Eau Claire, Wis. – The Eau Claire Marathon is slated for Sunday, May 3 with this year’s event being the second year under Race Directors, Pat Toutant, and daughter, Emily Uelmen. Along with the full marathon (26.2 miles), the event will include a 13.1 mile half marathon, a 5k race and a four-person team relay marathon. This year’s event will also feature the first ever Cheri Uelmen Fantastically Fun Kid’s Run which will be held Saturday, May 2 and Carson Park at 6 p.m.

The race course starts and ends in Carson Park with a few new additions along the way including the historical Third Ward neighborhood, a tour through the heart of the newly designed UWEC Commons, and down Water Street as runners head towards the finish line. Runners will have six hours to complete the USA Track & Field certified Boston Marathon qualifying race. The course is officially certified and chip-timed for accuracy. The finish line closes at 1:30 p.m., with medals being awarded to all runners finishing before this time.

The marathon, in its seventh year of existence, is expected to draw over 32,000 runners with proceeds benefiting Life’s AMAZING! Pass it on!, Girls on a Run of Eau Claire, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mentors in Motion, the Jeanne Richie Longfellow Schools Wellness Program and much more. Parking will be available at Mayo Hospital as well as 1202 Menomonie St., 198 Water Street, and the Clarion Hotel. Shuttles will be provided from the latter two parking options with shuttles running from 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Expo and packet pickup is Friday, May 1 from 2-8 p.m., and Saturday, May 2 from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Scheels in Eau Claire. The expo will also include health and wellness products and services from Wisconsin businesses.

This release is being sent by Visit Eau Claire on behalf of the Eau Claire Marathon. Visit Eau Claire effectively markets the Eau Claire area as a destination for conventions, group tour, sporting events, and leisure markets; to promote regional economic growth; to enhance the area’s overall identity and image; to sell fun, promote fun, and most importantly – Have FUN!