Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
These people really know how to keep everything organized.....
Course plus Organization plus people friendly Staff and crowd Energy equals quality event.
A wonderful marathon experience for all levels of Runners.
This marathon can reward all your training goals.
Information provided by EC Marathon. City very supportive of the EC Marathon.
Like having spectators supporting you? This is the race. They keep making it better every year by paying attention to the small details, and making it a festive race for all runners, even the back of the packers!
This is a small yet growing event, with 5K & 10K races the night before the half & full. The number of full marathoners is small compared to the half, but they still had many pacer options in 2025. Aid stations were easy and convenient. Logistically, everything was good.
Although it's a small town, the locals were out and enthusiastic. But there are also long stretches where you won't see many people except other runners. I enjoyed the race, and if I lived closer to it, I'd do it again. A good choice for someone looking to cross Wisconsin off their list.
This is not a flat course, but most of the elevation is in a few climbs, as opposed to continuously rolling hills. I hope you like bridges.
Be warned that the half marathon starts after the full, but merges in later. The merge is around mile 20 for the full vs. mile 6.5 for the half. If you're in the 3:30-4:00 marathon range, you will probably run into traffic of slower-than-you half marathoners and may have to weave a lot.
The full has an annoying out-and-back between miles 9-11.5
Staying at the official race hotel (Hampton Inn) wasn't fancy but it was convenient to have the race shuttle to/from the race.
It's a good late-April race option but I understand the weather can literally be anything.
Have been running Eau Claire marathon and half marathon for many years! My all time FAVORITE!!!
Great course!
This was my first marathon, the ECM team was the most welcoming supporting team. Emi included a handwritten note in my race packet for being a first timer. This was definitely a great choice for my first marathon, the whole route was full of cheers and support. Great aid stations, and overall amazing experience.
Book your hotel early, most of the hotels allowed runners to check out late post-marathon which was a very nice perk!
Park on parking tower near the starting line.
This is an amazing event that runs through a vibrant downtown, multiple bridges over rivers, and a university campus that has bands and students cheering their hearts out.
Be ready for the Blue Gold Mile near the end to energize your finish.
Visit the Brewing Projekt on the course and Lazy Monk brewing!
Very organized and amazingly beautiful scenery! The presentation by Coach Paul Carmona at the Expo was definitely a must to attend, it was a valuable information to prepare you for the race.
If you are originated from the sea level, just enjoy the race and dont expect any PR or BQ. It was much harder than any standard races , as it felt hard on breathing (and legs definitely) on high altitude all the way to the finished line.
All logistics are well provided by the organizers including race fotographs and video, all for free.
The city is great. Well thought out course and great support from the community.
The first half is harder than the second. Plan to negative split.
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express a few miles away. Idealy, the Oxbow would have been great. Nevertheless, parking near the start/finish isn't difficult, just show up early.
Great marathon, good crowd support, relatively even course with only a few hills.