Every Pace. Every Story. Every Finish.
At the Eau Claire Marathon, we believe the biggest victories don't only happen at the front of the race. So we created the Back of the Pack Party—because every runner deserves to hear loud cheers, cross finish line, and feel like a champion.
Why We Created It
Everyone Belongs
No matter your pace, you belong on our start line
Every Medal Is Earned
There are no "less important" finishers
Community Over Competition
Some chase Boston
Some chase their first finish
Both deserve celebration
What is the Back of the Pack Party?
It’s CELEBRATION & ENERGY until the last participant crosses the finish line!
The finish line, yes!
Music, yes!
Volunteers, yes!
Food & water, yes!
Medals, yes!
Photos, yes!
CHEERING, YES!
The race doesn't end when the first runner finishes. It ends when the last runner accomplishes something incredible.
What People Are Saying
“Everything was awesome lots of support along the course. I found it great that the bike patrol for the race checked on us slower folks at the back of the pack, offering their own water or Gatorade, that is awesome! And when I finished (after the 6 hour mark) there was great encouragement and support! Thank you for making my first marathon an awesome experience. Although I am very sore 99% certain I am back next year!
The finish was awesome. This was my first marathon and the "BACK OF THE PACK" crew celebrated my effort! Crossing the line they announced it was my first marathon, one young girl made certain I got a medal and water/banana! So supportive great crowd and the course is awesome, great town. Thank you.”
-Barb K
“The angels definitely descended... From the sweet lady with the 'runners charcuterie' at mile 24 to the stranger handing out water around mile 15, the EMS worker who stayed until the last marathoners passed, the signs and encouragement from neighbors, the pickles, and the 'back of the pack party' initiative, I felt supported every step of the way. And of course, my family, the lone student cheer squad through UWEC campus—it was a race filled with kindness, camaraderie, and a deep sense of community. As a three-year back of the pack runner, I couldn’t have felt more supported throughout the whole course.” #runlikeangels
-Jane S. (in light blue)
“One of the race support volunteers was running back and forth between mile 19- 20. I can’t quite recall her name but she stuck with me for several minutes of running and walking- she talked me through the hurdles I was struggling with mentally, physically, emotionally and all the things- she also was a lifesaver and provided me some ginger to help soothe my upset stomach. She was amazing- and while I wasn’t not very communicative at that point- I hope this gets back to her how much I needed her at that moment and that her support (and ginger) helped get me through to the finish. A million thank yous will never be enough.”
-Gina L
Meet the People Who Make It Happen
Volunteer Crew
Finish Line Crew
The celebration doesn't end when the first runner finishes. Our finish line stays fully open, the music keeps playing, and our team is there to cheer, announce, and celebrate every finisher all the way to the last person across the line.
Led by Danielle (pictured in black), our Back of the Pack volunteers are stationed throughout the course to keep the encouragement going. From high-fives and cheers to words of motivation, they're there to remind every runner that they're never alone.
Running Crew
Sweeper
Our running crew goes the extra mile—literally. Volunteers like Liz run alongside participants throughout the course, offering encouragement, conversation, and the boost runners often need most. Sometimes, having someone believe in you makes all the difference.
They aren't there to hurry you. They're there to encourage you. They'll walk beside you, cheer for you, and make sure no runner ever feels alone.
Our ECM 5K Race Series has sweepers too, ECM finishes with you!
