January Podcast Guest: Emi Uelmen

How the Eau Claire Marathon Became a Community Movement: A Conversation with Race Director Emi Uelmen

The Eau Claire Marathon does more than host a race weekend. It brings people together, builds community, and creates lasting memories for runners of every experience level. In the first episode of Running on Air, co-hosts Emily Wermund and Adam Ludwig share their own running story before welcoming Race Director Emi Uelmen, whose enthusiasm and vision helped transform the event into what it is today.

Emily and Adam start the episode by explaining how running shaped their relationship. When they first began dating, they each signed up for separate half marathons because they worried they might break up before race day. Instead, running became something they grew into together. Over time, they joined the Eau Claire Marathon committee and became part of the team behind race weekend. Their story shows how running often weaves into people’s lives in meaningful and unexpected ways.

The conversation shifts to Emi, who radiates excitement for the event she helps lead. Emi explains that her connection to the marathon began more than a decade ago when her husband, her father, and her mother-in-law ran the four-person relay together in 2013. They had so much fun that they planned to return every year. Not long afterward, the former race owners stepped away and Scheels approached her father about taking it over. Emi remembers him calling and asking if she wanted to help run the race. She said yes instantly, without fully understanding what she was signing up for.

At the time, the race had fewer than 1,000 participants. Very few people outside Eau Claire recognized the EC Marathon brand. Still, Emi and her family believed in the event’s potential. Their first goal was simple. Make the race happen and build a recognizable identity. They created a logo, watched other races to learn, and began dreaming about how to grow the event.

Over the next decade, the marathon expanded into a full weekend experience. The committee added new course features, challenges, and race formats. They introduced multi-day challenge events, developed spectator-friendly routes, and worked steadily to create an atmosphere that felt both high-quality and deeply local. Emi credits the growth to a passionate committee made up of veteran runners, new members, and community partners who constantly brainstorm ways to improve the event.

Emi believes what makes the Eau Claire Marathon special is the people behind it. The event is built by locals who understand the community and want to showcase the city they love. Whenever committee members run races elsewhere, they return with ideas that could elevate Eau Claire. They also pay close attention to what runners value, from music on the course to engaging finish-line experiences.

Location plays a major role as well. Eau Claire offers a convenient Midwest destination with an airport nearby, strong hotel partners, and a course that highlights the city’s parks, neighborhoods, rivers, and downtown. Emi describes it as a true tour of Eau Claire. Family and friends can easily spectate because the course loops through accessible, scenic areas.

Looking ahead to 2025, Emi previewed several exciting features for runners. The season kicked off with a training-cycle launch party at Phoenix Taproom, where attendees met run groups, learned about upcoming community opportunities, and set goals for the next 20 weeks. The marathon also offers nutrition classes with sports dietitian Kristi, virtual learning sessions, and dedicated runner nights at Scheels where participants can test shoes and fueling products. Emi emphasizes that these touch points exist to help runners prepare, stay supported, and feel connected long before race day.

For first-timers, Emi encourages embracing the full experience. She recommends joining group runs, asking questions on social media, and exploring Eau Claire’s breweries and restaurants during race weekend. She especially loves showcasing the revitalized downtown, which now hosts the marathon’s vibrant finish.

The episode closes with a fun “Split Decisions” segment where Emi answers rapid-fire running questions. Her responses reveal her personality and humor while giving listeners a glimpse into the camaraderie behind the scenes.

This first episode sets the tone for a season of celebrating runners, volunteers, and the community that brings the Eau Claire Marathon to life.

Listen to the full January “Running on Air” episode here: The New Running on Air Podcast with the Eau Claire Marathon! - Eau Claire Hometown Media | Podcast on Spotify