The Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon is run on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail. The Trail is a converted railroad line that crosses through the Iowa countryside.
The mostly flat point-to-point course finishes in Shenandoah.
How does the Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon Rank?
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon was the 442nd largest marathon in the U.S. last year.
This year 3.2% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 18.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon the 65th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 328th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.82 ranks it as the 233rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest course in Iowa.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon a PR Score of 96.99. This PR Score ranks it as the 331st fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest in Iowa.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon
View available accomodations around the Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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cd's review of 2024 Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I joined only about 60 other marathon runners for what I consider a top notch hidden gem. The town of Shenandoah is adorable. Quite picturesque and brought back memories of childhood before the country changed so much. The people are friendly and helpful. The event was very well organized, and there were more volunteers than runners. The support and cheers for this size was terrific. You will be running mostly on the packed gravel trail in the woods and will be shaded. At the end, you will be escorted by bikes to the finish line in the heart of downtown. For the size, this was one of the very best marathons in the country. It was my 31st State. I would recommend it highly! I stayed in the hotel just right by the finish line. Since it's an out and back, you get to see everybody running the race from first to last. Plenty of police and one emergency vehicle passed, so they were right on top of things for safety and security. So overall a 10 out of 10. Love the T-shirt, too! If I had to pick what I did not like: One water stop had political signs; but this was probably (hopefully) beyond the control of the organizers. The medal is a terrific, sharp jewel. However, it is wooden and I'm afraid it won't stand the test of time. If you are looking for an Iowa race, choose this one!
Race Tips
Flat course, so not much strategy. Mostly packed gravel. Only a few bumps. Water everywhere. Super support!
You can roll out of bed a half hour before start time at Shenandoah Inn right by start/finish. I loved the Mexican restaurant in town that also co-sponsored the race. Parking easy, everything is. Choose this as your IOWA race!
Kos's review of 2024 Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
Relatively flat and could have been real fast but 66F/100% at the start were not good conditions for me. Race officials were very nice. This was a big deal race for a sweet smaller town. Exactly what I was hoping for.
Doug Thompson's review of 2013 Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Great race-beautiful course on wooded trail. Temp is ideal and overall flat course. Great race support and friendly town
Race Tips
Early start by bus to start line and finish in town of Shenandoah. gatorade and water about every 1.5 miles. food, beer and music at finish. Also lots of free giveaways at finish. I won a watch and 2 pair of socks.
