Visit Eau Claire Announces Changes to Eau Claire Marathon

The Eau Claire Marathon is slated for May 4 under new Race Directors, Pat Toutant and daughter, Emily Uelmen.  Along with the full marathon (26.2 miles), the event will include a 13.1 mile half marathon, a 5k race and a four-person team relay marathon.

Toutant, a local runner, along with lead sponsor, Scheels, will now be the driving force behind the marathon keeping it in the Eau Claire Community.  The race course starts and ends in Carson Park but there have been a few course changes that we believe will enhance the quality of the event.  The main goal is to continue the success of a well-run event while giving back to local charities and community businesses which promote health, fitness, kids and community.

"It’s important for us to see this quality event continue," Toutant said.  "The previous directors started the momentum for creating something really special for this community.  For us, an event like this creates a venue for people to change their lifestyle.  In partnering with Scheels, Charter Bank and Festival Foods it makes our foundation that much more solid for the future of this event."

The marathon, in its sixth year of existence, is expected to draw over 2,000 runners with proceeds benefitting Girls on a Run of Eau Claire, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mentors in Motion and the Jeanne Richie Longfellow Schools Wellness Program.  Parking will be provided within Carson Park and at the Menomonie Street entrance of Carson Park as well as the UWEC lot on Water Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue.  Shuttle service will be provided by Student Transit of Eau Claire.  Expo and packet pickup is Friday, May 2 from 4-8 p.m., and Saturday, May 3 from 9:30-5 p.m., at Scheels in Eau Claire.  The expo will also include health and wellness products and services from Wisconsin businesses.

About Visit Eau Claire: Visit Eau Claire effectively markets the Eau Claire area as a destination for conventions, group tour, sporting events, and leisure markets; to promote regional economic growth; to enhance the area’s overall identity and image; to sell fun, promote fun, and most importantly – Have FUN!