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Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.9 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 5.0 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.4 
 
 
Number of comments: 120 [displaying comments 61 to 71]
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A. N. from Minnesota (5/14/2012)
"Another Fantastic Job!" (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This is my second running of the Lake Wobegon Trail marathon, and once again, they did not disappoint. The organization is fantastic, from logistics, volunteers, to gear at the end, no stone is left unturned. What other race can you wait inside until 5 minutes before the start, walk out to beautiful conditions, and then run a flat, fast course for a PR? Not many, Sharon and her crew hit another homerun!!!

 

J. B. from Maple Grove, MN (5/14/2012)
"Best small town marathon in America" (about: 2012)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The 2012 race is the second time I have done Lake Wobegon, and it continues to be my favorite marathon experience. The course is beautiful, winding through the scenic Garrison Keillor-esque small towns and the pretty central Minnesota countryside. It is also a very flat course, good for anyone seeking a PR or a first-time marathoner, I would think.

The race is extremely well organized by a local running club who knows what runners like and need. They gave us cool medals, long-sleeved tech shirts, and a great garment bag with the race logo, and the entry fee was only $45. I've done marathons that cost twice as much and didn't have stuff this nice.

Spectators get 5 stars, not because there were a lot of them, but because the roving band of them that would appear every couple of miles at trail intersections were wildly enthusiastic and supportive. It was like a traveling party! Amazing, friendly volunteers, too. They were great at the aid stations and so helpful at the finish.

This is a top notch small town marathon, and to date it is the only marathon I have run twice. Looking forward to making it a third time next year!

 

russell petelle from derby line, vermont (5/14/2012)
"wow" (about: 2012)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


this was finally my 50th state after starting in 1977. It was a perfect choice to finish. The pasta dinner was incredible. The gym at the beginning provided warmth prior to the start. The community was greatly involved, as the volunteers were plentiful and loud. The course flat and fast. At the end, the drop bag was right there, the food plentiful, your name announced and a friendly, congenial atmosphere. my only disappointment was that I did not run fast enough to get one of the beautiful mug awards, and could not buy one. My congrats on a very well organized race.

 

S. W. from St. Paul, MN (5/13/2012)
"All-around great event" (about: 2012)

1 previous marathon | 1 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I can't say enough about this awesome event. The course is flat and fast with scenic views. The organizers are efficient and well-organized. The volunteers are upbeat and energizing. The spectators are enthusiastic and encouraging. And the other runners are friendly and terrific company to talk to on your way to the finish line. The 'goodies' are very nice and everything just went so smoothly. You really feel like YOU are the focus of the event rather than just someone who is there. It was a tremendous experience. I would recommend to any one!

 

C. C. from New York, NY (5/13/2012)
"Great race, well organized, flat course" (about: 2012)

4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Course: Flat, all asphalt, very pretty course (lakes, farmland, fields).

The LWTM is a very intimate marathon with only 300 runners or so. I met a ton of friendly runners and volunteers. The race direct also did an extraordinary job organizing everything, as well making everyone feel welcome.

Overall, a fantastic race.

 

N. C. from Minneapolis, MN (5/13/2012)
"Fast, flat, beautiful, paved trail, plus ..." (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


... the course is lovely & especially perfect if you don't require throngs of runners or spectators. Peaceful. Also easy for your own support folks to get to you at many places on the course. Great volunteers. Great swag (high quality athletic bag + long-sleeved tech tee in women's sizes). Very well-organized & executed. Loved it - I'll be back!

 

C. C. from Central MN (5/13/2012)
"Organized, Friendly... What an experience!" (about: 2012)

1 previous marathon | 1 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


A perfectly organized race! The course is beautiful and volunteers were so helpful.

This my first marathon, I struggled at mile 16 but a volunteer noticed and biked with me for a half mile, offering a granola bar, and later another volunteer on bike at mile 20 offered much needed water.

Love the pace groups  I noticed ones for 3:20, 3:35, 3:45, 4:00, and 4:30. Maybe this is at every marathon, but it was very helpful to run with a group and not need to look at my watch.

The finisher T-shirt and medal were highest quality, plus we received a LWTM drop bag. All for $45!

I had thoughts of running Grandma's marathon next year, but Lake Wobegon Trail is cheaper and first class. Plus the course is fast & beautiful, and the food & individual care at the finish was fantastic.

I plan to run this again next year. Hats off the organizers, the St. Cloud River Runners.

 

C. C. from Central MN (5/13/2012)
"Organized, Friendly... What an experience!" (about: 2012)

1 previous marathon | 1 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


A perfectly organized race! The course is beautiful and volunteers were so helpful.

This my first marathon, I struggled at mile 16 but a volunteer noticed and biked with me for a half mile, offering a granola bar, and later another volunteer on bike at mile 20 offered much needed water.

Love the pace groups  I noticed ones for 3:20, 3:35, 3:45, 4:00, and 4:30. Maybe this is at every marathon, but it was very helpful to run with a group and not need to look at my watch.

The finisher T-shirt and medal were highest quality, plus we received a LWTM drop bag. All for $45!

I had thoughts of running Grandma's marathon next year, but Lake Wobegon Trail is cheaper and couldn't be run more efficiently. Plus the course is fast and beautiful, and the food and individual care at the finish was fantastic. Smaller scale marathons offer so much more, in my opinion.

I plan to run this again next year. Hats off the organizers, the St. Cloud RIver Runners.

 

J. T. from Chicago, IL (5/13/2012)
"flat, fast and scenic" (about: 2012)

2 previous marathons | 1 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This is an ideal course for getting a PR or qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Absolutely no noticeable elevation on the course. A converted old railway, shaded along the way with surrounding farmland and nature. Don't expect many spectators or participants - this is a small race.

 

N. W. from Elk grove il (5/12/2012)
"Gem of a race" (about: 2012)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Great small race, great amenities. Gym bag, finisher shirt, free photos, great post race spread and a beautiful route with very enthusiastic volunteers and inspiring quotations posted on signs at each water stop. Good choice of hotels in St Cloud. Good pasta dinner too. Race director has great attention to detail and you really get a great experience for a small entry. Fantastic event.

 

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