Saige is a 22-year-old runner from Wisconsin who competed in track and field for 12 years before transitioning to long-distance running while attending UW–Eau Claire. Running has become her outlet for managing stress, supporting her mental health, and challenging herself to grow. She has completed the Eau Claire Half Marathon two years in a row and will take on her first full marathon in fall 2026, with the goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon before turning 30. Saige loves the supportive running community and enjoys encouraging others to start wherever they are in their running journey. She looks forward to returning to Eau Claire Marathon Weekend again in 2027. 

Instagram: @sig.liftz

Kristen began running as a way to cope with the loss of her mother while pursuing a healthier future for herself and her family. Since her first race in 2009, she has completed numerous races, including 13 marathons, the Boston Marathon, and a 50-mile ultramarathon. Many of her races have supported charities that are deeply meaningful to her, giving her running an even greater sense of purpose. She loves encouraging others through coaching with Moms on the Run and believes the running community is one of the sport's greatest rewards. A returning participant in Eau Claire Marathon Weekend since her son attended UW–Eau Claire, Kristen especially enjoys the welcoming atmosphere and the Blugold Mile. 

IG: @Ksgenet

Staci is a busy mom of four and the wife of a firefighter who discovered running after starting with walks in 2023 to carve out time for herself. What began as a simple experiment quickly turned into a passion, leading her to complete multiple 5Ks, 10Ks, and four half marathons in a single year. She is now training for her first full marathon in October 2026. Although she once thought running wasn't for her, it has become one of the best things she has ever done for herself, with the 10K and 10-mile distances becoming her favorites. Staci hopes to inspire others to simply start, trust the process, and see where the journey takes them. 

IG: @stacimoldenhauer

Malcolm is a senior at Eau Claire North High School who completed his first marathon in Eau Claire at just 16 years old. Since then, he has been driven to keep improving, whether by running farther or faster. For Malcolm, running is about pushing himself mentally and proving to himself what he is capable of. He thrives on setting ambitious goals and putting in the work to achieve them. Every race and training run reminds him that he is capable of more than he ever imagined. 

IG: @reineckmalcolm

Jesse is a performance coach, hybrid athlete, and runner whose endurance journey began at the Eau Claire Marathon in 2021. Through his work at Momentum Fitness and as the leader of Built to Run, he is passionate about helping others build confidence and discover their potential. Jesse believes running is about more than miles—it's about finding strength through movement and community. Whether coaching, training, or racing, he encourages others to embrace challenges and pursue their goals. He loves helping athletes of all experience levels realize they are capable of more than they ever imagined. 

IG: 92earlscurls92

Seth discovered running in 2024 after a disappointing snowboarding season inspired him to try something new, completing his first half marathon just 90 days later at Eau Claire Marathon Weekend. What began as a personal challenge quickly became a passion, fueled by the encouragement of the running community. Since then, he has completed more than 20 races while raising thousands of dollars for suicide prevention and epilepsy awareness. After undergoing leg surgery in late 2024, Seth returned to Eau Claire Marathon Weekend less than five months later to earn a new half marathon personal best. He continues to chase new goals while using running to make a positive impact both on and off the course. 

IG: @sonerickseth

IShelley discovered running in 2024 after an unexpected conversation inspired her to pursue the dream of participating in a runDisney event. Just two months later, she completed her first 10K in Eau Claire, and since then has finished two gEAU-Bigger Challenges, the Walt Disney World Marathon, and many other races. As a single mom, she values running as an outlet for stress relief, mental health, and personal growth. Shelley especially loves exploring new places through races, connecting with the running community, and encouraging others along the way. Outside of running, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, kayaking, reading, and spending time with her children. 

IG: @shelleyfro

Kathryn discovered trail running in the mid-2000s and returned to the sport after the birth of her second child, finding it to be an important outlet for stress relief, mental wellness, and personal growth. In 2025, running became an even greater source of strength as she navigated her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis and the diagnosis of a close friend. The support and accountability she found through the running community—and as a volunteer coach with Moms on the Run—helped carry her through one of life's most difficult seasons. Kathryn believes the friendships built through running are just as meaningful as the miles themselves. She is excited to encourage, inspire, and support others as part of the Eau Claire Marathon community. 

Instagram: @Null_kat

Jackie is a lifelong runner who has been logging miles since the 1990s, competing in everything from local races and triathlons to marathons across the country. After completing her first marathon, she was hooked and is now working toward the goal of running a marathon in all 50 states. She has also coached Girls on the Run and enjoys encouraging runners of all ages and abilities. Jackie recently moved to Altoona, spends her winters in Florida, and is excited to be part of the Eau Claire running community. As a proud wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she looks forward to inspiring others to keep moving and chasing their goals. 

IG: @Conniffjc

Mikayla Cuff is a wife, mom of six, business owner, and Eau Claire native who now calls Oklahoma home. After her soccer career ended, she discovered running as an outlet that quickly became a source of strength, therapy, and personal growth. Since then, she has completed countless 5Ks and four half marathons, including one while seven months pregnant. Mikayla believes running is about discovering what you're capable of and becoming stronger through every challenge. She loves encouraging others and celebrating every milestone, from a first mile to a personal best. 

IG: @mikayla.cuff

Matt is proud to call Eau Claire home and discovered his passion for running after signing up for the 2019 Eau Claire Half Marathon on a whim. Since then, running has become an important part of his physical and mental well-being, culminating in his first full marathon at the 2026 Eau Claire Marathon. Matt believes you don't have to be a lifelong athlete to accomplish big goals and enjoys encouraging others to take that first step. Beyond running, he is active in Eau Claire's arts community, performing and conducting pit orchestras for local musicals. He also enjoys making people laugh as a member of Oh Claire Improv.

IG: @slowandsteadyalwaysready

Anna discovered running during her first year at UW–Eau Claire, where it quickly grew from a fun social activity into a true passion. Through running classes and community group runs, she found a welcoming and supportive running community that made the sport even more meaningful. This past year, Anna completed her first marathon at the Eau Claire Marathon, marking a major milestone in her running journey. She enjoys staying active, spending time with friends, and trying new experiences. Anna looks forward to continuing to run and be involved in the Eau Claire running community.

IG: @annaamilller