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Marathon Details - Icebreaker Indoor Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > WI > Milwaukee > Icebreaker Indoor Marathon

Icebreaker Indoor Marathon

Icebreaker Indoor Marathon & Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K

Milwaukee, WI USA

January 29, 2017

http://www.indoormarathon.com

News Press Releases

Marathon Results

By Year:

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Indoor track 443 meters around Olympic Ice Skating Oval

Contact Information

Name:	Chris Ponteri
Address:	c/o Longrun Athletics 27351 Foxhaven Drive Wind Lake, WI 53185
Phone Number:	262-758-9226
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

The Spectacle of the Indoor Marathon (2/9/13)

Chris Ponteri

The 5th edition of the Icebreaker Indoor Marathon was as interesting and unique as the first four. All five of our events (marathon, two half marathons, marathon relay, 5k race and Gold Medal Challenge) sold out in record time. Each went off without a hitch. And once again, we received many positive comments from the 800+ participants.

This is an incredibly special event; one you have to experience to get the full meaning of what it's like to run 95+ laps around an Olympic Ice Skating oval. I have never heard one runner say they were bored during this race. There are so many things to take your mind off the laps; the speed skaters, hockey games, cheering crowds, crazy water table volunteers, 2:30 marathoners lapping you 20 times. We've got it all. We hope to see you in 2014!

Runner Reviews (38)

Course 4.3

Organization 5.0

Spectators 4.6

Write a review

Number of comments: 38 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan (2/1/2017) "Cool Climate in January, and Off the Ice" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Icebreaker Indoor Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It is difficult to find winter marathons in the upper Midwest (except for Ground Hog Day Marathon in Grand Rapids) without resorting to the indoor track marathons. And by now, there are a few. And these guys in Milwaukee capitalized on that - having the Pettit Ice Rink in town. The Center has a three lane rubber track around the perimeter of the ice oval, with hockey two rinks inside of that. And there was stuff going on, on the ice all day long. It was about what you might expect: flat, dry, climate-controlled - kept at 55 degrees. Not too warm, and not too cold; in fact, just about right for running. It took almost 95 laps to achieve the distance, and it was not that bad - no one got dizzy either. Getting to the Pettit Center was routine. It is at the fairgrounds, right off of Interstate 94, and just a little west of where Milwaukee Brewers play baseball, though some Interstate access roads were closed for construction. Once there and inside, check-in was in a room at the top of the stairs. The track is on the main floor. Runners gathered there, and we were briefed on where the tables were for our refreshments and fluids, where the start line was, and direction (CCW). Runners were expected to stay in the outer-most lane. The middle lane was for fast runners (whatever that means) and the inside lane was for passing. I understand they set it up like that, so runners could access the refreshment tables without crossing in front of fast runners. But it also meant that the slowest runners had to run the farthest distance. And that is probably why this course is not certified for BQ, etc. The race started at 8:00 a.m., and the crowd at the start line quickly thinned out. I think 125 registered, and maybe 95 finished. So it was not crowded. Of course, if you were slow - like me - you kept seeing the same people passing you time and time again. After many of the fast people completed the race, they let us move to the two inside tracks. That helped. It was nice to not have to carry anything for re-hydration or carbs. Everyone had their own bottle(s) and whatever they brought to eat. And the tables were organized by bib number, and volunteers kept everything organized as best they could. It worked great. And there was plenty of room for spectators to hang out and cheer for their runner. Upstairs, they had food and drink (chocolate milk) for the runners for afterwards - typical stuff, like bananas, bagels, animal crackers, and chex mix. Hot food or soup would have been welcome after a long duration of 55 degrees, but no hot food was served. This was a great race. It was about $100.00, a nice medal, a polyester T-shirt - with a rather plain logo on it, lots of Clif-shots on the course, and water and Gatorade - in case you needed it. And you got to run without the impact of winter weather. Nice!
S. D. from Cedar Rapids, IA (1/30/2017) "Great winter race option" (about: 2017) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Icebreaker Indoor Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 While running 95 laps around a track does not seem like the most appealing race option, I was very pleasantly surprised. The time flew by and I was surprised when I would look at the screen to see how many laps I had left because they went pretty quickly. This race is great if you're a person who likes having other runners around to motivate them. On the flip side, there is minimal crowd attendance. The organization of the race was impeccable. I loved how when you would complete a lap it would tell you your lap number and time for that lap along with a bigger screen displaying your place and how many laps you had left. The announcer was awesome letting everyone know when they were halfway, had 10 laps, 5 laps, and 1 lap to go. The water station volunteers were great and were efficient at getting you your water/Gatorade when you needed it. What other race can say they have 95 aid stations and 180 (1 on each side of track) porta potty options?! If you're worried about being bored, there are speed skaters, figure skaters, and hockey games in the middle of the ice rink that can entertain you and music playing over the loud speaker (no earbuds allowed at all). I was worried about this but you could email in song requests and the music was pretty good. Overall I was really impressed by this race and it was a good winter marathon in the Midwest where weather can be an issue.
Adam Benkers from WI (2/1/2014) "Awesome Race!!!!!!!" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Icebreaker Indoor Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 One of the most well organized and run races I've ever done. The volunteers and spectators are awesome and having the availability of aid whenever you want is spectacular. Such a unique experience to see the leaders the entire race and have them encourage you along their way as well as being able to encourage them was awesome. The camaraderie before, during and after the event was unmatchable. I will definitely be doing this race again.
Joe Ely from Indiana (2/1/2014) "A Terrific Winter Run" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Icebreaker Indoor Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've tried for three years to get into this race and finally snagged a spot for the 2014 event. I was not disappointed. 95 trips around a world-class speed skating rink on a very nice running surface was a treat. For those of us who live in the north, winter training is just so hard. This event provides a perfect running setting (50F, no wind, no hills!) and the organization is terrific. The gentle radius of the curves at both ends of the rink put no stress on the legs/knees, unlike the sharp corners of smaller, indoor courses. The volunteers were very good. The lap timing and communication was spot on. I really enjoyed it and hope to run again next year.
D. B. from WI, USA (1/31/2014) "Nice indoor marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Icebreaker Indoor Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a really nicely run marathon with a great course and amenities. Going round and round is a bit monotonous, but the other runners and spectators make it great. The Volunteers are also great. The RD really responds to runner requests, improving the event every year.
K. S. from Chicago, IL (1/31/2014) "Fun Race!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Icebreaker Indoor Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This race is anything BUT boring! The laps fly by, as you are constantly supported by other runners, volunteers, and things going on around you. Loved having music requests played (only wish the music was louder on the back side of the track). Extremely well organized, energetic volunteers, and definitely a great winter race!
Bryan Huberty from Miami Beach, FL (1/30/2014) "Miami Beach to Milwaukee in the winter... YES!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Icebreaker Indoor Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have fallen in love with this event. As someone who grew up in Wisconsin and moved to Miami Beach to become a race director and full-time endurance athlete, I found this race last year and re-discovered my home! I went up to WI last summer (2013) and capitalized on my track work by winning the Heatbreaker Half in 1:12:02. With my parents cheering me on, it was a priceless experience! I was so thoroughly impressed with the race staff, event production, timing, concept and social media savvy/humor, that I made this race a perennial part of my racing calendar. I returned to race the Icebreaker Indoor Half last weekend (1/25/14) and was fortunate enough to win it again in 1:12:08. Same amazing experience again! A winning formula for the event is the great volunteers, excellent communication skills by the race director, announcer, timing company. The fun atmosphere, music, comraderie between athletes and the humorous running signs displayed throughout the Petit Ice Arena. I loved it so much that after winning the half, I returned to Petit Center 4 hours later to participate in the Marathon Relay! Which we also won! (Sorry for hogging the awards fellow runners). The Relay was quite the spectacle with 100 teams of 4+ runners each and again great music/crowd support! What else can I say... great cookies, fun-loving staff, heart-pumping music, fun city and affordable race that in my opinion is a great opportunity to set a PR (I did). The indoor concept is so cool that you can bet I will be back for more and I am a savvy runner who doesn't want to race all the time. Just looking for quality and fun and fast. Look no further than IceBreaker. They have mastered the formula for greatness!
Anthony Phillips from Fond Du Lac WI (1/30/2014) "Another Great Race Chris" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Icebreaker Indoor Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Chris you and your team put on a great race again this year. As always getting to hear encouragement every 1/4 mile from spectators and having aid available any time its needed takes all the worry out of it. Meeting great people is the best part of this race normally you get to see a few people who are close to your talent level in a race. This race gives you the opportunity to not only see the entire field but also encourage them and to get encouragement from them as the laps go by. Marathon number 27 for me and it was a great one.
H. K. from saint charles, IL (1/25/2013) "Great Training!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Icebreaker Indoor Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have done this marathon every year since the inaugural 2009 marathon. The Race Director continues to deliver a great race experience. The playlist was GREAT (a nice mixture of music that you could hear at all times around the track to motivate you). The emcee/announcer did an excellent job mentioning people, (how far they had traveled, and pointing out folks approaching their last lap to finish) and the 50K speed skating race happening to the inside of us made for great excitement. The chip timing experience was great. I knew how fast I was running each lap and how many laps I completed. The volunteers, just like last year, were AWESOME. Friendly, high-energy, and they opened my Clif Bloks for me, which made my life and the appearance of the track better. The running posters on the wall were great to look at and get you motivated. Definitely a highlight and boost during the last 6 miles. I would do this in a heartbeat again.
Carol Young from Houston, TX (1/24/2013) "Unusual but wonderful" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Icebreaker Indoor Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I like running in smaller, unusual marathons. This one met that completely. Been there, done that with the giant cookie cutter marathons. The race director, Chris, was so interested in the individual runners and had this well organized. Wonderful, enthusiastic volunteers. They kept a table with our water and Poweraid bottles filled and handed them to us as we passed. That lightened the load. I had thought I might get bored with the 95+ laps but did not. The skaters and hockey players in the center were a nice distraction as were other runners. The ice stadium is climate and temperature controlled at 55 degrees. Perfect running temp with no wind, rain or snow. Many races say they are flat but this one truly is. We had bibs on which we could write name & a message & put on our back. I am a back of the pack runner but had encouragement of numerous other runners as the 'lapped' me. There were volunteers who cheered for, encouraged, & accompanied the last few runners for 5-6 laps and across the finish line. I loved it. Did not find any downside.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]



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Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan (2/1/2017) "Cool Climate in January, and Off the Ice" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Icebreaker Indoor Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It is difficult to find winter marathons in the upper Midwest (except for Ground Hog Day Marathon in Grand Rapids) without resorting to the indoor track marathons. And by now, there are a few. And these guys in Milwaukee capitalized on that - having the Pettit Ice Rink in town. The Center has a three lane rubber track around the perimeter of the ice oval, with hockey two rinks inside of that. And there was stuff going on, on the ice all day long. It was about what you might expect: flat, dry, climate-controlled - kept at 55 degrees. Not too warm, and not too cold; in fact, just about right for running. It took almost 95 laps to achieve the distance, and it was not that bad - no one got dizzy either. Getting to the Pettit Center was routine. It is at the fairgrounds, right off of Interstate 94, and just a little west of where Milwaukee Brewers play baseball, though some Interstate access roads were closed for construction. Once there and inside, check-in was in a room at the top of the stairs. The track is on the main floor. Runners gathered there, and we were briefed on where the tables were for our refreshments and fluids, where the start line was, and direction (CCW). Runners were expected to stay in the outer-most lane. The middle lane was for fast runners (whatever that means) and the inside lane was for passing. I understand they set it up like that, so runners could access the refreshment tables without crossing in front of fast runners. But it also meant that the slowest runners had to run the farthest distance. And that is probably why this course is not certified for BQ, etc. The race started at 8:00 a.m., and the crowd at the start line quickly thinned out. I think 125 registered, and maybe 95 finished. So it was not crowded. Of course, if you were slow - like me - you kept seeing the same people passing you time and time again. After many of the fast people completed the race, they let us move to the two inside tracks. That helped. It was nice to not have to carry anything for re-hydration or carbs. Everyone had their own bottle(s) and whatever they brought to eat. And the tables were organized by bib number, and volunteers kept everything organized as best they could. It worked great. And there was plenty of room for spectators to hang out and cheer for their runner. Upstairs, they had food and drink (chocolate milk) for the runners for afterwards - typical stuff, like bananas, bagels, animal crackers, and chex mix. Hot food or soup would have been welcome after a long duration of 55 degrees, but no hot food was served. This was a great race. It was about $100.00, a nice medal, a polyester T-shirt - with a rather plain logo on it, lots of Clif-shots on the course, and water and Gatorade - in case you needed it. And you got to run without the impact of winter weather. Nice!
S. D. from Cedar Rapids, IA (1/30/2017) "Great winter race option" (about: 2017) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Icebreaker Indoor Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 While running 95 laps around a track does not seem like the most appealing race option, I was very pleasantly surprised. The time flew by and I was surprised when I would look at the screen to see how many laps I had left because they went pretty quickly. This race is great if you're a person who likes having other runners around to motivate them. On the flip side, there is minimal crowd attendance. The organization of the race was impeccable. I loved how when you would complete a lap it would tell you your lap number and time for that lap along with a bigger screen displaying your place and how many laps you had left. The announcer was awesome letting everyone know when they were halfway, had 10 laps, 5 laps, and 1 lap to go. The water station volunteers were great and were efficient at getting you your water/Gatorade when you needed it. What other race can say they have 95 aid stations and 180 (1 on each side of track) porta potty options?! If you're worried about being bored, there are speed skaters, figure skaters, and hockey games in the middle of the ice rink that can entertain you and music playing over the loud speaker (no earbuds allowed at all). I was worried about this but you could email in song requests and the music was pretty good. Overall I was really impressed by this race and it was a good winter marathon in the Midwest where weather can be an issue.
Adam Benkers from WI (2/1/2014) "Awesome Race!!!!!!!" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Icebreaker Indoor Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 One of the most well organized and run races I've ever done. The volunteers and spectators are awesome and having the availability of aid whenever you want is spectacular. Such a unique experience to see the leaders the entire race and have them encourage you along their way as well as being able to encourage them was awesome. The camaraderie before, during and after the event was unmatchable. I will definitely be doing this race again.
Joe Ely from Indiana (2/1/2014) "A Terrific Winter Run" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Icebreaker Indoor Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've tried for three years to get into this race and finally snagged a spot for the 2014 event. I was not disappointed. 95 trips around a world-class speed skating rink on a very nice running surface was a treat. For those of us who live in the north, winter training is just so hard. This event provides a perfect running setting (50F, no wind, no hills!) and the organization is terrific. The gentle radius of the curves at both ends of the rink put no stress on the legs/knees, unlike the sharp corners of smaller, indoor courses. The volunteers were very good. The lap timing and communication was spot on. I really enjoyed it and hope to run again next year.
D. B. from WI, USA (1/31/2014) "Nice indoor marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Icebreaker Indoor Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a really nicely run marathon with a great course and amenities. Going round and round is a bit monotonous, but the other runners and spectators make it great. The Volunteers are also great. The RD really responds to runner requests, improving the event every year.
K. S. from Chicago, IL (1/31/2014) "Fun Race!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Icebreaker Indoor Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This race is anything BUT boring! The laps fly by, as you are constantly supported by other runners, volunteers, and things going on around you. Loved having music requests played (only wish the music was louder on the back side of the track). Extremely well organized, energetic volunteers, and definitely a great winter race!
Bryan Huberty from Miami Beach, FL (1/30/2014) "Miami Beach to Milwaukee in the winter... YES!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Icebreaker Indoor Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have fallen in love with this event. As someone who grew up in Wisconsin and moved to Miami Beach to become a race director and full-time endurance athlete, I found this race last year and re-discovered my home! I went up to WI last summer (2013) and capitalized on my track work by winning the Heatbreaker Half in 1:12:02. With my parents cheering me on, it was a priceless experience! I was so thoroughly impressed with the race staff, event production, timing, concept and social media savvy/humor, that I made this race a perennial part of my racing calendar. I returned to race the Icebreaker Indoor Half last weekend (1/25/14) and was fortunate enough to win it again in 1:12:08. Same amazing experience again! A winning formula for the event is the great volunteers, excellent communication skills by the race director, announcer, timing company. The fun atmosphere, music, comraderie between athletes and the humorous running signs displayed throughout the Petit Ice Arena. I loved it so much that after winning the half, I returned to Petit Center 4 hours later to participate in the Marathon Relay! Which we also won! (Sorry for hogging the awards fellow runners). The Relay was quite the spectacle with 100 teams of 4+ runners each and again great music/crowd support! What else can I say... great cookies, fun-loving staff, heart-pumping music, fun city and affordable race that in my opinion is a great opportunity to set a PR (I did). The indoor concept is so cool that you can bet I will be back for more and I am a savvy runner who doesn't want to race all the time. Just looking for quality and fun and fast. Look no further than IceBreaker. They have mastered the formula for greatness!
Anthony Phillips from Fond Du Lac WI (1/30/2014) "Another Great Race Chris" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Icebreaker Indoor Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Chris you and your team put on a great race again this year. As always getting to hear encouragement every 1/4 mile from spectators and having aid available any time its needed takes all the worry out of it. Meeting great people is the best part of this race normally you get to see a few people who are close to your talent level in a race. This race gives you the opportunity to not only see the entire field but also encourage them and to get encouragement from them as the laps go by. Marathon number 27 for me and it was a great one.
H. K. from saint charles, IL (1/25/2013) "Great Training!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Icebreaker Indoor Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have done this marathon every year since the inaugural 2009 marathon. The Race Director continues to deliver a great race experience. The playlist was GREAT (a nice mixture of music that you could hear at all times around the track to motivate you). The emcee/announcer did an excellent job mentioning people, (how far they had traveled, and pointing out folks approaching their last lap to finish) and the 50K speed skating race happening to the inside of us made for great excitement. The chip timing experience was great. I knew how fast I was running each lap and how many laps I completed. The volunteers, just like last year, were AWESOME. Friendly, high-energy, and they opened my Clif Bloks for me, which made my life and the appearance of the track better. The running posters on the wall were great to look at and get you motivated. Definitely a highlight and boost during the last 6 miles. I would do this in a heartbeat again.
Carol Young from Houston, TX (1/24/2013) "Unusual but wonderful" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Icebreaker Indoor Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I like running in smaller, unusual marathons. This one met that completely. Been there, done that with the giant cookie cutter marathons. The race director, Chris, was so interested in the individual runners and had this well organized. Wonderful, enthusiastic volunteers. They kept a table with our water and Poweraid bottles filled and handed them to us as we passed. That lightened the load. I had thought I might get bored with the 95+ laps but did not. The skaters and hockey players in the center were a nice distraction as were other runners. The ice stadium is climate and temperature controlled at 55 degrees. Perfect running temp with no wind, rain or snow. Many races say they are flat but this one truly is. We had bibs on which we could write name & a message & put on our back. I am a back of the pack runner but had encouragement of numerous other runners as the 'lapped' me. There were volunteers who cheered for, encouraged, & accompanied the last few runners for 5-6 laps and across the finish line. I loved it. Did not find any downside.

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Marathon Details - Icebreaker Indoor Marathon