Dances With Dirt Devil's Lake

Dances With Dirt Devil's Lake

Dances With Dirt Devil's Lake

( 11 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Merrimac,
    Wisconsin,
    United States
  • July
  • 6 miles/10K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, 26.2 miles/Marathon, 50K, 50 miles
  • Trail Race
  • Event Website

Laura

West Allis, Wisconsin, United States
45 26
2017
"First Marathon - Very Challenging!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Laura 's thoughts:

Packet Pick-Up: You could pick up your packet the night before or the morning of the race. You also had to turn in your waiver at that time in order to get your bib.

T-Shirts/Swag: All participants got a tech shirt that has a funny disclaimer on the back (I have a picture of mine included). All finishers got a medal, a free beer, and homemade food at the finish.

Aid stations: Each aid station was well-stocked with electrolyte drinks, water, and salty snacks. The ones set up for the longer distances also had PBJ sandwiches, chips, candy, SALT!, and soda. (You never realize how delicious Mt Dew is until you're running 26+ miles in the woods!) The volunteers were amazing and super encouraging, especially on this hot, challenging course!

Course Scenery: If you've never run in Devil's Lake State Park, put it on your list. It is absolutely beautiful. The woods are stunning and the views from the summit of the climbs are amazing. A great reminder of what a small spec humans are in the world.

Elevation: Holy cannoli. If you are up for a challenge with elevation, this is the race for you. There is a steep climb relatively close to the start that is a mile and a half (or so) long. And the marathon, 50K, and 50 Mile have to do it TWICE. Even the prairie sections had a decent amount of rolling hills. Welcome to Wisconsin, the land of sneaky elevation!

Parking/Access: Parking was literally right next to the start/finish line. Across the highway from the start/finish, there is a designated parking lot for spectators (and also the location of the Mile 20/25 aid station). Very easy to get to, especially if you camp at any of the nearby campgrounds.

Race Management: I think this race does a fantastic job of organizing this event. Trail events attract a different kind of runner so the post-race party didn't have tons of bells and whistles, but it was like a giant camping/cookout party for all the finishers.

To pick this race as my first marathon probably wasn't the best idea, but it definitely challenged me and prepared me for my first 50K. I would strongly recommend this race to anyone who is looking for a challenging course that has a lot of elevation!

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