I signed up for this as probably my first and only marathon. I am well aware that I am very back of back but they indicated that they did not … MORE
I signed up for this as probably my first and only marathon. I am well aware that I am very back of back but they indicated that they did not pull people off the course and everyone would be allowed to finish and get their medal. They also indicated people on bikes would be checking on the stragglers. Although I did finish and get my medal it was made more difficult than it needed to be. They took down directional signs very early and even water stops closed before the 6 hour cutoff. I saw someone taking down the flag for mile 23 and that was basically the last sign I saw. The last people on bikes I saw was probably mile 18 or 19. The finish goes through downtown with many turns and I had no idea where to go. It was raining and made it difficult to check the map on their app even if I could have understood it at that point. I was lost between mile 23&24 and wasted time trying to figure out which way to go and even asking random people on street corners if they knew how to get to where I knew the finish was. I had been approximately 30 minutes ahead of the sweeper but wasted time and when I was about to give up I turned around and the sweeper and final person were coming down the street. Never have I been so happy to see the sweeper. Aubrey was amazing and got us to the finish and to her I am grateful. Although I don’t have a “finish line” picture and missed all the festivities there were people waiting for us and gave us the space blankets and food and chocolate milk and congratulated us. Someone did take a picture of the three of us and ended with a hug from Aubrey. So the end was happy but I was legitimately scared for a while. Everything pre race was great including the communication and nutrition classes offered. The expo was well organized and swag was nice. I would recommend the race if you are faster than about a 5 or 5.5 hour finisher but if you are far back of pack I would look at other options.
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Not as back of pack friendly as hoped
I signed up for this as probably my first and only marathon. I am well aware that I am very back of back but they indicated that they did not … MORE
I signed up for this as probably my first and only marathon. I am well aware that I am very back of back but they indicated that they did not pull people off the course and everyone would be allowed to finish and get their medal. They also indicated people on bikes would be checking on the stragglers. Although I did finish and get my medal it was made more difficult than it needed to be. They took down directional signs very early and even water stops closed before the 6 hour cutoff. I saw someone taking down the flag for mile 23 and that was basically the last sign I saw. The last people on bikes I saw was probably mile 18 or 19. The finish goes through downtown with many turns and I had no idea where to go. It was raining and made it difficult to check the map on their app even if I could have understood it at that point. I was lost between mile 23&24 and wasted time trying to figure out which way to go and even asking random people on street corners if they knew how to get to where I knew the finish was. I had been approximately 30 minutes ahead of the sweeper but wasted time and when I was about to give up I turned around and the sweeper and final person were coming down the street. Never have I been so happy to see the sweeper. Aubrey was amazing and got us to the finish and to her I am grateful. Although I don’t have a “finish line” picture and missed all the festivities there were people waiting for us and gave us the space blankets and food and chocolate milk and congratulated us. Someone did take a picture of the three of us and ended with a hug from Aubrey. So the end was happy but I was legitimately scared for a while. Everything pre race was great including the communication and nutrition classes offered. The expo was well organized and swag was nice. I would recommend the race if you are faster than about a 5 or 5.5 hour finisher but if you are far back of pack I would look at other options.
Not the best for back-of-the packers
Everything leading up to the race was amazing. Great communication, lots of social media posts, and great merch/swag. I especially enjoyed the 3 free nutrition masterclasses. Packet pick up was … MORE
Everything leading up to the race was amazing. Great communication, lots of social media posts, and great merch/swag. I especially enjoyed the 3 free nutrition masterclasses. Packet pick up was easy and we quickly found free parking. Staff and volunteers were friendly and took time to answer questions. I liked the 7am start time but wish it was just a few weeks later in hopes of better weather as it rained the last 2 hrs.
The course itself was beautiful and I enjoyed the community cheers and costumes. It was a bit hillier than I expected and I could have done without the 3 miles of gravel trail that wasn’t very scenic.
I’m not from the area but signed up due to the advertisement that they would not remove anyone from the course after the 6 hour limit and that bike crew would help people complete the course and earn their medals. But the back-of-the-pack support was not great. I stopped seeing bike support after mile 18 and the course started being broken down way before the course limit. My biggest issue was they removed the directional signs and after mile 22 I had no idea where I was going. The last part of the course twists and turns and goes down by the river and through campus and downtown. I was really scared that I had put in 6 months of training and wouldn’t finish simply because I was lost. When I did finish there was a small group of people cheering which was awesome and I did get my medal but no warming blanket, no photo finish, no PR bell, or food. I had to walk a ways to get my gear bag and then didn’t see a truck and had to walk back. Would be helpful if the gear bags were near the finish for the back-of-packers if there are only a few people left on the course.
A Fantastic Race
The atmosphere surrounding this race is just fantastic. The entire city of Eau Claire seems to get involved. The organization and managment of this race is spot on with good … MORE
The atmosphere surrounding this race is just fantastic. The entire city of Eau Claire seems to get involved. The organization and managment of this race is spot on with good communication, easy packet pick up, excellent course support and nice race swag. The course itself has some scenery with the bridges over the rivers being nice. There are a few hills, but nothing major. Wouldn’t mind a little earlier start time. 8:30 seems a bit late in the day to me.
This is my second running of the half in Eau Claire and I plan to keep coming back!
Best half marathon!
Beautiful course, with a few easy hills nothing crazy, the crowd support is like none other!! There are pretty much spectators at every point of the race. The blue gold … MORE
Beautiful course, with a few easy hills nothing crazy, the crowd support is like none other!! There are pretty much spectators at every point of the race. The blue gold mile is absolutely amazing, music, so many students out cheering you on, high fiving and fist bumping! It’s seriously a rush right before the finish!! The race is by far the best organized they have thought of everything. They have different challenges you can sign up for which I did all of them this year and that was seriously so much fun!! And their race swag is the best plus all the pictures are free!! Most races make you pay for the pics! Well done Eau Claire!!!
It’s the best race in western wish
If you want to come to a town were a lot of runners live eat and breath running this is your race! The community supports the runners and the race … MORE
If you want to come to a town were a lot of runners live eat and breath running this is your race! The community supports the runners and the race and the organizers are some of the best people who know that the outdoor community of runners because they are runners themselves!
Inclines took me out... downhills were f
Arrive at 725am. Packet pickup was fast and easy. There was an Expo on the Saturday I didn't attend. I used gear check which was easy. Race started on time … MORE
Arrive at 725am. Packet pickup was fast and easy. There was an Expo on the Saturday I didn’t attend. I used gear check which was easy. Race started on time again. And Jesus, downhill of the bridge at the start. This was a lope run, some deep and not o deephills or inclines either way my legs was fussing at me.. before we knew it 7miles just like that. Crowd support was good, especially the last mile through the university. I enjoyed the scenery here. Post race Expo. Chocolate milk, water, chips, bananas after race fuel.
Lives Up to the Hype
You read the reviews on here and think it can’t be THAT great. It is. All the things mentioned in previous reviews are true. I just can’t believe there’s another … MORE
You read the reviews on here and think it can’t be THAT great. It is. All the things mentioned in previous reviews are true. I just can’t believe there’s another small town marathon that gets this level of crowd support. Pretty hilly course, though!
A good race for fast first-timers
This is truly a small town race, which will not bother you if you are unfamiliar with bigger, better-produced races. Beforehand they had a great series of live (Fb & … MORE
This is truly a small town race, which will not bother you if you are unfamiliar with bigger, better-produced races. Beforehand they had a great series of live (Fb & IG) Q&As, including presentations from a nutritionist. Their social media presence & general dissemination of info was stellar. However, they were pretty evasive about the hill profile (def hillier than advertised). There is also a pretty hard stop at 6hrs (many volunteers were packed up closer to 4h30min), after which you lost support (this course would be impossible to run without police stopping traffic). They dont sweep runners but I wouldnt run this if you expected to run past 6hrs. I heard from my spouse who ran the half that the blugold mile & crowd support was great, but as a slower runner this was not my experience. The kids’ obstacle course was super fun (with great medals) but organization was not the best. There was also a portion of the course that was out & back for about 2.5 miles on gravel right before the biggest hill (very tiring). Overall, this would be a great race for a faster beginner. The scenery was excellent. The medals were part of a bridge series, which was underwhelming as a run-cationer (it did not seem they get many of those), but I had a good time & I do recommend this race.
Best race ever!!
Very well organized race. They pay attention to detail & to what their runners want. The crowd support is absolutely amazing, it doesn’t matter the weather the fans are still … MORE
Very well organized race. They pay attention to detail & to what their runners want. The crowd support is absolutely amazing, it doesn’t matter the weather the fans are still out cheering everyone on! There’s music in multiple spots on the course. The aid stations have water & Gatorade plus honey stinger gels are handed out in multiple spots on the course! One aid station is stocked with bananas, oranges, m&ms & I know there was more. The course has country roads, neighborhoods & right down the main drag in the heart of the city. Oh and their swag is by far the best! You actually want to wear it after race day 😉
Best of Wisconsin
This race gives you the opportunity to experience the best of small-town Wisconsin. The course is a mixture of bike paths and roads take you through town, over bridges, and … MORE
This race gives you the opportunity to experience the best of small-town Wisconsin. The course is a mixture of bike paths and roads take you through town, over bridges, and through woodsy scenery. The community support is amazing especially since the weather was cooler (44 degrees) and rainy during the race. 10/10 would recommend!
Meant for these conditions!
ECM in 2022 was my 4th ever marathon distance and it became my PR at 4:30:03! The cool temps and rain didn’t limit my ability to do my best so … MORE
ECM in 2022 was my 4th ever marathon distance and it became my PR at 4:30:03! The cool temps and rain didn’t limit my ability to do my best so I was hopeful in 2023!
The morning started very similar. High 30s with wind and even some snow! I had trained and I had dreamed and the never typical midwestern weather would help me the way it had a year before!
Along with the excitement the city of Eau Claire brings every year, I set out to beat my time from a year before and supplant a new PR! After my first 3 hours, I knew it felt different as I had new life and fed off the course! The final 10k has twists and turns through cheering crowds and loads of excitement! In the end, I got a new PR by over 45 minutes and a reminder of why I love this race more and more!
First time and it was worth it
Very first time running a marathon. It was cold 33ish degrees Fahrenheit this particular day, started as snow then rain and windy when I woke up. What a wonderful experience … MORE
Very first time running a marathon. It was cold 33ish degrees Fahrenheit this particular day, started as snow then rain and windy when I woke up. What a wonderful experience meeting new people, conquering self doubt and seeing the beautiful area of Eau Claire. 100% recommend!
Small town race feel with great support!
I ran this race last minute on a bib transfer (I was able to transfer the bib only about a week out which is super nice compared to other races). … MORE
I ran this race last minute on a bib transfer (I was able to transfer the bib only about a week out which is super nice compared to other races). I completed the G’eau big challenge (5k Saturday and Half Sunday).
We were able to find parking close to the race start (less than a block away), which was nice to stay warm, but cause it was a bit chilly. The 5k started on a half mile uphill trek to the first bridge, and hold on to your hats! The wind was blasting and several people almost lost their hats crossing the bridge over the Chippewa river. A pretty course, crossing three bridges four times, and running along the river, including right past a brewery (I know, shocking for WI) where patrons were lined up on the patio ready to cheer you on. Crowd support for a 5k was outstanding. Weather was a tad chilly for this race, although not out of the ordinary for April in Wisconsin.
Sunday morning we woke up to 30 degrees with 20 degree windchill, 40mph winds and SNOW. Despite being in WI, it typically does not snow in April, which I was not prepared for! Make sure you are ready for any kind of weather when it comes to your race attire because I was not! I was glad I had the G’eau big jacket to add a layer for the first few miles until I warmed up! (FYI, snow was originally NOT in the forecast).
The half marathoners were lucky enough to see the rain and snow subside prior to race start, but the wind was brutal! Especially over the 7 bridges we crossed. However, the course is very pretty, going through residential, outskirts of town and along the campus in to downtown. The Blugold Mile was by far my favorite. Students lined the course as it wound through campus in the final miles, cheering you on and this year was extra important given the weather.
The last time I ran this race (marathon relay several years ago), it ended on the HUGE hill that is on campus, so it was a much welcomed change of the course route to finish the race through downtown Eau Claire. The DJs playing music and crowds were spectacular, especially given the cold and rain. Finishing in downtown meant close proximity to coffee shops and restaurants to get food and warm up afterwards!
Medals for the 10 year anniversary were great and getting two of them was extra special! The G’eau big(ger) windbreaker jackets were perfection (they are see through, being cream in color), and it is a great layer to wear on a cooler summer night. The shirts, however, despite being super soft, ran small, and the design hadn’t changed much since I last ran the race. I’m usually comfortable in a women’s small, but I was busting out of it. This information would have been helpful when I was selecting sizes for my two shirts at registration.
Overall, this is a VERY well run race, with an awesome race director and crew, and a wonderful small town feel. I also appreciated water stops at EVERY mile, and the Honey Stinger chews and gels on course!
Top notch! I will definitely run this race again!
LOVE THIS RACE
This is a great race! The crowd is not too large but big enough that I'm not alone in the back of the pack. Great fan support throughout the course … MORE
This is a great race! The crowd is not too large but big enough that I’m not alone in the back of the pack. Great fan support throughout the course – especially on campus.
One of the best in Wisconsin
Great small town race with a big time feel. Scenic and challenging course. Running through the campus near the end of the race is something special. Students lined the streets … MORE
Great small town race with a big time feel. Scenic and challenging course. Running through the campus near the end of the race is something special. Students lined the streets early, even in the rain, to cheer people along. This will definitely be a repeat race for me.
This race is great!
This race is well organized and it is a beautiful course. I have ran the 5k, half marathon and the marathon relay. All are beautiful runs with great participation from … MORE
This race is well organized and it is a beautiful course. I have ran the 5k, half marathon and the marathon relay. All are beautiful runs with great participation from the community.
BEST Mid-town HALF in Midwest
This race right here is the best in the Midwest. The races start and finish in the heart of beautiful Eau Claire. The course is fast. The energy is incredible. … MORE
This race right here is the best in the Midwest. The races start and finish in the heart of beautiful Eau Claire. The course is fast. The energy is incredible. The views of the rivers are inspiring. The cheering lines and crowds are electric. The directors know what they are doing. This race is a must for your check-list (but warning: it likely will become an annual race for you).
Amazing cheering!
So many people on the course despite the cold! Beautiful view and great volunteers. There was a mix of trail, sidewalk and road running, they handed out plenty of snacks … MORE
So many people on the course despite the cold! Beautiful view and great volunteers. There was a mix of trail, sidewalk and road running, they handed out plenty of snacks and water at the water stops. Overall I was very impressed by the number of people out that weekend to celebrate running
Beautiful course & awesome crowd support
I am so glad I chose Eau Claire as my first half marathon. The course was gorgeous and crossed 8 bridges. It was hilly in places but not terrible. Crowd … MORE
I am so glad I chose Eau Claire as my first half marathon. The course was gorgeous and crossed 8 bridges. It was hilly in places but not terrible. Crowd support was amazing the whole time, and water/Gatorade stations every two miles. Highly recommend!
Best half marathon in the midwest
From registration to race day - let me count the ways! Smooth as silk registration - clear ,concise and reasonable price. Specials : like a private porta potty! A night … MORE
From registration to race day – let me count the ways! Smooth as silk registration – clear ,concise and reasonable price. Specials : like a private porta potty! A night of winter running followed by a sauna! Communications prior to the run – over the top. Expo and packet pickup: so well organized