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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






La Crosse Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The La Crosse Marathon was the 254th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 250th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 12.6% of La Crosse Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 15.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the La Crosse Marathon ranked 68th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 61st so far in 2026. In Wisconsin, it ranked 3rd in 2025 and 3rd so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the La Crosse Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The La Crosse Marathon has a Course Score of 99.77, ranking it as the 54th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest marathon course in Wisconsin.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the La Crosse Marathon a PR Score of 99.77. The PR Score ranks the La Crosse Marathon as the 43rd best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in Wisconsin.

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

La Crosse Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed54th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd fastest marathon course in Wisconsin
Top 12% Nationally#2 of 18 in Wisconsin
PR Potential43rd best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in Wisconsin
Top 10% Nationally#2 of 18 in Wisconsin
Boston Qualifier Rate68th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd highest BQ percentage in Wisconsin
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 15% Nationally#3 of 21 in Wisconsin
Race Size254th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 10th largest marathon in Wisconsin
Based on 2025 results
Top 43% Nationally#10 of 25 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 05/12/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the La Crosse Marathon

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Compare the La Crosse Marathon to other Marathons

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Compare the details of the La Crosse Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

If you ran the La Crosse Marathon in 3:19:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

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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