WhistleStop Marathon & Half-Marathon
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WhistleStop Marathon & Half-Marathon - Ashland, Wisconsin
The WhistleStop Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K are annual fall races held in and around Ashland, Wisconsin. Established in 1998, the event is staged each October; the 28th annual event is scheduled for October 10, 2026. The full marathon is USATF certified and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
Races follow a point to point layout on a crushed limestone former railroad bed known as the Tri-County Corridor. The full marathon begins two miles east of Iron River and travels toward downtown Ashland through the Chequamegon National Forest, passing lakes, wetlands, and historic trestles. The half marathon starts at the midway point on the same corridor. The 10K and 5K start in wooded sections, loop through neighborhoods, and finish in downtown Ashland near the lakewalk and local businesses.
Event operations include packet pickup in a heated festival tent at the Bay Area Civic Center parking lot and shuttle bus service from the finish area to the race starts. Course rules prohibit automobiles, bicycles, baby joggers, roller skis, inline skates, pets, and unofficial participants due to the narrow trail surface. The event notes local volunteer support and a downtown finish area that places runners close to shops and the lakeshore. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- Full Marathon: 26.2 miles point to point, USATF certified, Boston qualifier
- Half Marathon: 13.1 miles point to point on crushed limestone trail
- 10K: 6.2 miles, wooded start and downtown finish
- 5K: 3.1 miles, wooded start and downtown finish
