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Fox Cities Marathon

Appleton, WI
Sunday, September 20, 2026


  3.7 Stars from 3 Reviews

Course Description
The Fox Cities Marathon course is slightly rolling to mostly flat. The course can be fast if the race day temperature and humidity are lower than normal.

September Other Marathons in September Other Marathons in Wisconsin Marathons near Appleton, WI



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Sunday, September 20, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 60°F (15°C)
Average High: 68°F (20°C)
Average Low: 51° F (10°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.45
Course Score: 99.14

Race Size

2026: 379 Finishers
2025: 543 Finishers
2024: No Results
2023: 403 Finishers
2022: 352 Finishers
2021: 417 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 6.6%
2025: 3.1%
2024: N/A
2023: 4.7%
2022: 6%
2021: 1.5%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 14 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 69°F  (21°C)
Low: 54°F  (12°C)

Race Start Conditions

56°F  (13°C)
Humidity: 92%

Partially cloudy
N 6 mph

PR Score

96.78

Course Score

99.19






Fox Cities Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Fox Cities Marathon was the 129th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers.

In 2026, 6.6% of Fox Cities Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 3.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Fox Cities Marathon ranked 367th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 161st so far in 2026. In Wisconsin, it ranked 21st in 2025 and 14th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Fox Cities Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Fox Cities Marathon has a Course Score of 99.14, ranking it as the 189th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 7th fastest marathon course in Wisconsin.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Fox Cities Marathon a PR Score of 98.45. The PR Score ranks the Fox Cities Marathon as the 238th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 9th best marathon for a PR in Wisconsin.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Fox Cities Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Wisconsin for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Fox Cities Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed189th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 7th fastest marathon course in Wisconsin
Top 41% Nationally#7 of 18 in Wisconsin
PR Potential238th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 9th best marathon for a PR in Wisconsin
Top 52% Nationally#9 of 18 in Wisconsin
Boston Qualifier Rate367th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 21st highest BQ percentage in Wisconsin
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 78% Nationally#21 of 21 in Wisconsin
Race Size129th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 5th largest marathon in Wisconsin
Based on 2025 results
Top 22% Nationally#5 of 25 in Wisconsin

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 823 feet (250m)
Min Elevation: 684 feet (208m)

Elevation Gain: 439 feet (133m)
Elevation Loss: 480 feet (146m)


Fox

Course updated 06/17/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Fox Cities Marathon

View available accomodations around the Fox Cities Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.

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Compare the Fox Cities Marathon to other Marathons

Use tools below to compare races and convert times across courses.

Do you want to see how the Fox Cities Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

Compare the details of the Fox Cities Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Fox Cities Marathon in 5:53:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your finish time would compare on other marathon courses with our Time Conversion Tool.


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Race Reviews


3.7
Based on 3 reviews
Write Your Own Review

20 Aid Stations, no waiting

Full Review:

They work hard to make sure every runner has the ultimate experience with 20 beverage stations, all with porta potties and then toss in a few GU stations. Plus the Pace teams are amazing.

Race Tips:

This is the course where you are never alone with great crowd support and fantastic volunteers. Easy for friends and family to get around to see you during your run.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Multiple hotel choices, great resturants, easy air travel with both the Appleton and Green Bay airports
Reviewed by Dean, 50 state finisher About 2025

Running through the Fox Cities

Full Review:

This is a non-profit organization that has community support all the way through it. The volunteers are so motivating and so is the community. They also have a 5k & 10k to add on the day before to keep your legs fresh. I loved the plenty of water stations, gel and fruit stations. This event has longevity and it shows through the organization. I can't imagine what it takes to put together a full marathon in so many different communities. I loved the energy! They also provided a personalized video of each person from start line to finish line that was super cool. It showed my pace and finish time.

Race Tips:

Wisconsin weather in the fall can be tricky with cooler temps in the morning, then heating up as the day goes on. Dress in layers. They provide water and gatorade at each hydration station about every mile or so which is super so I can plan ahead. Be prepared for some hills. But be prepared to enjoy the course with so many people cheering you on.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Start line is in Menasha and the finish line is in Neenah. There are plenty of hotels in the area. Parking in Neenah at the finish line can be tricky, but try to park in Neenah. They have shuttles to take you to the start line before the start.
Reviewed by JJ About 2025

Full Review:

The course is poorly marked. I signed up for the half marathon and there was one sign when it splits to do the full vs the half. Well, I got on the full route and didn't realize it until a family member called asking where I was around mile 8. I asked the cop to confrm the route I was on and he said there are a lot of runners who take the wrong route. So I didn't finish my goal of doing a half marathon and wasted $85. Also, the communication of where to go, packet pick up was not very good. I also did not like that the start and finish line were miles apart.

Race Tips:

Do a different race, especially if it's your first and your nervous and excited. Or you will end up disappointed in yourself and feeling horrible.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

See above.
Reviewed by Lr About 2014