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A Runner from Land of the Free and Home of the Brave
(10/22/2001)
"Excellent Marathon" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Well run race from entry to finish. Packet pickup well organized. Very good pasta feed. I didn't particpate in the pre race festivities as the priority was to run a Boston qualifier, (which was accomplished in spite of the rain). I was a little concerned about wearing the velcro chip around my ankle but found it created very little discomfort. Excellent course. Enough runners to keep you going and not be left in no man's land. Fans on the course were very encouraging and helpful. Fall colors were absolutely awesome. A great marathon for a seasoned veteran or first timer. | |
A Runner from Minneapolis Minnesota
(10/17/2001)
"Good course for a PR if it's not raining." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is the marathon people better take a look at if they really want to qualify for the Boston Marathon. This marathon starts at an elevation of 1150 feet and you go all the way down to 640 feet when you cross the finish line in Ashland. If you know how to run downhill for a full marathon you should be able to put in a very good time if it is not raining like it did this year when I ran it. The race is on dirt for 24 of the 26 miles. Mile 1 and 26 are on blacktop or concrete with the remaining portions on dirt trails and railroad bridges, I think there were 6 of the bridges if I remember right. The miles flew by even while it was raining this year. Watch out for the pea sized stones on the trail getting in your shoes. We had 397 finishers this year even in the rain and I would hope they will have many more people running next year. | |
TK from Cannon Falls, MN
(10/16/2001)
"Would've been close to perfect except for rain!" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I did not have an ideal race because it rained the ENTIRE time. Not one break! But that can happen at ANY marathon so I feel compelled to tell you all the great things about Whistlestop as I think it could grow to be a great marathon. It's a pretty course. Although there isn't much change to it (tree lined packed limestone gravel course most of the way) so if you need urban type setting & lots of change you won't like it. But it is very peaceful & pretty! The colors on the leaves were pretty although I wish the race was 2 weeks earlier as a lot of the leaves had fallen in N. WI by then this year. The course is very flat & the packed limestone course is great on the body and some spots on the course were packed enough that if you are not used to running on a softer surface you'd still enjoy it. The rain produced some puddles on the gravel course that I didn't enjoy but again that was mother nature. The only thing I'd change if I could is 1) no rain & 2) more fans. There were very little fans & many runners I don't think showed up probably because of again the rain. I would definitely do this race again & I hope to encourage others to do the same. It's a good course for a faster time I think. Although I didn't get one this year. Next time! OH... I got my favorite medal YET & a long sleeve finisher t-shirt that's made out of dri-line material! | |
A Runner from Dexter, Michigan, USA
(10/16/2001)
"Don't miss this one! I plan to be back every year" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 First class operation all the way, from the newspaper to the T-shirts to the medals to the helpers. Aid stations every 2.5 miles. Plenty of porta-potties. Great entertainment throughout. Wonderful course for those of us with knee problems. Supportive environment. I can't say enough about every aspect of this race. Thanks to all the race directors and helpers. I had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed every minute/hour! | |
A Runner from Burnsville, MN
(10/16/2001)
"A total blast!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first (of many) marathon, and I can't imagine a better place to do a first. The weather didn't cooperate but that didn't matter one bit! The few spectators that came to cheer did the work of many. I can't even think of one bad thing to say about it and I will definitely return. | |
A Runner from St. Paul, Minnesota
(3/19/2001)
"Great race, slow course?" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Run on a rails to trails course through the north woods of Wisconsin. Beautiful course, great volunteers and fun time. The course may be a little slow due to soft trails. | |
A Runner from US
(7/30/2000)
"Forgiving surface, felt like I cheated, not sore" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 One thing that I didn't like was that the trophies were very cheesy. Little wooden trains like a child's pull toy. The only trophy I have that I won't display. Was embarassed to accept it. Embarassed for them. |
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