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La Crosse Marathon

La Crosse, WI
Saturday, May 2, 2026


  5 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description
The La Crosse Marathon course winds along the scenic and remote River trails that embody the driftless region. Running from Sparta to La Crosse, passing through classic rural Wisconsin towns, and finishing at the beautiful Riverside Park in downtown La Crosse.

May Other Marathons in May Other Marathons in Wisconsin Marathons near La Crosse, WI



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

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

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 58°F (14°C)
Average High: 69°F (20°C)
Average Low: 47° F (8°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.77
Course Score: 99.77

Race Size

2026: 223 Finishers
2025: 212 Finishers
2024: 190 Finishers
2023: 135 Finishers
2022: 138 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 12.6%
2025: 15.1%
2024: 15.3%
2023: 13.3%
2022: 12.3%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 5 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 64°F  (18°C)
Low: 44°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

46°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 82%

Clear
SE 6 mph

PR Score

99.42

Course Score

99.77






How does the La Crosse Marathon Rank?

The La Crosse Marathon was the 256th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 259th largest in 2024.

This year 12.6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 15.1% of runners qualified for Boston in 2025.

This gives the La Crosse Marathon the 73rd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 34th highest percentage so far in 2026.

Its Course Score of 99.77 ranks it as the 55th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest course in Wisconsin.

The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the La Crosse Marathon a PR Score of 99.77. This PR Score ranks it as the 41st fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest in Wisconsin.

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 803 feet (244m)
Min Elevation: 631 feet (192m)

Elevation Gain: 290 feet (88m)
Elevation Loss: 433 feet (132m)


La

Course updated 05/20/2024




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the La Crosse Marathon

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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

BQ potential for sure

Full Review:

I enjoyed running on the trail but if you're one who needs cheering this may not be for you. It is packed dirt/limestone until about mile 21 so be prepared (this site said paved). There were aid stations every 2 miles or so which was nice. This was one of the easiest courses I have run in 12 marathons.

Race Tips:

Loved the 6am start to beat the heat. You can drive to the start but not much parking and no way to get back (hubby dropped me off). There isn't much shade so wear sunscreen. Also I'm glad I was wearing shades because between miles 18-21 there were swarms of gnats because the trail is near water. Sounds awful but wasn't that bad! The downhill looks steep on the elevation map but it was a very slight grade and didn't wreck my quads. There are 2 bridges at the end but no bad hills anywhere.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

There are several hotels in a short walk to the finish and it was a nice downtown area to stay in. The after party was in a park on the MS river. We flew into and out of Minneapolis and drove to La Crosse which saved a ton on airfare.
Reviewed by JK About 2022

Flat rural race, well organized

Full Review:

For a very small race (~200 participants) the logistics are well handled. Beautiful run along a railroad-turned-bike-path, though there's a nasty mile along the edge of a highway near mile 23 which is soul-crushing after the beauty of the prior miles.

Race Tips:

Wear a bandana! There were several spots along the race where I was chocking on gnats that bred in nearby wetlands. Would have given anything for a bandana or face mask to filter them out.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Get an hour's extra sleep by getting a motel in Sparta.
Reviewed by KLB About 2022