Wisconsin Marathon
Marathon Results
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Race Details
Out and back loop style course Starts and ends in downtown Kenosha. Runs along the lakefront the almost the whole way. Mostly flat course with some small hills in the first half.
Contact Information
Name: | Jonathan Cain | |
Address: | 7842 Lincoln Ave.
Suite 100 Skokie, IL 60077 |
|
Phone Number: | 847-675-0200 x210 | |
Email: | Email the organizers |
Race Organizer
Hi Everyone. Just a quick FYI. Registration for the 2011 Wisconsin Marathon is now open.
Runner Reviews (91)
Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan
(5/6/2019)
"Will Run for Cheese..." (about: 2019)
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50+ previous marathons
| 1 Wisconsin Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a cheesy marathon! But that is not a bad thing. I have been trying to get down to Kenosha for this race for a few years. This year I made it. Preparing for the Milwaukee marathon, run four weeks ago, I challenged my marathon friend in Milwaukee that we run in Kenosha too. And so we did. We expected there to be a lot less people running in Kenosha, but they had the 5K, 1/2 marathoners, and the marathon runners all start at the same time, so it seemed a lot bigger - especially at the start and during the early part of the race. The race committee did a lot of up front work keeping runners informed during the weeks leading up to this event. And they had early registration in Milwaukee the weekend before - which I thought was a great idea. We had addresses for the Civil War Museum - where registration and check-in was held the day before, we had the road intersections where the start line was set up, and we had lots of detailed information on parking - which was most helpful. They even told up what streets we could legally park in, and between which cross-streets. They did a really good job on this stuff up front. Check-in was available before the start on Saturday, but it was discouraged. Especially since this race started at 7:00 a.m. There were just lots of people at the co-located start/finish line area. And there was a lot going on there too. They took drop bags, did check-in, and they had small cheese packets they were handing out before the race. Of course it was noisy there. When the National Anthem was playing, we could not hear - or see - what was going on, and it was half way through before many of the runners realized it and quieted down. But the P.A. system was too far away, and too low of volume. Sometimes that happens. They had a "cheese corral" for runners to start from for wearing something with cheese on it, or "something cheesy". I guess those folks got to start closer to the starting line. The marathoners and ½ marathoners were together the whole first half; the first half of the marathon course was the ½ marathon course. The course largely followed the Lake Michigan shore, but there was still a lot of the race through neighborhoods, where you could not see the lake. There were basically three "loops" or modified out-and-backs. The first loop going south, was shorter, then a longer loop to the north; those two together were the first 13.1. Then there was a longer second loop going south again, and it covered part of the route we already ran on. But it kept going south. I wondered if we were going to go into Illinois. Just past MP 19, we did a small loop that routed us back out by the lake with a spur at the end with the timing mat there. Crossing the mat, we made a U-turn and headed back. The second half of the course was in and out of neighborhoods, through wetlands and swamps, and though never off the road, there were sections further from town that were gravel. But nothing was unsafe. This entire course was on the roads, and probably 85% was paved/concrete. Since all the course was on closed roads, law enforcement had to keep wandering automobiles and distracted drivers from getting on the course. And those guys did a great job. It is interesting some of the neighbors who lived where the road was closed got personally involved, engaging with the runners and enjoying the day. Others - one guy in particular that I observed - was cross about the event that was going on, blocking him in. It was interesting that the finish line and the ½ way point were almost parallel courses set side-by-side. As I was approaching the 13.1 timing mat at about 2:40 into the race, the winner of the race was on his final approach to the finish line. Amazing! At the finish line, there was plenty to eat. Every runner got a brat and a beer (26.2 beer) with the tag attached to the bib. Closer to the finish line, another volunteer was handing out mini-bagels, and small discs of cheese - that fit almost perfectly on the bagel. There were chips, bottles of water, and rather green bananas. The gal there had lots of food, and she was passing out extras, if and as people asked. There was a guy finishing his 200th marathon, and one of the area running clubs was out to cheer him on. By chance, I was just slightly ahead of him, and all these folks - out in number, maybe 50 to 75 people - were lining both sides of the approach to the finish line. And I did not know about the guy doing his 200th until later, but all these people were there and they were all cheering me on as I passed by, slapping hands and doing high-fives as I finished. What a sensation. The weather was great. This year, winter and snow were trying to shorten our spring, so conditions could have been much different. But it was probably in the 40's overnight, and we were welcomed to a cloudless sky at daybreak. The sun was out early, and pretty much stayed out for the day. Maybe some high cirrus clouds factored in, and there were a few spots on shade on the course, but mid-60's is probably as warm as it got. And as close as we were to the lake, there was a cooling effect rolling in off the lake all day. It was near-perfect for running. Just needed a little sun-screen to keep exposed skin from being sun-burned. This was a great marathon, there were lots of volunteers, it had been well-planned and was well executed too. Well done! | |
K. K. from Des Plaines, Il
(5/6/2018)
"Best spring marathon" (about: 2018)
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50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Wisconsin Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run this 7 of the 10 and keep going back. Every runner is friendly and just out to run the best race possible. The course is pavement and gravel and the variation keeps legs fresh. Aid workers are superb as are the kids from Carthage college. Yes, it can be brutal weather along the lake, but then any race can be. | |
K. K. from Des Plaines, Illinois
(5/8/2017)
"Excellent marathon all about the runners" (about: 2017)
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11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Wisconsin Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run all but 2 of these marathons. It is hard to train for a spring marathon with Chicago winters but this one is worth the effort. Everyone is all about the runners having a great experience. It was extremely windy and cold, but well worth it. The course was new this year and it was much better. The half runners were with us up to mile 13 so more runners to share the course with. I do not know how they can do such a great job at a cost of less than 80 dollars. Some big marathons do not provide anywhere near the level of support they do. So I will be back next year even in the wind and cold. A special thanks to the little girl at mile 18 who made her dad put out water for us and she handed it out herself! | |
A. T. from Chicago
(5/8/2016)
"Many miles along the lake!" (about: 2016)
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50+ previous marathons
| 1 Wisconsin Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Loved this race mostly along/near the lake and even into the country, some through the town. Parking is minimum of .4 miles from start/finish. Need more portapotties at first aid station; 2400 starters and only 2 portapotties (20 people in line). Plenty of water/Gatorade; great volunteers. WINDY. Medal and shirt. Post-race had beer and brats and music. | |
F. B. from South Texas
(6/17/2015)
"Flat Scenic Course" (about: 2015)
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6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Wisconsin Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 7th marathon, and my first in Wisconsin. Packet pickup was small and easy. I liked that there was reasonably priced cheesehead gear at packet pickup. Overall the race was very well organized and I thought the start and finish were great. It was such a beautiful day and it was great to lay down in the grass and listen to the band. The course was a great half marathon, but once they split off, the 2nd part of the race had some desolate, not-so-pretty spots on gravel roads. I also didn't like all of the times I thought I was coming up to a turnaround point, only to turn right and continue onto another stretch. The parts through the beautiful neighborhoods were very nice, though. I wouldn't recommend this race to a newbie. Usually you need all the hoopla to keep you going, and this race is too small to offer that. The medals and shirts were also very nice. | |
Chitown Girl in a Boston World from Boston, MA
(5/7/2015)
"Beautiful, Flat Course - Great PR Opportunity!" (about: 2015)
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4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Wisconsin Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I was looking for a course to PR and qualify for Boston. It delivered! Perks of this race are below: 1. Flat course with beautiful views of the lake. 2. Weather in 2015 wasn't bad. The start was in the low 50s and near the end, it was in the mid 60s. 3. Fun atmosphere. Runners were dressed in 'cheesy' garb from cheese hats to funny t-shirts. I saw some ladies running in drindls! The after race party was fun with beers and brats. I saw 2 bands - one on the course and one at the after party. Both were fantastic. 4. Really well organized with minimal stress on race day. I liked that you had to pick up your packet before race day. They either mailed you your packet or you could pick it up in various locations around Chicago or Wisconsin. Parking wasn't a problem. We arrived 30 min prior to the start and got a free spot on the street. | |
D. S. from Minneapolis, MN
(5/5/2015)
"Great small race" (about: 2015)
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11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Wisconsin Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I have nothing but good things to say about this race. I'd definitely recommend it! Course: The first half of the course was a bit hilly but nothing too terrible and it was a bit crowded as the start was one mass start with the half marathon. As soon as the half split off (around mile 11.5), there was plenty of room and the course really flattened out after that as well. There were a few stretches on gravel with some larger rocks in the gravel that made for tricky footing a few times but it was definitely nothing treacherous. The course had stretches along the shores of Lake Michigan and through some nice lake neighborhoods then there were other areas that were several blocks or more off the lake. The breeze off the lake kept things cooler while near the lake (mid-50s to start and mid-60s at the finish) but the parts that were not along the lake got very warm (upper-70s) and they could have used 1-2 more water stations on miles 15-25. Organization: This is a small-town-type race with no expo (just a place to pick up your packet with two vendor booths in the room) and no big frills. Packet pickup went smoothly, the starting area was easy to navigate and the finishing area was decent as well. I love when a race realizes that women don't always want to wear big, boxy unisex shirts. This race had the option of a women's cut shirt. It was a short-sleeved technical shirt and true to size. The picture on the front wouldn't be my choice as there's a big wedge of cheese on it, but I'm not a fan of cheese. :) The finisher's medal was awesome! It looks high-end and is heavy with yellow stained glass in the middle (a piece of cheese) with a nice neck ribbon with the course map printed on it (&and more cheese). It also can double as a bottle opener! Fans: The fans were sparse but the ones that were there were great. There were very few people in the neighborhoods that came out to watch. So if you need huge crowds to cheer you on, this may not be the race for you. We stayed at the Radisson Harbourwalk Hotel in Racine, about 20 minutes away. I talked to a few people at the race that were staying at the host hotel (packet pickup) and they said their hotel was not allowing late checkout. We had no problems at our hotel in Racine in getting a 1pm checkout which allowed for a shower after the race and before driving 6 hours back home. Overall, it was a great course and a great race. I'd definitely recommend it! | |
B. D. from Naperville, IL
(5/4/2015)
"Nice Scenery. Flat Course" (about: 2015)
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6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Wisconsin Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I just ran the 2015 Half marathon. Positives: The course is both flat and a lot more scenic the I expected from Kenosha, WI. The views of the lake were beautiful and the neighborhoods we passed through were very very nice. Downsides: The parking. The race starts in downtown Kenosha and if you do not get there early you may be hard pressed to find a spot. I parked almost a mile from the starting line and had quite a walk. Overall, a very charming marathon | |
F. G. from Chicago, IL
(5/4/2015)
"Great layout; would be perfect with a few tweaks" (about: 2015)
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6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Wisconsin Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my second time running the marathon (1st was in 2012), and it's one of my favorite spring marathons. I enjoy the flat course, the great setup of the start / finish area, lots of parking and the views of Lake Michigan on the run in to the finish line. The two things that I wish were better, however, are the frequency of aid stations in the 2nd half of the marathon and the road conditions in the 1st half (specifically Simmons Island and JFK Parks). I would have preferred the aid stations closer to every mile rather than every other mile. And the roadways in the parks are just chewed up. I know the planners don't control the municipal budgets, but I'd have preferred better road conditions to the lakeside setting in the 1st half. Additionally, the 'loops' in the 2nd half are split between blacktop and gravel roads. The gravel roads are in good condition, but plan your racing shoes accordingly. I ran in adidas Boston 5, and I wished I ran in something with a bit more cushioning. | |
J. B. from Wisconsin
(8/18/2014)
"Awesome! Highly recommend it." (about: 2014)
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1 previous marathon
| 1 Wisconsin Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon ever and was very nervous going into it. Email correspondence was great. Was a beautiful and beginner friendly course. There was so much support from the sidelines. This is a great race and if you are looking for a first marathon. This is the one |
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