Greetings!

Welcome to the 13th Annual CenturyLink WhistleStop Marathon and Half- Marathon.

We're looking forward to your participation in this smaller, runner-friendly event. Our course is flat, easy on the knees, and the one on which you can set your PR or Boston qualifier. Throw in spectacular fall colors, friendly aid stations and the best in pre-and post-race blues music and it's easy to see why the CenturyLink WhistleStop is the Upper Midwest's fall classic.

But don't take our word for it.
Here's what previous participants have said:

“Course EXCELLENT, Volunteers EXCELLENT, Jackets and Medals EXCELLENT, an EXCELLENT weekend! Loved the course!!! Did I mention excellent! I’ve done many races, this course is my most favorite and in the 25 years I’ve been running, one of the most low key, nice races to run.”

“Fun people great course and the best finisher shirt ever!”
  K.O., River Falls, WI

“The people, services and the communication regarding everything in this event was great! Every mile of the 26.2 was wonderful...the stations, the cheering, the organizations....it was really, really tremendous!!”
  R.S., Madison, WI

“Great hospitality!!! Everyone from the packet pick-up volunteers, bus drivers, water stop volunteers, waitress in town, spectators, etc. were very welcoming and friendly!”
  L.D., Plymouth, MN

“Best experience ever! Great area! Great trail! Very organized!”
  A.D., Spooner, WI

"...from the packet pick-up to the finish line, you did a superb job. The fall colors on the course were beautiful; I felt like I was running through a fall calendar page."
  B.O., Willmar, MN

"Congratulations and thank you for putting on such a great event! I ran (and won!) the half-marathon. The course was beautiful, miles well marked and all the aid stations were well staffed with friendly volunteers. The food at the pasta feed was so good; your event's pasta dinner was the best I've ever been to."
  M.G., Eden Prairie, MN

"I just wanted to take a moment to commend you on a fantastic WhistleStop Festival. Being my first marathon, I naturally had many questions on what to do and where to go. Your staff, both on and off the course, were nothing short of fantastic."
  M.H., Stevens Point, WI

I hope you join us this fall for the 13th Annual WhistleStop Marathon and Half-Marathon!

Russ Korpela, Race Director
Mary McPhetridge, Executive Director, Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce