Kam Yee's Staging Area

I did this race to get Wisconsin for my 50-states quest. Ok for seasoned marathoners, but I would not recommend this to a newbie. Overall it’s an easy course without much elevation change. But there is not a lot of crowd cheering spectators, as it runs mostly through a paved trail, out and back. For the marathoners, it was twice out-and-back (ouch!).

Race is very catered to half marathoners, minimal aid station support after 4 hrs (for the full marathoners) as volunteers left. Finish line festivities were taken down after 5 hrs, leaving the last full marathon finishers with little to nothing to enjoy.

My biggest grip is the start line. About 2,400 people started together (full marathon, half marathon, and 10k runners), but the start line was a choke point where only 2~3 people could run abreast. Though I was near the front, it took nearly 4 mins of walking small steps to cross the start line. I imagine that it took over 20 mins to get everyone across.

Great organization. Great race swag bag (all useful stuff). Race catered to women to support and uplift, and to show that all women can do this (only marathon distance). No awards, so that everyone feels included, as the reward is to finish the race itself. 40% were first-time marathoners. Overall, course was great, lots of amenities, and lots of support and spectators. Some sections were hilly and tough in the mid to latter part of the course, but nothing too crazy. First year was in Savannah, GA. This (second year) was in Scottsdale, AZ. I would do this again if it takes place close to my home state next year. Highly recommended for women, especially first-time marathoner. [Note: I am a male runner. Male runners were allowed in this race.]