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MAY 2-3, 2026





Schedule of Events
Packet Pickup & Expo
Kids’ Run
Marathon Relay
Course Routes
Full Marathon
Half Marathon
ECM 10K Charity Classic
ECM 5K
Spectator Guide
Race Day On the Course
Pace Team & Back of the Pack
Finish Line
Barstow Block Party
Event Sustainability
Results & Awards
Road Closures
Food & Parking
Running On Air Podcast
Merchandise
ECM 5K Race Series
Runner’s High
Charity Partners
Event Sponsors


On behalf of our race committee, the City of Eau Claire, our generous sponsors, and our incredible volunteers, thank you for choosing to #RUNEC.
We can’t wait to see you at the start line!
Sincerely,
Eau Claire Marathon Race Committee

Saturday, May 2
11:00 AM Race Expo Opens
Sonnentag Center, 1075 Menomonie St
1:00 PM Kids’ Run Activities Begin
Carson Park, Carson Park Dr
2:30 PM Shakeout Run
Sonnentag Center, 1075 Menomonie St
4:00 PM 10K (6.2 miles)
Carson Park, W Half Moon Dr
6:00 PM 5K (3.1 miles)
Carson Park, W Half Moon Dr
6:05 PM Competitive Walk 5K
Carson Park, W Half Moon Dr
6:00 PM Race Expo Closes
Sonnentag Center, 1075 Menomonie St
6:00 PM Extended Packet Pickup Open
Sonnentag Center, 1075 Menomonie St
8:00 PM Extended Packet Pickup Closes
Sonnentag Center, 1075 Menomonie St
Sunday, May 3
6:00 AM Pre-paid Packet Pickup
Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace
*Must select option at registration
7:00 AM Marathon Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace
7:00 AM Four Person Relay Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace
8:30 AM Half Marathon Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace
8:35 AM Competitive Walk 13.1 Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace
9:00 AM Merch Sales Opens
Corner of N Barstow & Eau Claire Street
10:00 AM Barstow Block Party Opens Corner of N Barstow & Eau Claire River
10:00 AM Kids’ Zone Opens E. Grand Ave (Barstow St & Graham St)
2:00 PM Barstow Block Party Ends Corner of N Barstow & Eau Claire River
I’m still in awe of this past weekend! My 3 kids had the time of their life at the fun run and both expo areas! Thank you to ALL the volunteers AND spectators!!! You did amazing! Especially those cheering on the mile 12 hill of the full marathon! Not only did I PR & BQ for a 2nd time this year, I shaved 10 minutes from my PR on this course back in 2023! And THANK YOU EC Marathon team for all the hard work put into making this such a great event! Top notch!
Rebecca’s 2025 Review
Join us for live course talk-throughs!
Every hour, on the hour, from noon to 5pm on Saturday in the Sonnentag atrium at the large course map display, join us for an experienced course discussion on the 5K, 10K, half, and full marathon courses.


1075 Menomonie St
We are thrilled to host our race expo and packet pickup in the Sonnentag Center. Collect your race weekend bibs for all events and enjoy the vendors, music, merchandice and info booths, the excitement of the race atmosphere plus food and drink for purchase!
*as of date of publication
50 States Marathon Club
American Birkebeiner
Ambient Inks
Amped Up Training
Apex Chiropractic
Blue Ox Running
Calibrated Strength
Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club
Dan Realty Group
Downtown Eau Claire
Earthbound Environmental Solutions
Eau Claire Body Care
Eau Claire Hometown Media
EauM Yoga + Fitness
Fox Cities Marathon
Girls on the Run
Haplin Hands Massage
Hy-Vee
Juvly Aesthetics
L.E. Phillips Senior Center
LeafFilter Gutter Protection
Lost Dog Pacers
Poolman / Eau Claire Hearth
Property Shoppe Realty
Racessentials
Red Bull - Wings for Life
Road Runner Club of America
Royal Credit Union
Our Featured Vendors are proud Eau Claire Marathon race weekend sponsors, be sure to stop by their booths and thank them for their support!
Scheels
Simple Plan (Midwest Meals)
Skydive Wissota
Sonnentag Center
Suppz
Stretch Zone
Valley Girls Cycling
Valley Sports Academy
Visit Eau Claire
Wendel Companies
Wholistic Nutrition
Wildflower Beauty
Window World
Wisconsin Bike Fed
YMCA of the Chippewa Valley
Thank you to our expo sponsor


Join us for the Cheri Uelmen’s Fantastically Fun Kids’ Run, Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Carson Park. This event includes an obstacle course with tire hop, balance beam, spider web and more. Youth participants will receive a race t-shirt, bib, finisher’s medal, and other goodies! All kids’ run participants should park in Carson Park, shuttles are not available.




Full Obstacle Course
The Diaper Dash 2:00 PM
Half Obstacle Course 1:30 PM
2:30 PM


LEG 1 START
Mile 0 | Phoenix Park
LEG 1 FINISH/LEG 2 START
Mile 6.9 | Riverview Dr/Marquette St
LEG 2 FINISH/LEG 3 START
Mile 12.5 | Airport Rd
LEG 3 FINISH/LEG 4 START
Mile 19.5 | Bike Trail/Western Ave

How do the relay buses work?
The relay buses load along N. Dewey Street on the West side of the Oxbow Hotel building (516 Galloway St, Eau Claire, WI). Buses start at 6:30 AM and depart every 10 minutes and run continuously to each relay exchange zone. Spectators may ride the bus as space allows.
Can we watch and cheer for our teammates?
YES! We encourage team members to stay together at each transition to cheer on the incoming and outgoing runners. As soon as the outgoing runner takes off, jump back on the bus and head to the next relay exchange!
NEW FOR 2026: How will our time be tracked?
Your team race packet includes five race bibs and one bib belt. The bib with the timing tag will be attached to the belt and worn by the runner currently on the course. At each transition area, the belt must be removed and passed to the next runner. Failure to transfer the belt may result in missed chip reads and potential disqualification.
NEW FOR 2026: Will we need to return our bib belt after the race?
Yes. There will be collection bins in the finish line area for bib belt returns. You’re welcome to keep your team bib, but please return the belt in the identified bins.






















The Royal Credit Union Foundation pledges $15,000 in total donations to three nonprofit beneficiaries selected with the Eau Claire Marathon. The amount each organization receives is determined by community vote. Each 10K registration includes one free charity vote, and additional votes can be purchased for $2 or by organizing volunteers during marathon weekend.


L.E. Phillips Senior Center is a gathering place for individuals age 50+ to maintain independence through programming and enhance social, emotional and physical well-being.


The ECM 10K Charity Classic is the 2026 Wisconsin RRCA Championship!



Chippewa Valley Pickleball Club promotes the game of pickleball and its many benefits by providing inclusive, respectful and welcoming pickleball for all ages and skill levels.

YMCA of the Chippewa Valley makes it easy for everyone to access programs, fitness, and community activities close to home to stay active, connected, and involved.




I've done this race series now for the past seven years and can confidently say that each time has been as fun and memorable as the last one. Courses are well marked out, several people around you cheering and supporting you, and many different events to choose from! If you're just getting into training for a half or full marathon, I highly recommend the Eau Claire Marathon. You won't regret it.


Shuttle to the Start Park at the Sonnentag Center and we’ll shuttle you and your supporters to the 5K and 10K Charity Classic start lines!
Shuttles run from 3PM-8PM continuously, from the front of the Sonnentag Center to the Carson Park parking lot. Arrive early to give yourself ample time.
You’re also welcome to drive yourself directly to Carson Park if you would like!

I just love how well this race is organized. It is spectacular with the amount of support, the course is not boring at all, the signs are easy to see, the swag is always great...I can go on and on. The is my favorite race because of how well organized it is and the fact the route is not boring at all.

Bring your cowbells, whistles, noisemakers, and outdoor voices; it’s time to show the Eau Claire Marathon participants that we see them! Find some of the best cheering locations described on the next page and mapped out below!



SPECTATOR LOCATION
FIRST AID
BULLIS POND DENTAL SMILE CAM
HONEY STINGER ENERGY GEL
& ORANGES
ONE Phoenix Park (330 Riverfront Terrace)
Start Line/Mile 3.3 of the Marathon/Relay and Mile 2.8 of the Half Marathon. Watch the start, then cross the Madison St. bridge.
TWO The Brewing Projekt (1807 N Oxford Ave)
Mile 3.5 of the Marathon/Relay and Mile 3.0 of the Half Marathon. Enjoy food trucks, mimosas, bloody mary’s, and marathon-themed beer.


SIX Relay Exchange on Western Ave
Mile 19.5 of the Marathon/Relay. This spot is accessible from Eddy Lane (coming from the North), Western Ave will be closed from Seymour to Redwood.
SEVEN Boyd Park
Mile 22 of the Marathon/Relay and Mile 8.9 of the Half is a great spot for families with playground equipment and paved sidewalks for bikes.
EIGHT North Barstow Street Parking Ramp
Mile 23.1 of the Marathon/Relay and Mile 10 of the Half. This is an easy-access location to park (at the ramp) and cheer folks on as they enter downtown.
THREE North Crossing/Old Wells Road
Mile 5.5 of the Marathon/Relay/Half. Join us us for the Smile Mile!
FOUR Airport Rd/Riverview Dr
Mile 12.2 of the Marathon/Relay. Catch participants on Airport Rd before the relay exchange. Please don’t drive on the course!
FIVE Kwik Trip (3426 Melby Street)
Mile 17.1 of the Marathon/Relay. Stop in to the Kwik Trip for a snack, then head to the bike trail to cheer.

NINE Barstow Block Party (291 S Barstow St)
Mile 23.2 of the Marathon/Relay and Mile 10.1 of the Half. Jam with the live band, The Mondays, inside the beer garden and find the ECM beer tent and food trucks from 10 AM to 2PM.
TEN Wilson Park (S Barstow St, between Emery St and Earl St)
Mile 23.6 of the Marathon/Relay and Mile 10.6 of the Half. Access this beautiful park from Harding Hill to cheer on your participant after the hype of downtown and before they hit the excitment of the Third Ward community. Perfect “last stop” before meeting them at the finish line!
ELEVEN Rainb-EAU Mile (First Ave, between Water St and Lake St)
Mile 25.7 of the Marathon/Relay and Mile 12.5 of the Half is our Rainb-EAU Mile! Bring your pride apparel and hand out rainbow flags to any runner who wants one as they finish their race!

All full and half marathon participants will receive a reusable gear check bag, compliments of Dan Realty Group (see below). Drop it off at the start line, then pick it up just after the finish line at the intersection of Barstow and Eau Claire St.

Volunteers, aid stations, police, and medical will be available for six and a half (6.5) hours. We will not remove any participant from the course.
Headphone use during the race is allowed in accordance with USATF rules. If you use headphones, you are expected to be aware of road, race conditions, and other runners.
Parking is available downtown in the Farwell/Gibson Street Parking Ramp and North Barstow Street Parking Ramp. Arrive early to provide ample time to navigate.
Your Window World race bib, contains your timing chip (helps with photos) and should be located on the front of your outermost article of clothing throughout your race. Competitive walkers should additionally wear their “back bib” for identification.
Line up in the starting corral near the sign for your pace. We use chip timing, so your race starts when you cross the starting line. Wear your bib on the front of your chest or stomach without anything covering it (this will help with photo recognition too). Walk until you cross the start line to spread out.
Our full and half marathon courses are only designed for registered runners;

First Aid Medical Tents are available at six stations throughout the course thanks to our medical sponsors below.



Gatorade sponsors Lemon Lime Endurance Formula Gatorade & Culligan sponsors water. Hydration stations are roughly every two miles on the Sunday courses.
Scheels of Eau Claire sponsors Honey Stinger Energy Gel at two locations along the marathon course and one on the half marathon course near water stations.
Portable lavatories are at the start line and nearly every two miles on the routes.

your
Follow your favorite athlete during Eau Claire Marathon race weekend with live runner tracking, proudly sponsored by C&M Home Builders. Simply visit the runner tracking page, search for your participant, and select their name.

If you need help with your registration or would like to complete a late registration please stop by our troubleshooting booth at packet pickup.
Please bring lost and found items to the merchandise check-out. Email us at the address below if you lose something during the race weekend and can’t find it.
Email us at info@eauclairemarathon.com, message us on Facebook or Instagram, or ask anyone in a race committee jacket!













Lost Dog Pacers is a group of dedicated runners with a common goal of helping runners finish on time while having fun! Visit their booth at the race expo with questions!
MARATHON PACERS
3:00, 3:15, 3:25, 3:35, 3:45, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:05, 4:20, 4:35, 4:50, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, & sweeper
HALF MAR. PACERS
1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10 2:20, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00 & sweeper
THE PACING TEAM WAS AWESOME.



Thank you for including a 6:00 hour pacer in addition to the sweeper! The pacing team was awesome. I almost didn't run this event because I was behind in my training, but when I saw the "back of the pack" initiative I felt like it would be okay. I'm grateful for all the thoughtfulness that goes into every aspect of this event.
Jane’s 2025 Review
At the Eau Claire Marathon, we believe the heart of race day isn’t just at the front of the pack, it stetches all the way to the very back. Party in the Back is our commitment to celebrating every runner who crosses the finish line, no matter their pace. Because grit, perseverance, and heart deserve just as much recognition as fast times.
Our Commitment to You
No one gets removed from the course. Everyone has a chance to earn their medal and cross the finish line. Mobile Aid Station throughout the last four miles with fuel and hype. Dedicated cheer groups to keep the energy up for all finishers. (Volunteers, water stations, police and medical will only be available for 6.5 hours.)
THE FINISH WAS AWESOME.
The finish was awesome. This was my first marathon and the BACK OF THE PACK crew celebrated my effort! Crossing the line they announced it was my first marathon… So supportive, great crowd, and a great town. Thank you.
Barb’s 2025 Review



Bib Perks in Eau Claire Water and Kemps Chocolate Milk Beer at the Barstow Block Party (21+ only) Heat shield (sponsored by Marsh MMA)
The Eau Claire Marathon partners with downtown businesses to provide ECM participants discounts with their bib.

Proud sponsor of the finish line energy and party.
BIB PERKS ONLINE
E. Grand Ave between Barstow St and Graham Ave
We know how hard it can be to keep kiddos entertained while waiting to cheer on your runner. That’s why we created the ECM Family Fun Zone, a fun spot for families to relax, play, and enjoy race day together! Thanks to our sponsor, Metropolis Resort and Conference Center, all activities are free for families.
Kids will enjoy many inflatables, bungee jump, sign making, face painting, and freindship bracelet making hosted by Girls on the Run - Chippewa Valley.








Barstow Block Party
Sunday, May 3, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Corner of Barstow St & the Eau Claire River

BARSTOW BLOCK PARTY
RECYCLING,


















We’re dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and preserving the beauty of our region. With nearly 5,000 participants and several more spectators, we understand the impact a large event can have on our community and the environment. That’s why we partner with you and community organizers to reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote green practices. Learn more about what you can do for the planet.

Banana peels will be composted and all of the food that goes uneaten at the finish line is donated to local food pantries.

Toss your warm-up sweats, hats, or gloves at the start line - we’ll collect everything for local donation.

Drawstring gear check bag, Hydrapak refillable water and Gatorade at every hydration stations, virtual goodies, and this participant guide.
MEET US AT THE EXPO!

If you are looking to contribute or learn more about the intersection of running and sustainability, stop by our tent at the expo on Satuday.

Join us April 25th for the Amazing Eau Claire Clean Up as we pick up litter while jogging the last 6 miles of the marathon course.

Bring your old running shoes to our green sustainability tent at the expo and donate them to Soles 4 Souls.

We work with Culligan and Plastic Free EC to reduce plastics and JONAH and Earthbound Environment for sustainability consulting.

The Eau Claire Marathon is committed to our journey as the Most Sustainable Race in Wisconsin and are proud to be Racing for Sustainability Certified!


Awards are given to the overall winner (male, female, and nonbinary) along with the top three finishers (male and female) in each age group. There is not a formal awards ceremony, if you think you won an award, check in with the awards area near the finish line on Saturday from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Rachel Ragona 2:48:34 (2021)
Couz we can 3:09:27 (2021)
Jackie Hering 1:15:47 (2022)
Cathy Ludwig 2:52:04 (2025)
Steph Cloutier 39:12 (2025)
Elin Bramwell 20:01 (2025)
Cathy Ludwig 38:45 (2025)

Awards sponsored by

David Luy 2:23:09 (2018)
Northstar Running 2:47:36 (2016)
El Jefe Running - 2:46:21 (COED - 2018)
David Fassbender
1:08:26 (2024)
Michael Brown 2:20:47 (2025)
Cole Cloutier 36:15 (2025)
Alexander Breimhurst 16:42 (2025)
Kevin Satre 40:53 (2025)
No record set yet
No record set yet
Eli Blascyk 1:23:03 (2024)
No record set yet
Eli Blascyk 36:48 (2025)
Eli Blascyk 18:29 (2025)
No record set yet
AM
AM 7:15 AM 7:00 AM 6:45 AM 6:30 AM 6:15 AM 6:00 AM
What roads are closed on Marathon Sunday?

Madison Street Bridge (Farwell to Whipple Ave)
Whipple Street (Madison St to Fulton St) Fulton Street (Whipple St to 5th Ave) 6th Avenue (Fulton St to Chippewa St) Broadway Street (6th Ave to 9th Ave) 9th Avenue (Broadway St to Chippewa St) 5th Avenue (Madison St to Fulton St) Chippewa Street (9th Ave to 1st Ave)
Avenue (Chippewa St to Grand Ave) 1st Avenue (Water St to Lake St) Lake Street Bridge (1st Ave to Graham Ave) Water Street (5th Ave to State St) Barstow Street (Galloway St to Newton St) Graham Avenue (Eau Claire St to Lake St) Graham Avenue (Marston Ave to Wilson St) Western Avenue (Starr Ave to Eddy Ln) 3rd Street (Fountain St to Garden St) Dewey Street (Eau Claire St to Galloway St)
Street (Clairemont Ave to Washington St)
(Riverview Dr to Rivercrest Dr)
Sat @ 8pm to Sun @ 3pm)
St,
Avenue (Gibson St to E Grand Ave closed Sat @ 6am to Sun @ 3pm)
of Graham St (Grand St to Barstow St, closed Sat @ 3pm to Sun @ 7pm) Riverfront Terrace (Wisconsin St to Madison St, closed Sun from 5am to 1pm) State Street (open for Southbound traffic only from 9am to 1:30pm)
“If you think Wisconsin’s culinary culture is limited to beer and cheese, you’re in for a tasty surprise. In Eau Claire, the push toward farm-to-fork restaurants with locally-sourced ingredients has taken root and the community gathers around flavorful entrees, budget-friendly shareables and delightful desserts.” Well said, Visit Eau Claire! Use the links and information below to help plan your stay in one of the best small towns in America!
Marathon Weekend Guide to Eau Claire
Eau Claire Area Restaurants & Bars





BARSTOW BLOCK PARTY NO PARKING
Sunday, May 3 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Corner of Barstow St & the Eau Claire River








The official podcast of the Eau Claire Marathon, Running On Air, brings you interviews and stories from the best parts of the Eau Claire running community.
Join your hosts and ECM committee members, Emily and Adam, as they feature voices from the Eau Claire Marathon each month.
New episodes drop on the second Wednesday of each month. Subscribe and tune in each month for inspiring guests, insider tips, and everything you love about ECM.
Share your story with us for a chance to be featured in the podcast! Email Emiy Wermund at emily@eauclairemarathon.com.

Click on any of the 2026 episodes to find them on Spotify.
April
race prep with your hosts

March
April

February
March

January
Danny on winter running Dr. Riley on staying injury-free Nutritionist Kristy on fueling













You look good.
Find our merchandise at the expo on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the Sonnentag Center and on Sunday at the finish line from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.







Eau Claire Marathon 5K
Our 5K (3.1 miles) events are a fun way for the whole family to participate in the joy of running. We have something for everyone throughout the entire year at any of our four quarterly events. Each with their own medal, giveaway, unique race experience, and if you participate in all four races (in-person, virtual, or volunteer), you will earn a bonus swag giveaway!





Join us for an unforgettable 4th of July experience! Bring your friends, family (and dog!) and don’t forget to wear your red, white & blue! This event is our exclusive dog-jog and features a quarter mile Kids’ fun run!








This Friday night run will kick off your spooky season with our family-friendly course decorations! Come dressed in your favorite costume and compete in our crowd-sourced costume competition.



FEB 13


Get into the festive spirit by dressing up in your favorite ugly sweater, elf hat, or reindeer antlers! You won’t want to miss Santa Claus after your run or the holiday themed Kids’ dash, perfect for kids ages 2-8!


The xox-EAU 5K is all about FUN! We encourage everyone to enjoy their d-EAU-nut at every mile and soak up the good vibes. At this love for running event, there are no official finish times!

If you’re ready to sign up for your next race, here are some friends of the Eau Claire Marathon that are ready to host you!
Did you know that the Eau Claire Marathon has an average rating 4.83/5 stars the and earned the RACECHECK Gold Award three years in a row; it’s no wonder we’re consistently vote the best full and half marathons in the state of Wisconsin by RaceRaves. Mark your calendars today and stay tuned for registration to open as you #RUNEC next year on May 1-2, 2027.












...the Eau Claire Marathon has donated over $500,000 to local organizations and volunteer groups! Check out a few of those below and learn more online.


We’re proud to partner with Girls on the Run (GOTR), a national nonprofit that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through a proven curriculum blending physical activity, social-emotional learning, and positive mentorship.
Trail Blazers is an inclusive community where individuals of all abilities can experience the joy of indoor and outdoor adventures and activities. They empower all athletes to break down boundaries, achieve their full potential, and blaze trails towards a more inclusive world; inspiring everyone to reach their goals and destination.
ECM is working to raise $5,500 to purchase an adaptive chair for the Trail Blazer’s in memory of Ann Seidl, a beloved and longtime ECM legacy runner whose life was tragically cut short in an accident while out for a run. We would be honored to have your support in making this meaningful gift possible. There are two ways to contribute to Ann’s Fund:


Our 2026 Charity Chaser is WEAU 13 News morning anchor Bob Gallaher! In a fun twist on the tradition, every runner who passes Bob during the ECM 5K will generate a $1 donation to his charity of choice, UW Health’s Carbone Cancer Center.
The Eau Claire Firefighters are running in our weekend of events in their full firefighter gear. Watch for them on the courses and cheer them on as they pay tribute to the people who help keep our communities safe.





MEET










