From the race website - The Whistlestop Marathon course offers a flat and fast running trail surface that is firm but is much more forgiving to the knees then asphalt.
The course stretches from two miles east of Iron River, Wisconsin and features ten re-decked railroad trestles, wetlands, trout streams, Chequamegon National Forest woodlands, dairy farms, residential neighborhoods and traffic-free quiet. Being a fall marathon, the course will feature some of the nation's finest autumn colors.
The Whistlestop Marathon was the 152nd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 193rd largest in 2022.
This year 9.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 14.1% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Whistlestop Marathon the 111th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 169th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 100.44 ranks it as the 34th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest course in Wisconsin.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Whistlestop Marathon a PR Score of 100.44. This PR Score ranks it as the 26th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Wisconsin.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Whistlestop Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 1182 feet (360m) Min Elevation: 614 feet (187m)
The The residents of Ashland treated me like a welcome guest. Warm greetings and heartfelt appreciation an every turn. Very friendly community.
The marathon website more accurately describes the course than this website does. Although a net downhill, I would call it 'flat'. Very little noticeable grade either way. I wasn't a fan of the trail surface - firm, packed gravel with a loose, fine gravel surface. I wish I had brought my trail gaiters. Due to the fact that the course runs thru the beautiful, northern Wisconsin woods, there were very few spectators along the way so I could not advise this race to those runners who NEED crowd support. It can get lonely.
I have run 40 or so full and half marathons and overall, this experience ranks in by top 2 or 3!
Oh! And a great race shirt to boot!
Race Tips
Shuttles were easy to catch,and relatively comfortable. Start area was rustic (in the woods), but had all the amenities, including bag / lost and found (I picked up my throw away jacket at the finish line). Water stops were quick and efficient with more than enough port-o-potties. The course is beautiful, but somewhat desolate so be prepared to entertain yourself.
We stayed at the Ashland Super 8 Hotel. Nothing fancy, but clean, friendly and convenient. It's an easy, 1-mile walk to the start line shuttles / finish line / festival area.
The Friday night pasta feed was first rate! Catered by a local restaurant, you can count on this for Friday night dinner.
After the run, we tipped a few local brews and had a fabulous pulled pork (The Big Pig Sandwich) at South Shore Brewery. Again, first rate and very friendly.
H.J.H.'s review of 2018 Whistlestop Marathon.
3 /
5 Stars
Review
Enjoyed the town. Had excellent meal and beer pre-race but...footing not quite as advertised, until one gets to the start line where they warn about "washboard" conditions among other issues. Something to consider for those hoping for a BQ time. I have run five BQ times in nine marathons, so much for street cred. More of a Chamber of Commerce marathon than one put on by a track club. Beautiful setting though.
Race Tips
Be careful for footing--twisted ankle a real possibility over 26.2 miles.
Had a wonderful meal at the Deepwater Grill and a Nut Brown Ale pretty good also.
Anonymous's review of 2015 Whistlestop Marathon.
2 /
5 Stars
Review
While very scenic, the trail is NOT packed gravel. It is mostly very loose, soft gravel that takes a lot of energy to run on, and twisting an ankle is very possible. If the course wasn't so loose / soft, I would love to run this race again.
Cool fall temps and scenic (if a bit lonely) course. Because it is on a trail there are very few spectators, but the water station volunteers are lovely and enthusiastic. Not a ton of port-potties along the course, but plenty of woods! Trail is not as hard-packed as I believed it would be and I spent a significant amount of time trying to get footing and/or weaving around softer areas. Fresh gravel applied in some areas prior to the start of the 2014 race made some spots pretty tough to run over (as the blisters on my feet attest to). Easy packet pickup, great volunteers, finish is by the train depot and train which are both beautiful. Shuttle from Primrose Lane was a breeze. Great medals and race finisher jackets!
Race Tips
Be prepared for any and all conditions along the trail. The trail is open to ATV\'s which significantly contributes to it's loose condition. Not as firmly packed as it\'s advertised.
3.8 Stars from 5 Reviews
