Rails to Trails began in 2007 as a Boston Marathon Qualifier, but now includes a one mile fun run, a 5K, and a half marathon. Several different groups and tons of volunteers from the surrounding community, along with the scenic route and 3/4 mile tunnel, make this a unique marathon …
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Rails to Trails began in 2007 as a Boston Marathon Qualifier, but now includes a one mile fun run, a 5K, and a half marathon. Several different groups and tons of volunteers from the surrounding community, along with the scenic route and 3/4 mile tunnel, make this a unique marathon experience. 100% of the proceeds after expenses are donated back to the surrounding communities.
The Rails to Trails Marathon route follows the Elroy-Sparta bike trail. The starting point and finish point are one in the same and located in the Village park. There is a turn around point for the marathoners, everything is well marked and there will be volunteers there and at the aid stations along the way. Just to clarify that even though you will be on the Elroy-Sparta trail you will not be running from Elroy WI to Sparta WI. Just the portion from the starting point, to the turn around, and back. Our route is also walker friendly, so don’t forget to tell your family and friends!
TRAIL SURFACE INFO: The trail has a consistent limestone surface, that runs the whole length of the trail. We go through beforehand and make sure that any piles of leaves and any other debris is picked up to make sure the trail is in the best condition that it can be. The bike trail and the tunnels were originally constructed in 1873 (!) as the main line for the Chicago and North Western Railway. The tunnels are damp and chilly but well lit with lanterns so you can see clearly.
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Run through two train tunnels
Start in the small town of Norwalk and run on the Sparta Trail, a 'rails-to-trail' route with two 100+ year old train tunnels. The course has a zero net elevation … MORE
Start in the small town of Norwalk and run on the Sparta Trail, a ‘rails-to-trail’ route with two 100+ year old train tunnels. The course has a zero net elevation gain/lose.
Know what you are signing up for
This is a great little race. But be aware - its small. If you want fan support, this is not your event. There are virtually no fans along the course. … MORE
This is a great little race. But be aware – its small. If you want fan support, this is not your event. There are virtually no fans along the course.
In terms of value, this event is good. Registration is inexpensive and includes the spaghetti dinner the night before and post-race chicken barbecue. The Ladies auxiliary has a bake sale at the event as well. This event has a small, hometown vibe that makes its special. Running through the old 3/4 mile train tunnel is really cool, and its lit with red lanterns as to not disturb the bats. I brought my knuckle lights but I didn’t need them.
Swag is nothing to write home about. I’m not a big fan of their logo, and the medal, if thats your thing, is small. There are AG winners for each event. I think the award is just a ribbon, not anything unique or showy. This course is a Boston Qualifier and is pancake flat. The course is crushed gravel and is largely shaded. Hydration table volunteers are supportive and work hard. When I ran it, they did not have professional race photographer outside the tunnel, which would have made for a very cool picture. I hope they add that in the future.
This is the primary fundraiser for the town of Norwalk. Funds are used for municipal support and the like (I think I heard one year they used funds to help buy a fire truck for the town). Parking is in the park by the start/finish line and easy to find. Race Day registration is available. Stay in Tomah (20 min drive) for more hotel options. The committee works hard to put this event on and you can tell, but its not done by runners, just townsfolk who want to create an attraction in their area. Overall, I like this event, but I can’t imagine running a full marathon there.
I hope they continue to have this event and add a few details to make this event comparable to what runners would expect at a race.
Loved IT
What a great race! Only a few minutes from my house meant I got to sleep in my own bed the night before as a bonus! Race was well organized, … MORE
What a great race! Only a few minutes from my house meant I got to sleep in my own bed the night before as a bonus! Race was well organized, the gravel trail felt nice on my knees and the scenery was pretty even if it not all that varied. Of course the tunnel is cool, but the ruts in the trail caused by the water in the tunnel were the worst part of the race, to be honest. The trail racing community is so awesome in Wisconsin and this race seems to really embrace that!
Small-town Marathon at its Finest
This was run on the scenic Elroy to Sparta rail trail. The course started in the town of Norwalk and included a short out-and-back to the west and then a … MORE
This was run on the scenic Elroy to Sparta rail trail. The course started in the town of Norwalk and included a short out-and-back to the west and then a longer out-and-back to the east. The second out-and-back included a 3/4 mile long tunnel. Because of hibernating bats, the tunnel was lit by red lanterns spaced at about 20-meter intervals, which made it a little hard to see. The trail goes through scenic, rolling farmland, although the trail is leveled out so that the grade is gradual. There were plenty of aid stations, and the race registration included a sphagetti dinner with free craft beer the night before, and lunch with free beer after the race. It was well-worth the price of the registration.