Eau Claire, Wis. – The Eau Claire Marathon is slated for Sunday, May 1 with this year’s event being the third 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 second annual Cheri Uelmen’s Fantastically Fun Kid’s Run that will be held Saturday, April 30 at the McPhee Physical Education Center on the campus of UW-Eau Claire.
The race course starts and ends in Carson Park with a few new additions along the way including the high bridge, the historical third Ward neighborhood and the newly designed UWEC Commons before runners cross the finish line on Water Street. 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.
Also new this year is the post-race party being held at the parking lot on the corner of Water Street and 5th Ave. The party runs 2-6 p.m., and includes fun for all with a photo opportunity, beer, water, and entertainment provided by the Evergreen Grass Band. All racers and spectators are welcome to attend.
The marathon, in its eighth year of existence, is expected to draw over 3,000 runners with proceeds benefitting Life’s AMAZING! Pass it on!, Girls on a Run of Eau Claire, myTEAM TRIUMPH, World Vision, Heart Strides, the Jeanne Richie Longfellow Schools Wellness Program and many more. Parking will be available at 1202 Menomonie St., as well as Mayo Hospital, 198 Water Street, and the Clarion Hotel. Shuttles will be provided from the latter three parking options with shuttles running from 6:15 a.m. – 3 p.m. Expo and packet pickup is at McPhee Physical Education Center on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 1 at Carson Park from 6 – 9:30 a.m., at Carson Park.
Visit Eau Claire is sending this press release courtesy of the Eau Claire Marathon. Visit Eau Claire effectively markets the Eau Claire area as a destination for conventions, group tours, 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!
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