Eau Claire Half Marathon 2026 Race Report

Tonisia Billups(HF10011, MM12110, DA1998) –Eau Claire Half Marathon, May 3, 2026

Wisconsin 

𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁/𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Easy direct flight into MSP

𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹/𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: Springhill Suites (Next door to the Event Center- 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼- which provided shuttles to/from race)

𝗣𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼: University of Wisconsin’s Sonnetag Event Center

It was pretty cool. Big race feel with local charm. There was line dancing 

That was a nice local touch!

They also had the back drop with all of the 1st timer Half and Full Marathoners names listed like you typically see at world majors. I think that was another great touch. There was good race merchandise and a couple of vendors selling race essentials if needed (ie. Fuel-GU/Honey Stingers, arm sleeves, fuel belts, gloves).

Another nice touch was they had a session with a course review! Never seen that at a race and this was apparently their first year doing it. It drew a lot of attention and came in handy while I was approaching the inclines around mile 4 as described

Oh and they had nice race day giveaways like alll the cowbells, race stickers/tatoos, cooling towels, etc.

Ok last thing… they had several vendors giving away freebies, including raffles. One that stuck out was the Eau Claire Body Care Hydration! They had everything from B12 injections and IV hydration ranging from $39-$249 for onsite treatments. A few people were getting the IV at the time.

𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲: 8:30 AM start (7:00AM Full)

This race gets an A+ … I chose this race based on Race Raves review last year and it looks like it’s rated either top or runner up for Wisconsin again this year. I can’t remember which one. 

The course itself was really nice running along the river and crossing pedestrian suspension bridges across the river. As for elevation change, this race definitely had its fair share of rolls but they weren’t too bad!

Finishline fuel included bananas, fruit snacks, chips, water, etc. nothing fancy

Nice photo opts too with the backdrops!

The finishers “village” had beer , but I don’t recall free food. They did have a live band and food trucks though with lots of seating so I guess there’s that.

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞:

One of the trip advisor/yelp suggestions was viewing Eau Claire from the High Bridge and a few other look outs, so went back out to the Phoenix Park at night. The lit bridges were beautifully lit in Eau Claire’s downtown area.

State #35 

Photo and Post credit Tonisia Billups