My Profile
@AllanHoltz
Saint Paul, MN Raving since 2018 Boston Marathon finisher, 50 States hopeful/finisher Active 5 years, 6 months agoAbout Me
My Races
Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.
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Half Marathon
Marathon
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(Marathon or Ultra) + Half
Marathon + Ultra
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Future Races
Personal Bests (1)
| Race | Distance | Location | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WhistleStop Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Ashland, WI | Oct 26, 2018 | 3:20:55 |
Future Races (0)
| Race | Distance | Location | Date | Paid |
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Past Races (2)
| Race | Distance | Location | Date | Result | My Raves | My Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WhistleStop Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Iron River, WI | Oct 26, 2018 | 3:20:55 |
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| Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend | Marathon | Minneapolis, MN | Oct 7, 2018 | 5:27:24 |
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WhistleStop Marathon & Half Marathon
Scenic fast rails to trails downhill
WhistleStop Marathon & Half Marathon
I first ran this race in 1998, its inaugural year in 3:25 six days after running the Twin Cities Marathon at age 48 (my 20th marathon and a PR). The … MORE
I first ran this race in 1998, its inaugural year in 3:25 six days after running the Twin Cities Marathon at age 48 (my 20th marathon and a PR). The following year I ran my marathon PR there in 3:20 (now out of 145 marathons age 44-68). It is a small (typically less than 500 participants) point to point soft fine gravel but generally firm, wide rails to trails marathon with LOTS of fall color and about 13 trestle bridge crossings and just a few turns. I have run this race 12 times. The last time was in 2013 in 4:35 – my fastest of 4 marathons that year. I recommend this race for anyone looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon who is often close but not quite qualifying. With a 400 foot gradual overall downhill west to east course (think typical tailwind) with just a few gradual short climbs, this race is a FAST course. It is tree lined most of the way (scenic – prime color time). The trees do reduce the wind effect some. Expect anything from snow to rain to dry with temperatures ranging from the low 30s to the low 70s depending on the year. The weather will impact whether you PR here. Typically the weather is dry with slight wind about 40°F at the start and 60°F at the finish. You likely will NOT PR here if the temperature stays near 40°F with rain or sleet. Do not expect huge crowds of spectators or bands. There aren’t any. Some family members of runners will be at most of the aid stations (water and powerade) every couple miles. But do expect a fast, straight, soft (easy on the joints) course without other runners in your way with a bus ride to the start and showers at the finish. A pasta and whitefish – (the finish line town of Ashland, WI is on Lake Superior) dinner is complementary to runners the night before the race.
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend
Most Scenic Urban Marathon (AS BILLED!)
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend
From the start next to the new Vikings football stadium to the finish by the state capitol, this point to point road chip-timed marathon features lots of lakefront, stately old … MORE
From the start next to the new Vikings football stadium to the finish by the state capitol, this point to point road chip-timed marathon features lots of lakefront, stately old mansions, river crossings, fall color, bands, constant spectators and parkways with some significant ups and downs, hard surfaces and uncertain weather, although more apt to be cold and wet than hot and dry. Due to the large number of participants, runners now start from 3 corrals. I began midway in the 3rd corral this year. I was about 15 minutes behind the lead runners when I crossed the start line. I am now 68 and slow, i.e. I now do a combination of 50% walk – 50% run. 20 years ago I ran this race under 3.5 hours – now 5.5 hours. I have enjoyed this race 23 of the last 25 years. Twice I was running a 100-mile ultra that day instead. It has a good expo with convenient packet pickup. The finish line is well organized, albeit crowded with modest post-race food (Gatorade, water, yogurt, fruit cups, bananas, energy bars, chocolate milk, broth and whole wheat muffins). Your name and residence city-state is announced as you approach the finish line. There are finish line and mid-race photos available. You have good access to bus or train transport from the finish line to the start of the race. I recommend parking at the finish and taking the bus. More toilets along the course would be nice. Beverage (energy drink first and water second) is served every 2-3 miles, although it should be on both sides of the road at each aid station, given the large number of runners. There are faster races to qualify for Boston if qualifying is a goal and a challenge for you. There are races less crowded, fewer turns, more downhill and with softer surfaces. I have qualified for the Boston marathon 7 times, finished a marathon or beyond in every state, finished 144 marathons, but although close a couple times, I NEVER qualified for Boston at this race. Expect to pay $10-20 to park for the expo and start of the race – or be prepared to walk (a mile maybe) before and after the race or packet pickup. When the Metrodome existed, runners warmed up inside at the start. Now with the new Vikings stadium, runners have NOT been allowed inside, so waiting up to an hour outside before the start of the race is often cold (frosty ground) and potentially wet. BE PREPARED, as you likely will use the complementary drop bag service for warmup clothing transport to the finish line, where mylar thermal blankets are distributed. The past couple years, cloth gloves (useful!) were included in packet pickup. Also be ready for the mostly uphill miles 19-23 as they come at a tiring time of the race.