As I look out my window and observe the lawn turning white, I can’t help let my mind wonder back several weeks to the 6th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon.
The 6th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon took place on Sunday, November 3, 2013. The day was a beautiful fall day, perfect for the miles that the runners would put on that day. The Rails to Trails Marathon is not only a Boston Qualifier marathon but also a half marathon, 5K and 1 mile fun run. The course takes runners and walkers on tour of the Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail, a former railroad that’s been converted into a 32 mile recreational trail that winds through the small towns and countryside areas of southwestern Wisconsin between the towns of Elroy and Sparta.
The 6th Annual Rails to Trails Marathon had 227 marathon finishers of which 143 were male and 84 were female, 319 half marathon finishers of which 103 were male and 216 were female and 106 5K finishers of which 48 were male and 58 were female. (Results taken from www.itsracetime.com).
Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast was honored to have as guests 2 of the marathon finishers—Roy who qualified for the Boston Marathon and Charlene as well as 3 half marathon finishers—Randi, Chrissy and Rebecca. Also your Outkeeper/Innkeeper Dave and our son Paul completed the half marathon. It was such a joy to have Roy, Charlene, Randi, Chrissy, and Rebecca return to Amil’s Inn after the race to shower and have some ‘serious’ runners talk.
For those running enthusiasts that enjoy running on a converted railroad bed, another marathon and half marathon to consider is the Elroy Apple Dumpling Races held the 1st Saturday after Labor Day each year in the city of Elroy, Wisconsin. The marathon is a Boston Qualifier as well. (www.appledumplingdayraces.com)
To keep abreast of dates and information for the 2014 races, here are the websites to follow: www.railstotrailsraces.com; www.appledumplingdayraces.com; www.elroy-sparta-trail.com or contact us at Amil’s Inn Bed and Breakfast.