Minocqua Northwoods Escape Marathon
Minocqua, WI
- Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 5K
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The Northwoods Escape Marathon course is an out and back on the Bearskin Trail from Minocqua and held over Memorial Day weekend. All races start and finish in Bearskin park near the trestle downtown Minocqua.
Local Historical Weather (May 24):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 74 | 58 | 69 | 62 | 67 |
| L (°F) | 52 | 31 | 48 | 47 | 41 |
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Great Race & Trail!
This was my 4th half marathon, but my first trail half and I absolutely loved it. I ran with the pacing group up until mile 10, and they were awesome! … MORE
This was my 4th half marathon, but my first trail half and I absolutely loved it.
I ran with the pacing group up until mile 10, and they were awesome! super supportive and great at keeping things light and distracting throughout the course. I usually thrive on crowd energy and spectator support, but since this course is entirely on trails and a smaller race, there wasn’t much of that until the finish line. I was totally okay with it though, and still managed to run a 10-minute PR. (However, I think that was due to the amazing pacing team).
The route itself was beautiful, peaceful, and offered plenty of shade, which I really appreciated since I was a little worried about the heat. The trail is relatively flat and has only a minor incline.
I also really liked the medal and t-shirt provided. The event logistics ran really smoothly. I don’t typically use aid stations since I carry everything I need in a vest, so I can’t speak to that side of things but overall, I truly have no complaints about this race.
Great fast and flat trail marathon
Wonderful race. Aid stations left a little to be desired, so bring what you think you might need. Beautiful scenery and cool temps. Awesome little town too to hang out … MORE
Wonderful race. Aid stations left a little to be desired, so bring what you think you might need. Beautiful scenery and cool temps. Awesome little town too to hang out in after. Would do again.
Smaller race with pretty views
This is a smaller race, all run on the Bearskin trail (crushed gravel). The nice thing is that it's almost all shaded however it will be hot as it's Wisconsin … MORE
This is a smaller race, all run on the Bearskin trail (crushed gravel). The nice thing is that it’s almost all shaded however it will be hot as it’s Wisconsin in July. The event offers pacer, has adequate water stations, and finish line food and beer. Isn’t a ton of frills to this race, but well executed.
Beautiful run through the woods
Course was exactly as advertised, with just enough aid stations throughout the course. Beautiful running through the Northwoods of Minocqua and the surrounding area. The half ran entirely in the … MORE
Course was exactly as advertised, with just enough aid stations throughout the course. Beautiful running through the Northwoods of Minocqua and the surrounding area. The half ran entirely in the Bearskin Trail which is comprised of crushed, hard packed, cinder/gravel which made things a little interesting for footing in places due to the amount of rain over the past week. There were about 4 or 5 trail crossings over roads, 2 of which were monitored by volunteers well, the others with spectators as traffic could have been an issue. All in all it was a great venue and set up with easy packet pickup, rides to the start line provided from the finish line, and worth a trip to experience the beauty of Northern Wisconsin.