MarAthons
Eau Claire Marathon | April 26-27, 2025
It's the biggest race of the year in Eau Claire, and it takes place each spring, welcoming runners from all over to compete for the Eau Claire Marathon title! The weekend's events consist of a Boston-Qualifying Marathon, Half Marathon, Four Person Marathon Relay, 5K, 10K, and Kids' Obstacle Run. These events have claimed titles like "Best Marathon in Wisconsin" in 2023 and "Best Half Marathon in Wisconsin" in 2024.
This year, the Eau Claire is also a part of the Half & Half Challenge, in collaboration with the Twin Cities Get in Gear Medtronic Half Marathon, where participants can complete the Half Marathon in the Twin Cities on April 26 and then head to Eau Claire to complete the Half Marathon on April 27. One weekend, two half marathons, and multiple incredible regions to explore! Visit the link here to learn more about the Half & Half Challenge.
Sign up for the Eau Claire Marathon here, and put your hard work and training to the test!
Positive Vector Marathon & Half Marathon | Date TBD
The Positive Vector Marathon & Half Marathon was started in 2021 as a marathon for mental health. What started as a run amongst three friends honoring one of their late UW-Eau Claire alumni, the event was named the Positive Vector Marathon in 2022 in an attempt to get more runners involved. This unique marathon and half-marathon event takes place in December and stretches beyond Eau Claire, granting participants an opportunity to take in the beauty of the Chippewa Valley region beyond. Stay tuned for 2025 Positive Vector Marathon & Half Marathon dates to be announced.
5K & 10K Events
xox-EAU 5K | February 15, 2025
Get into the Valentine's spirit at the xox-EAU 5K in Eau Claire! Take your date for a run this Valentine's weekend at this fun, casual 5K where there will be no official times kept. The race starts and ends in River Prairie, and Holy Donuts will be providing donuts to participants at miles 1, 2, 3, and the finish line! Visit the Eau Claire Marathon website to register for this d-EAU-nut fun run in Eau Claire!
UW-Eau Claire's Shamrock Shuffle | March 8, 2025
Up next on the list of holiday runs is the annual Shamrock Shuffle, hosted by UW-Eau Claire! Come dressed up (to avoid getting pinched) in your best green fits, and take a spring shuffle around Eau Claire on river-front trails, bridges, and more. Click here to learn more about the event and to sign up for this St. Patrick's Day celebration!
Good Soul 5K | April 5, 2025
At the Good Soul 5K, not only are you invited to move your body and put your fitness first, but you can help bring that opportunity to others as well. The Good Soul 5K participation fee goes towards creating free workout videos to share on social media platforms. The 5K route begins at the UW-Eau Claire clock tower between Zorn Arena and Hibbard Hall and travels along the Chippewa River in Owen Park. Click here to learn more!
Jeanne Richie Memorial Puddle Jump | April 12, 2025
The Jeanne Richie Memorial Puddle Jump is an annual 5K fun run/walk hosted by Longfellow Elementary School, with proceeds benefitting the school. This year, the race takes place on April 12 at 9 AM in Phoenix Park. Register before March 25 for early bird pricing or before online registration closes on April 9.
Charity Classic 10K | April 26, 2025
The Charity Classic 10K, presented by Royal Credit Union in Eau Claire, now takes place during the Eau Claire Marathon weekend on April 26, 2025. At this race, the Royal Credit Union Foundation will proudly donate a total of $15,000 to three charity partners. Add this 10K to your list of races for Marathon weekend in Eau Claire!
Girls on the Run of the Chippewa Valley 5K | May 10, 2025
It's more than just a race—it’s a celebration of strength, confidence, and achievement! Join the Girls on the Run as they come together to accomplish a goal they’ve been training for all season. Whether you're running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, this inspiring 5K is all about encouragement, empowerment, and having fun.
Fido & Friends 5K | May 17, 2025
This family-friendly 5k has been around for nearly 40 years and brings together dog lovers each spring. The Fido & Friends 5K is hosted by the Eau Claire County Humane Association and offers fundraising opportunities for the facility and animals in need.
Firecracker & Sparkler Kid Races | June 28, 2025
Altoona is celebrating summer with kid races for Independence Day! Races include the Lil' Firecrack 1/2 Mile (ages 9-12), Lil' Firecracker 1/4 Mile Run (ages 5-8), and Sparkler 75-Yard Dash (ages 1-4). The races will take place on Bement Field in Cinder City Park at 7:30 PM.
f-EAU-rth of July 5K | July 4, 2025
Start your 4th of July festivities with a bang at the f-EAU-rth of July 5K in Eau Claire! With patriotic vibes, a scenic course, and an electric atmosphere, this event is all about fun and community spirit.
Tusenbeiner | July 19, 2025
The Tusenbeiner, Norwegian for centipede, is a 2K and 5K run and walk in Eau Claire looping through Carson Park. This run is a fundraiser for the Waldemar Ager Association with proceeds going towards building a new Scandinavian and Nordic heritage center next to the Waldemar Ager museum. The new facility would be a place to meet and celebrate the Scandinavian history in the region!
Buckshot Run | August 30, 2025
Join the Special Olympics each summer for the Buckshot Run, a beautiful 2 or 5-mile run/walk through Carson Park. All proceeds raised stay local to support more than 7,000 Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes who train and compete in sports year-round!
The Great Pumpkin Run | September 27, 2025
It's a day all about giant pumpkins in River Prairie! The Great Pumpkin Run takes place the morning of the Ginormous Pumpkin Festival and is a family-friendly 5K for ages 9+. There's also a Lil' Pumpkin 1/2 mile run for ages 9-12 and a Lil' Pumpkin 1/4 mile run for ages 5-8. The Tiny Tot 75-Yard Pumpkin Trot is for ages 1-4, looping everyone in the family into a fun fall run!
hall-EAU-ween 5K | October 24, 2025
This spooky, seasonal run is all about a festive, family-friendly engagement for runners in the Halloween spirit. The hall-EAU-ween 5K is back for another year of chills and thrills and is the perfect way to stay active during the spooky season.
Fall Back Blast | November 1, 2025
Pedal into the fall season with Corba at the 11th Annual Fall Back Blast this November! This 12.5K trail run takes place at Lowes Creek through the beautiful fall colors. Racers are welcome to enjoy hot coffee and cider, chili, a pancake breakfast, music, and local vendors.
Festival Foods Turkey Trot | Date TBD
Get your steps in before the big feast this Thanksgiving at the Festival Foods Turkey Trot! Participants start in order of 5-mile runners, 2-mile runners, 2-mile walkers, and the Dog Jog. This Thanksgiving, you'll eat dessert first as snacks and pumpkin pie are provided at the finish line!
ho h-EAU ho 5K | December 13, 2025
Get ready to dash through the snow (or at least the festive streets of Eau Claire!) at the ho h-EAU ho 5K! What better way to get in the holly-jolly spirit than putting on your best festive fit and celebrating the holiday season with a fun run through Eau Claire!?
BiKe RacEs & Social RidEs
Frosty Toona Fat Tire Bike Race | March 15, 2025
Get in your final fat tire bike ride at the Frosty Toona Race with March! This winter ride takes place on a 3-mile loop around River Prairie and is the perfect way to celebrate the end of one season and the beginning of the next. Click here to learn more!
Chippewa Valley Century Ride | May 25, 2025
Gear up for a milestone race through the beauty of the Chippewa Valley. The Chippewa Valley Century Ride is celebrating its 39th year of cycling, community spirit, and support for local causes with another scenic social ride. Choose between 35, 50, 75, or 100-mile routes for your ride through the valley!
Here to Beer! Community Bike Ride | Date TBD
Beer and biking, what more could you ask for?! This social ride beer drinkers and biking enthusiasts for a beautiful day of exploring a 24-mile roundtrip to some of the area's most-visited breweries. Mix in the scenery of downtown breweries with the relaxing countryside of the region!
Red Flint Firecracker | Date TBD
Light up Lowes Creek County Park with a sparkling biking and trail running race series at the Red Flint Firecracker. But celebrate the 4th of July with more than just a race – this multi-day event consists of a pre-party, group rides and runs, and kid-friendly races.
Sadistic Century | August 9, 2025
The Sadistic Century is a fun and challenging road bike ride on hilly, smooth, quiet roads near Eau Claire and Menomonie, WI. On this ride, you'll gain over 8,800 feet of elevation with over 30 climbs. Some call it challenging, and some call it painful – they call it sadistic!
Photo Credit: Megan Zabel Holmes
Coon Fork 40 | August 23, 2025
Hit the gravel at this year's Coon Fork 40 with your choice of a 28, 45, or 88-mile bike ride! Starting at Coon Fork Lake, this adventure journeys along beaches and woodland gravel trails with a halfway pitstop at Rock Dam Lake. Enjoy some music, go for a quick swim, and attend the family-friendly finish line celebration at this year's ride!
Crush the Creek Festival | September 5-7, 2025
Crush the Creek Festival is a weekend of pure mountain biking excitement at Lowe’s Creek! With miles of twisty singletrack and double-track, there's a ride designed for everyone. Ride through pine forests, zip along ridge lines, and cross creek beds for the ultimate adventure in Eau Claire.
Deer Fly Chase | Date TBD
Join the Friends of Hickory Ridge Trail Association for the Deer Fly Chase race on the trails of Hickory Ridge. This mountain bike race and trail run offers stunning, scenic trails, a challenging course, and a beautiful country in a friendly atmosphere. The mountain bike long race is 25 miles, and the short race is 14 miles. The trail run is 10K and features a course on the Ice Age Trail.
Santa Cycle Rampage | Date TBD
It's the wackiest, most festive social ride of the year! The Santa Cycle Rampage kicks off the holiday season in early December and invites bikers of all ages and experience levels to join in on the holly, jolly fun. Participants are encouraged to dress up in holiday sweaters, Santa suits, reindeer antlers, elf costumes, or any other holiday attire, and deck your bikes out, too!