that was healthy or easier on the stomach.

my only complaint was the medals, I think they shouldn't have been the same as last years. I think a medal in the shape of an eagle would be truly great

I felt bad for the pitstop people who had to wait forever for me to finish. How do I find any pictures of the marathon?

That's what it looked like with the snow beautifully covering all of the trees. I think I saw the faun Mr. Tumnus too, but that may have just been the guy running in a monkey suit (literally). This was my second journeys marathon, and again it was well run and a great trek through the north woods of Wisconsin. I didn't care for the switch from Gatorade to Hammer HEED on the course though, they should call that stuff "Hammer Heave" because that's what I felt like doing after drinking it. Managed to beat last year's time by 15 minutes but it was tough.

The 2010 marathon occurred on a cool day just after a snowstorm, but you couldn't tell in the attitudes of all the volunteers at the event. They were fantastic, and the community really rallied around this event. There were few spectators, which was not unexpected since the course is in a really rural, scenic area. The first half of the course was pretty hilly, which didn't bother many of the runners but took it out of me.

What a great well organized race. The course is tough, but once you get to mile 13, things tend to smooth out a bit with the hills. One of the best races I have done. This was my 43rd marathon and I hope to do it again someday. The race director and all of the volunteers did an awesome job.

This was my first marathon. I love "Up North" and this was a great opportunity for me. Beautiful country, and friendly, enthusiastic and supportive runners and spectators. Plenty of GU and water available along the way. Hilly first half, but I took it easy and felt strong all of the way through, and finished at 4:16:38, which I was really happy with for my first try at this.

I have run the half-marathon event multiple times - it's my favorite!

I really enjoyed this low-key marathon. It felt more like a training run than a marathon. The hills scared me, but really I had no problem with them... but then, I trained on hills. I would do it again in a heartbeat but it definitely was low-key.

This is a nice little race. I believe there were only ~150 marathon participants. The atmosphere was very friendly and relaxed. The course is very scenic with several lakes and abundant trees. It winds through some very sparsely populated areas, so you wouldn't expect much in the way of fans. The first half featured some significant hills, but there is enough to look at to distract you from that fact. The organization is outstanding. There are plenty of water stops and potties. Everything is laid out well, which allows you to keep your mind on running. The finish area was lively and spacious. Eagle River is a great area and they have done very well with this race. Unless you need heavy fan support or a crowd of other runners, this is a marathon you should consider.

I have ran Journey's a few times now and I think they do a terrific job to put on a quality marathon. You will get a well orgainized race. Great Pasta Feed. Nice Dry Wick T-shirt. Adequate Goody Bag. Great scenic course that has plenty of lakes, rivers, hills, trees, wildlife, and more. A fine awards ceremony with plenty of prizes. A great Post Race party with lots of very nice prizes and a good chance to win one of them. Eagle River is a very nice Northern Wisconsin Town and is very tourist friendly. You could easily spend an extra day or 2 while you are in the area. Not a lot of fan support along the course, but that is ok by me. There was plenty of support by the volunteers at each Water Stop. I would be hard pressed to come up with anything negative to say about this race. Everyone associated with the race seems to try very hard to do their best and give you a great marathon experience.

The organization was terrific. The mini-expo was efficient, there was a warming hut for marathoners at the start which was great because it was 38 and raining, and plenty of food at the finish. Water stops were efficient and volunteers cheery. The course is tough, but very scenic. There are a lot of hills in the first half. While I PR'ed on the course, I was expecting to do much better. And yes, I trained for hills. After spending the majority of time on quiet roads you are dumped on a busier road that forces you to pass the power walkers in the road. Not a major problem, but in the late miles a little annoying. I recommend this race to anyone who likes small events with a lot of solititude.

If you are interested in a small marathon with more solitude than fans this is the one for you. The organization was great, from the mini expo to the warming hut for the marathoners before the race, to the finish line with plenty of food and support. The course is tough, lots of large hills the first half that can take a toll on your legs so plan accordingly. The last half has a few hills and this year had a strong headwind the last 5 miles which made it beastly. I had a 4+ minute PR on the course, but was hoping for better. If you attempt this race, hill work is mandatory. I would recommend this race to anyone who is looking for a scenic view of the North Woods, lots of pine trees and lakes to take your mind off those hills!

I really enjoyed this marathon. The organizers did a very good job and there were very few surprises for me before, during, or after the race. The spacing of the half marathon start 1 hour and 15 minutes after the marathon start and the point-to-point common course allows some marathoners to catch up to some half-marathoners. This was a plus in my opinion and rather unusual for a half/full combo race. The course almost received 5 stars from me. The rolling hills in the first half were pretty easy for me as I was able to maintain a relatively steady pace (except for the first mile). The roads were very wide, smooth, with almost no traffic at all for the first 16 miles. Since I was running by myself most of the race and since the sign for the turn at 13 miles was facing the other way (towards the half marathoners), I had to check with a spectator to be sure about where to turn. Running on the shoulder of the road towards the end (mile 22?) around some of the half marathoners was a little worrisome since I had to venture into the road with a little traffic a few times. The organization was as good as any marathon I have run (#27 in 20 different states for me over the last 6 years). Spectators, as you might expect for a race into a town of 1400 population, was sparse at best. Pasta dinner was very good. Choices of sauce with or without Johnsonville sausage, about 15 different dessert choices, and all I could eat. Door prizes at the post race party were very good but were given away too late in the evening for me to have a chance to win. Wasn't really sure why the marathon started 10 minutes late. The last shuttle bus may have left the school a little late? I had a friend in the half I was trying to catch and missed her by about 10 minutes... Finishing medals and t-shirts were nice. Award plaques, if you are fast enough, are also good quality. I would recommend this marathon to anyone who enjoys a well organized, rural, point-to-point course. It is Boston qualifying material if you are used to a few rolling hills.

Very well organized and chummy as evidenced by the deafening roar of chatter on the bus trip to the start. I did not pre-scout the course and underestimated the hills in the first half. Small but quite numerous and, yes, they did take a toll, evidenced by my dismal second half time. Simple pasta feed with delicous bratwurst (a Wisconsin staple), water/Gatorade every 2 miles and fruit/cookies starting about mile 18. Bring your own Gu or PowerBars. A nice run in the woods with but a few spectators as is expected. Post-race buffet was a good time with decent food. Very low-key and friendly race.

Overall a good, well-run marathon which seems intent on improving every year. The start of the race was great, the first half hilly, and the second half flat. The finish line was disappointing compared to the other marathons I've run. Mile markers were excellent; water stops worked by enthusiastic people in costumes. The race used chip timing, but I don't remember going over any recording device at the beginning or during the race; only at the end.

The course was beautiful. The hills in the first half were challenging but not too crazy. The turning point at the half was a little confusing. The water point support was dressed in all sorts of crazy get ups. I'll run it again next May!

The race course was beautiful. Few fans along the course. The weather was unseasonably cool but it made for a great race. I posted my best time ever for this event. I ran this race with a Garmin Forerunner301. It showed a .51-mile variance from the official track course (that is, 26.71 actual vs. 26.2 posted). I mentioned this to the course director who assured me the course was certified. One half-mile variance for the Garmin seems like a lot.

Well organized, nice shelter at the starting line, friendly people. Nice, hard to miss mile markers. Weather was perfect, sun came out after the run. Nice door prizes, great MC. The girls at the 19 mile mark get my vote for enthusiastic cheering. Keep this course!!

Rolling, scenic Northwoods roads with mile markers and aid every 2 miles make for a 1st class marathon. Reasonably priced motels within walking distance of the start and finish are added benefits in addition to lakeside resorts and camping at early season prices. A great opportunity for a family vacation and a little fishing. I think they could draw more runners with a more dynamic name like the Flying Pig I did the previous week. How about the Eagle River Marathon - nicknamed THE EAGLE.

- A beautiful run through the woods. - I am not familiar with the old course, but the new course is definitely worth keeping. - Plenty of water and Gatorade at every other mile through 20 and then at every mile. - Spectators consist of trees and wild animals, but that is the beauty of this race!

If you like small crowds and plenty of room to run, this is the race for you. The course scenery is outstanding and relaxing and offers you plenty of time to just enjoy running. Weather was clear and cool (low 40's start and warmed up to mid 60's), but there was a wind that didn't really play into the race until the latter part of the course (when you least want it). The race is on lightly traveled country back-wood roads as you head into Eagle River WI from the NW. The roads are paved, but most are concrete surfaced. The hills are not particularly hard, but just many more than I had envisioned (the pre-course drive the night before provided me an 'eye-opening' glance). The mile markers are marked, but there are no split clocks provided so you will want to bring along your own timing device.

First, I'll admit that I had run two marathons in the last six months. I was tired but curious about this one. So I ran the half-marathon. I passed on the Lake Geneva Wisconsin 25k (same day) which I've run several times. This half was outstanding! A four and one half hour drive. Vilas County is heaven in the Midwest! The medal with the eagle, the sports drink (Allsport), the transportation to the start, the markers and prompt start and timing, the friendly people, the scenery, and the perfect weather make this one a race to consider. Lots to do in the area. Places to stay and eat abound in the area. I've read the reviews of the hills in the first half. But for traning and fun, no gripes, this half could be the premier show. Great overall organization!

This was my first marathon and will most likely by the hardest that I will face... until I do it again. The first half was very difficult for a first timer but the second half got you through it. Everyone that put it together did a wonderful job. I can't wait to run it again. Absolutely one of the best in the country.

This is a well-organized race on a challenging course. I highly recommend this race to anyone, especially if they have not had an opportunity to experience Northern Wisconsin. I was pleasantly surprised at the enthusiatic spectator support throughout the run.

Lots of rolling hills in the 1st half of the race, fairly level the 2nd half. Don't do this race if you expect or need thousands of cheering fans for support. But, if you enjoy the serenity of a run through the north woods, with the smell of pine in the air, Journeys should be on your 'must run' list. I'm a mid pack runner, and found that unlike large races where the faces around me are constantly changing, I ran with the same small group much of the race. You quickly strike up friendships and provide support for each other. I haven't found this camaraderie in larger races. Race organization was good, other than missing mile markers due to some vandals, everything went well. The expo, as one might expect was small. The pasta dinner was ok, with some nice home-made desserts. Weather in 2001 was fantastic. After a chilly start to the day (28°F and scraping frost off our windshield) the temp was nearing 40 by the start.

This race has everthing I need. 1)Good weather. I probably jinxed it for this year, but it has been 47 degrees and overcast each of the last two years. 2)The right number of runners. You certainly don't have to worry about crowds, but there are enough people to run with. When I was finishing, I was working through the tail end of the half marathon finishers, which helped. 3)Nice course. Some hills in the first half but no real killers. Some long straight shots the second half, but I was zoning out by then anyway. 4)Good organization. As usual with a well done race, organization is taken for granted. No traffic problems. Everybody gets bussed to the start on time. Accurate mile markers. My gear gets to the finish line.

Very runner friendly course - if you don't mind a few hills. The first 20 km is one rolling hill after another. Remainder of the course is relatively flat with a couple of notable exceptions. Mature forest bounds either side of the road. There are several lakes bordering the road to about 15 km. After that - trees and more trees. Wind is a non-factor the first half, and only a strong east wind might cause some misery during the second half. Repeat - very nice, interesting course. Organisation was fine. Everything proceeded as planned. Small race - mini-expo. Mostly local sales folks. Carbo-dinner the night before; in the grade school cafeteria. Many local restaurants provide a much better choice. The area is big on tourism - especially fishing and camping. Very few spectators. If you bring your own spectators along, they can follow the race course quite easily without interfering. In that regard, I preferred seeing my own support group every 2 to 3 miles, as opposed to strangers. The 2000 edition saw 222 start and 193 finish. Temps at 45 F (7 C) from beginning to end. Drizzle on n' off and 20G30 tail wind. I plan to be there next year, the 2000 event having been a substitute for Big Sur. Not a half-bad substitute for the best Marathon in the USA!