WhistleStop Marathon & Half-Marathon
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28th Annual Tamarack Health WhistleStop Marathon
The Tamarack Health WhistleStop Marathon is an annual running event held in Ashland, Wisconsin. Established in 1998, the race takes place during the autumn season, typically in October, allowing participants to experience the fall foliage of northern Wisconsin. The event features a point-to-point course primarily set on the Tri-County Corridor Trail, an abandoned railroad bed composed of crushed limestone.
The course is known for its flat and fast terrain with a consistent gradual downhill grade. It winds through the Chequamegon National Forest, passing by wetlands, dairy farms, and historic trestles. The full marathon is a USATF-certified course and serves as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
The event offers several race distances:
- Full Marathon: A 26.2 mile point-to-point course starting east of Iron River and ending in downtown Ashland.
- Half Marathon: A 13.1 mile point-to-point course starting at the midway point of the Tri-County Corridor.
- 10k Race: A 6.2 mile point-to-point course that loops through neighborhoods and ends downtown.
- 5k Race: A 3.1 mile point-to-point course designed for various experience levels.
The race weekend includes a festival atmosphere with a finish line located near the Bay Area Civic Center in Ashland. Due to the narrow nature of the railroad bed trail, the use of bicycles, strollers, and pets on the course is prohibited. Shuttle buses are provided to transport runners from the finish area to the various starting lines. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
