• Appleton,
    Wisconsin,
    United States
  • September
  • 3 miles/5K, 6 miles/10K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, 26.2 miles/Marathon, Relay
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Joe

Libertyville, Illinois, United States
13 4
2014
"Foxy Fun on the run"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Joe 's thoughts:

This is the second time I have done this race having been pretty familiar with the Fox Cities area from my college days. I had first done this race in 2008 and got my first BQ and with a few conversations over beers with some friends in the area who were either doing the half or full, I was headed back.

Overall I am not a fan of the big city mega marathons. Don't like crowds, don't like hassles, so this is a perfect race for me. The marathon is capped at 1200 I believe and there is a half marathon that goes on the same time, but don't do this race if you are looking for the throngs of humanity running at the same time.

Expo is nothing special but is an easy in and out for packet pick up and to view some of the various vendors on site. Parking is abundant and near the start but after leaving a bit later than the first year, I had to park about a quarter mile away or so at a Shopko. The start and finish are at different spots within about 5-10 mins apart and there is shuttle that will take you back to the start area. I typically do not do gear check, but may want to consider if you plan on hanging out after the race for some dry clothes.

Running a bit late, was somewhat hurried to get my gear bag checked,hit the port o let one last time and shimmy over to the starting line. This was all accomplished in about 25 minutes prior to the start, so no huge crowds or panic, just get there reasonable time and get ready to rock.

The course itself winds through a number of small towns in the Fox Cities area (Neehah, Menasha, Kimberly, etc) and it is a very pretty course. Some subdivisions, main country roads, small towns, etc but some great views. I cannot recall the exact number of bridges but think 3 or 4 crossings with some great scenery. Water stations are abundant being well stocked about every .75 to 1.5 miles. In short, I never felt for want, which is critical since I sweat tons. A lot of the stations are shared with the half marathon course towards the end, so some congestion but never anything major. Many of the aid stations have the volunteers rolling with some kind of theme, i.e. Harry Potter, Peanuts, etc which is kind of fun. Decent crowds and energy for a smaller race and helps as you tick through the miles.

The course isn't overly technical but does have some steady climb from mile 10-16 with some rollers. Nothing too nasty, but you need to mind pace a little bit in some points. I also like that the course changes directions a lot, so you typically wont be getting beaten senseless by the same headwind for a long time if you happen to get a windy day. A few country roads where there is little protection, but again, things change a lot and there is often homes or trees to protect you. Not a fan of a few bridges coming into the finish due to inclines but that might be cuz I am typically hurting that late in the race. Depending on when you finish, there may be some half marathon walker traffic which can get annoying due to some folks drifting/not paying attention which is the last thing you want late in a marathon, but I am probably being overly picky.

Post race food is pretty standard- oranges, bananas, bagels, roast beef sammiches but this time they did have chocolate milk which I loved. And just like easy to the start, easy to get back to your car to get on home.

Overall, I really like this race and it is really well done and supported for a smaller town race. Ended up getting my new PR here too and think this course is conducive to a good time. Highly recommend!!!

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