WhistleStop Marathon

Founded in 1997 by the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce, the WhistleStop Marathon began when then-director Russ Korpela and a group of running friends decided to create their race. “In 1997 folks were starting to join the wellness movement and the director at the time was no different,” said current Chamber director and race director Mary McPhetridge. “He started running the year prior, losing about 50–70 pounds, and he and his running friends decided, why not start their marathon? He loved craft beer, so with the help of our craft brewery, they put together a plan and started the WhistleStop.”

The full 26.2-mile course begins east of Iron River, Wisconsin, and follows the Tri-County Corridor — a converted rail line with crushed limestone footing — to Ashland’s Bay Area Civic Center. The point-to-point route is USATF-certified and a Boston Marathon qualifier, known for its gentle downhill profile, scenic trestle bridges, and peak fall colors. Runners pass wetlands, trout streams, barns, and historic railroad sites before finishing with views of Chequamegon Bay. Runner’s World recognized the half-marathon as one of the best in the U.S.

In the early years, marathon participants outnumbered half marathoners about 60–40, McPhetridge noted, but “now it’s turned completely to 70% half marathon and 30% full.” Community involvement has grown alongside those numbers. “The community has embraced this event wholeheartedly,” she said. “If you aren’t running the WhistleStop, then you are sponsoring, volunteering, or babysitting for someone who is!” The four race distances draw about 200 local runners, while roughly 500 volunteer spots are filled each year — many by people who have been helping since the beginning.

The volunteer culture is a hallmark. “Many of the aid stations have been with us from day one, and they are great mentors for the new people,” McPhetridge said. “It’s a spirit of excitement and encouragement, and fun!!!” Themed aid stations, live music at the start and finish, and a festival atmosphere help keep runners energized from the first mile to the last.

The race’s popularity also brings a steady economic boost. “We do fill the hotel rooms, because the race is run rain or shine, so it is not weather dependent,” McPhetridge said. “People are here for a minimum of two nights as well, and we have a large share of day trippers from the Duluth area.”

Then there are the moments that become local lore — like the time two years ago when “we had some runners coming down the trail and a deer ran out, and one of the volunteers just happened to be videotaping,” McPhetridge recalled with a laugh.

Registration for all events typically opens in January, with the half-marathon filling first. For more details or to sign up, visit whistlestopmarathon.com.