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Marathon Details - Minocqua No Frills Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > WI > Minocqua > Minocqua No Frills Marathon

Minocqua No Frills Marathon

Minocqua No Frills Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K, Marathon Relay

Minocqua, WI USA

August 31, 2025

http://www.blueravenproductions.com

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Marathon Results

By Year:

2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Out and back run on the Bearskin Trail starting and ending downtown Minocqua.

Contact Information

Name:	Rick Wilson
Address:	11475 Cagle Rd Arbor Vitae, WI 54568
Phone Number:	715-614-7567
Fax Number:	715-358-2446
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

5th year of a smaller race andd first year with ha (11/10/15)

Blain Nyberg

2016 will be our 5th year! We've consistently had between 100 and 150 finishers of our marathon. This is a great course if you are a new marathoner or if you like smaller races. We are going to add a Half Marathon for our 2016 race. It's entirely on the Bearskin Trail. Please join us!

Runner Reviews (10)

Course 4.8

Organization 5.0

Spectators 3.3

Write a review

Number of comments: 10

M. M. from Minocqua, WI (5/29/2021) "Amazing!!" (about: 2020) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Minocqua No Frills Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the half-marathon at 12 years old, and the marathon at 13 years old. Such an ideal race! For me, from Minocqua, you don't find such amazing races like this one! Warning: Course has changed due to CDC guidelines about Covid-19. It is now extremely hilly. But, still an amazing race!
C. S. from MN (9/9/2018) "FABULOUS low key marathon" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the Minocqua No Frills Marathon in 2018. It was my 16th marathon and I was trying to BQ. It is an ideal course for a BQ - flat, fast, crushed gravel for the last 20 miles and pretty much in the shade for the last 20 miles as well. I missed by BQ by a little over a minute, but would not hesitate to recommend this race to anyone. It was small (about 100 runners for the marathon; more for the half marathon that starts an hour later - so if you are looking for crowd support, this isn't the race for you). The spectators were far and few between - mostly just the volunteers at the aid stations. The course itself was gorgeous - mile after mile of northwoods scenery along the crushed gravel trail. The weather was ideal - 47 at the start, about 61 at the finish. Even though it's billed as 'no frills' - for my $45 entry fee I got an all you can eat pasta dinner at the brewery, a race shirt, a race water bottle, a finishers medal and plenty of post race refreshments. Kudos to the Minocqua Marathon organizers for hosting such a great event. I'll be back!
S. V. from Minneapolis, MN (9/12/2017) "Almost don't want to tell anyone about this gem!" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Fantastic and simple race. The Bearskin Trail is gorgeous running. Well organized and lots of fluid support for a race of its size. The weather was better than perfect in 2017, but man, what a great race!
J. H. from New Richmond, WI (9/11/2017) "A hidden gem, great course, worth every cent" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The name 'No Frills' does not do justice to the race. For $55 (late registration) you get a restaurant quality spaghetti dinner Friday evening, bus ride to the start, tech shirt, nice finisher metal, plus goody bag. Aid stations are every 2 miles or so after the first 4 miles. All aid stations had water & energy drink with latter stations stocked with bananas, cookies, etc. The course is well marked and once you hit the trail, you aren't going to get lost. There are a few rolling hills during the first 7 miles which are on quiet country roads (some gravel) with the final 19+ on an old railroad bed (Bearskin Trail). The trail surface is firm with only 1 hill around the halfway mark that rises sharply for about 50 yards before leveling off. The last 6 miles go downhill gradually. About 90% of the trail is shaded and protected from wind. The Minocqua area has several nice motels with upscale eating and drinking places. The final pre-race instructions from the race director were,'We have bears and wolves up here, but if you leave them alone they'll leave you alone'. Ha, ha I didn't see a one!
J. B. from Janesville, WI (9/7/2015) "Well organized event with low cost entry fee!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race appealed to me because of the date, entry fee cost, and BQ course. The race simplicity of cost, registration, packet pick-up, and bus transportation were top-notch. The weather was unusually humid for this race. The bus picked us up in downtown Minocqua, then traveled to a small park for beginning of race. Perfect. Two different starts and two different buses. One start at 0600 (0500 bus pick up time) for the six hour participants. My cousin and friend and approx 30 others did this...perfect idea! My start was at 0700 (0600 bus pick up time) along with approximately 60 other participants. Course: The first 4-5 miles were slightly rolling hills, mixed terrain. Primarily paved roads or gravel roads. No water stops within the first four miles so be prepared. The crushed trail we ran the remainder on was very nice. Very well sun and wind shaded. I don't remember seeing any port a potties on the course, but I believe there were a couple public restrooms just off the trail. Very pretty course, and picturesque bridges you run on. I don't care for a lot of spectators and the ones we saw on at trail crossings were very supportive. Just be mentally prepared for small stones in your shoes. I had to stop twice to fish a few out....this happens to me on every trail marathon I have done. Water stops were nice.it would be very suggestive to distinguish water and gatorade with specifically marked glasses. I.E. gatorade cups for gatorade, white cups for water. Be prepared for a very short-but steep hill at mile 15 I believe. I was not ready for that. Other than that, you will not see a hill after that. The finish line was very nice. Simple refreshments, nice public parking, decent medal with free engraving, and plenty of nearby businesses within walking distance. Although I did not qualify for my Boston attempt, this is a wonderful marathon, especially if it is your first marathon. There are plenty of viewing spots if your loved ones want to follow you through the race. If you want a lot of spectators, this would not be for you. The best part of this event is in the title....Minocqua No Frills Marathon. I love an event that I can park for free 75 yards from the finish line. Keep up the good work!
Rob Klein from Paradise, MI (9/25/2014) "A Great Small-Town Marathon Event" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 A smaller sized marathon for a bustling little tourist town. They allowed an early start for those who expected to finish closer to 6 hours. The early starters were suppose to show up at the parking lot by the Post Office for a 5:00 a.m. shuttle bus departure. I think there were about 12 early starters. The bus took us west (I think) and dropped us off near a fire station. The race director was there with other staff, who were checking folks in. It was just starting to get light as 6:00 a.m. approached. We gathered at the start line and were briefed on the course. When the music guy/disc jockey honked his horn, we were on our way. The first six miles or so were in suburban neighborhoods, then we joined a trail of crushed gravel over an old railroad bed. We were on the RR bed for the rest of the way. The earlier part of the course could have been marked better, but it was okay. Sometimes during long stretches with no other runners in sight, a sign, arrow or cone give assurance that we are still in the right road. There was water along the course most of the way. It was the Bearskin River, and it appeared to be a real slow moving river, and looked stagnant at times. Still, there were almost no bugs, and there was no foul smell. Somewhere along the course, there was a steep hill, first up, and then back down probably a transition from adjacent railroad beds. Otherwise, this course was flat and fast. The first water station was about 4 miles into the course. Then it seemed to be about every two miles. They always had water and Gatorade. Some of the later stations had gum drops and bananas and at least one had cookies too. None of the aid stations served gels (GU, Clif-shots, etc.) The volunteers were friendly and encouraging too. Several spots along the way had access from cross-streets, and friends and family members could gather there and cheer on their runner. The race director released the early starters, then he joined the main group, running the marathon, having delegated official responsibilities for execution of the race to other staff. At the finish line there were donut holes, celery sticks and yogurt; coffee, Gator-Ade type drink, sodas and coffee. These guys did a great job.
Tiffany Britton from Atlanta, GA (9/9/2014) "Great Race for a BQ" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My husband and I came to this race from Atlanta, GA. We were training for a late summer race so I could try to get a BQ time for 2015. We decided on this one because of the course elevation profile and surface (it's on a crushed gravel trail). The majority of the course runs on the Bearskin Trail, so it's pretty secluded - just you and trees (I did see a dear cross the trail at one point). The course offers some slight rolling hills (there is one noteworthy hill) and a large downhill (but not steep) segment around mile 17/18. The surface makes for better recovery. The weather in 2014 was perfect for a marathon, 55-ish, overcast, no rain. There weren't a ton of spectators, but the ones out there were awesome. Hydration stations were run well, and the course was clearly marked. Some fuel stations also offered bananas, gum drops, and homemade cookies. Bonus - you can get your medal engraved at the local jewelry store after the race. If you enjoy solo runs in a pretty setting, this is the perfect race for you.
Jonathan Wendel from Ames, Iowa (9/2/2014) "Gorgeous run in the north woods on a nice trail" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 My wife and I chose to run this for our 100th marathon or ultra, and what a great choice it turned out to be. This is a beautiful event, run mostly on the Bearskin Trail, a converted rail to trail with a near-perfect running surface. The course undulates ever so gently uphill, but is mostly flat, and through the most pristine native wetlands, marshes, forests... It truly is spectacular. We rank this among our top 10 marathons. My only complaint is the misnomer 'no frills'; this race is chocked full of frills! Nice shirt, medal, but better yet, about a million trees, the lakes, the birds... how about a name change to the Frillful Marathon, or the Frillicious Marathon!. Lovely event. Can't wait to go back. My compliments and thanks to the RD, Blain Nyberg, and his many volunteers.
C. G. from Naperville, IL (9/2/2014) "Awesome course and orgnization!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I am not sure I want others to know about this race. Being small is a real treat. Paths are wide and in excellent condition, mile markers and aid stations are great.
M. M. from Madison, wi (9/3/2012) "Beautiful Wisconsin scenery" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Wow, what a great Wisconsin race! A beautiful run along a converted rail trail. A very well planned event. Highly recommended.



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M. M. from Minocqua, WI (5/29/2021) "Amazing!!" (about: 2020) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Minocqua No Frills Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the half-marathon at 12 years old, and the marathon at 13 years old. Such an ideal race! For me, from Minocqua, you don't find such amazing races like this one! Warning: Course has changed due to CDC guidelines about Covid-19. It is now extremely hilly. But, still an amazing race!
C. S. from MN (9/9/2018) "FABULOUS low key marathon" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the Minocqua No Frills Marathon in 2018. It was my 16th marathon and I was trying to BQ. It is an ideal course for a BQ - flat, fast, crushed gravel for the last 20 miles and pretty much in the shade for the last 20 miles as well. I missed by BQ by a little over a minute, but would not hesitate to recommend this race to anyone. It was small (about 100 runners for the marathon; more for the half marathon that starts an hour later - so if you are looking for crowd support, this isn't the race for you). The spectators were far and few between - mostly just the volunteers at the aid stations. The course itself was gorgeous - mile after mile of northwoods scenery along the crushed gravel trail. The weather was ideal - 47 at the start, about 61 at the finish. Even though it's billed as 'no frills' - for my $45 entry fee I got an all you can eat pasta dinner at the brewery, a race shirt, a race water bottle, a finishers medal and plenty of post race refreshments. Kudos to the Minocqua Marathon organizers for hosting such a great event. I'll be back!
S. V. from Minneapolis, MN (9/12/2017) "Almost don't want to tell anyone about this gem!" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Fantastic and simple race. The Bearskin Trail is gorgeous running. Well organized and lots of fluid support for a race of its size. The weather was better than perfect in 2017, but man, what a great race!
J. H. from New Richmond, WI (9/11/2017) "A hidden gem, great course, worth every cent" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The name 'No Frills' does not do justice to the race. For $55 (late registration) you get a restaurant quality spaghetti dinner Friday evening, bus ride to the start, tech shirt, nice finisher metal, plus goody bag. Aid stations are every 2 miles or so after the first 4 miles. All aid stations had water & energy drink with latter stations stocked with bananas, cookies, etc. The course is well marked and once you hit the trail, you aren't going to get lost. There are a few rolling hills during the first 7 miles which are on quiet country roads (some gravel) with the final 19+ on an old railroad bed (Bearskin Trail). The trail surface is firm with only 1 hill around the halfway mark that rises sharply for about 50 yards before leveling off. The last 6 miles go downhill gradually. About 90% of the trail is shaded and protected from wind. The Minocqua area has several nice motels with upscale eating and drinking places. The final pre-race instructions from the race director were,'We have bears and wolves up here, but if you leave them alone they'll leave you alone'. Ha, ha I didn't see a one!
J. B. from Janesville, WI (9/7/2015) "Well organized event with low cost entry fee!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race appealed to me because of the date, entry fee cost, and BQ course. The race simplicity of cost, registration, packet pick-up, and bus transportation were top-notch. The weather was unusually humid for this race. The bus picked us up in downtown Minocqua, then traveled to a small park for beginning of race. Perfect. Two different starts and two different buses. One start at 0600 (0500 bus pick up time) for the six hour participants. My cousin and friend and approx 30 others did this...perfect idea! My start was at 0700 (0600 bus pick up time) along with approximately 60 other participants. Course: The first 4-5 miles were slightly rolling hills, mixed terrain. Primarily paved roads or gravel roads. No water stops within the first four miles so be prepared. The crushed trail we ran the remainder on was very nice. Very well sun and wind shaded. I don't remember seeing any port a potties on the course, but I believe there were a couple public restrooms just off the trail. Very pretty course, and picturesque bridges you run on. I don't care for a lot of spectators and the ones we saw on at trail crossings were very supportive. Just be mentally prepared for small stones in your shoes. I had to stop twice to fish a few out....this happens to me on every trail marathon I have done. Water stops were nice.it would be very suggestive to distinguish water and gatorade with specifically marked glasses. I.E. gatorade cups for gatorade, white cups for water. Be prepared for a very short-but steep hill at mile 15 I believe. I was not ready for that. Other than that, you will not see a hill after that. The finish line was very nice. Simple refreshments, nice public parking, decent medal with free engraving, and plenty of nearby businesses within walking distance. Although I did not qualify for my Boston attempt, this is a wonderful marathon, especially if it is your first marathon. There are plenty of viewing spots if your loved ones want to follow you through the race. If you want a lot of spectators, this would not be for you. The best part of this event is in the title....Minocqua No Frills Marathon. I love an event that I can park for free 75 yards from the finish line. Keep up the good work!
Rob Klein from Paradise, MI (9/25/2014) "A Great Small-Town Marathon Event" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 A smaller sized marathon for a bustling little tourist town. They allowed an early start for those who expected to finish closer to 6 hours. The early starters were suppose to show up at the parking lot by the Post Office for a 5:00 a.m. shuttle bus departure. I think there were about 12 early starters. The bus took us west (I think) and dropped us off near a fire station. The race director was there with other staff, who were checking folks in. It was just starting to get light as 6:00 a.m. approached. We gathered at the start line and were briefed on the course. When the music guy/disc jockey honked his horn, we were on our way. The first six miles or so were in suburban neighborhoods, then we joined a trail of crushed gravel over an old railroad bed. We were on the RR bed for the rest of the way. The earlier part of the course could have been marked better, but it was okay. Sometimes during long stretches with no other runners in sight, a sign, arrow or cone give assurance that we are still in the right road. There was water along the course most of the way. It was the Bearskin River, and it appeared to be a real slow moving river, and looked stagnant at times. Still, there were almost no bugs, and there was no foul smell. Somewhere along the course, there was a steep hill, first up, and then back down probably a transition from adjacent railroad beds. Otherwise, this course was flat and fast. The first water station was about 4 miles into the course. Then it seemed to be about every two miles. They always had water and Gatorade. Some of the later stations had gum drops and bananas and at least one had cookies too. None of the aid stations served gels (GU, Clif-shots, etc.) The volunteers were friendly and encouraging too. Several spots along the way had access from cross-streets, and friends and family members could gather there and cheer on their runner. The race director released the early starters, then he joined the main group, running the marathon, having delegated official responsibilities for execution of the race to other staff. At the finish line there were donut holes, celery sticks and yogurt; coffee, Gator-Ade type drink, sodas and coffee. These guys did a great job.
Tiffany Britton from Atlanta, GA (9/9/2014) "Great Race for a BQ" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My husband and I came to this race from Atlanta, GA. We were training for a late summer race so I could try to get a BQ time for 2015. We decided on this one because of the course elevation profile and surface (it's on a crushed gravel trail). The majority of the course runs on the Bearskin Trail, so it's pretty secluded - just you and trees (I did see a dear cross the trail at one point). The course offers some slight rolling hills (there is one noteworthy hill) and a large downhill (but not steep) segment around mile 17/18. The surface makes for better recovery. The weather in 2014 was perfect for a marathon, 55-ish, overcast, no rain. There weren't a ton of spectators, but the ones out there were awesome. Hydration stations were run well, and the course was clearly marked. Some fuel stations also offered bananas, gum drops, and homemade cookies. Bonus - you can get your medal engraved at the local jewelry store after the race. If you enjoy solo runs in a pretty setting, this is the perfect race for you.
Jonathan Wendel from Ames, Iowa (9/2/2014) "Gorgeous run in the north woods on a nice trail" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 My wife and I chose to run this for our 100th marathon or ultra, and what a great choice it turned out to be. This is a beautiful event, run mostly on the Bearskin Trail, a converted rail to trail with a near-perfect running surface. The course undulates ever so gently uphill, but is mostly flat, and through the most pristine native wetlands, marshes, forests... It truly is spectacular. We rank this among our top 10 marathons. My only complaint is the misnomer 'no frills'; this race is chocked full of frills! Nice shirt, medal, but better yet, about a million trees, the lakes, the birds... how about a name change to the Frillful Marathon, or the Frillicious Marathon!. Lovely event. Can't wait to go back. My compliments and thanks to the RD, Blain Nyberg, and his many volunteers.
C. G. from Naperville, IL (9/2/2014) "Awesome course and orgnization!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I am not sure I want others to know about this race. Being small is a real treat. Paths are wide and in excellent condition, mile markers and aid stations are great.
M. M. from Madison, wi (9/3/2012) "Beautiful Wisconsin scenery" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Minocqua No Frills Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Wow, what a great Wisconsin race! A beautiful run along a converted rail trail. A very well planned event. Highly recommended.

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Marathon Details - Minocqua No Frills Marathon