One of the things we love most about the Eau Claire Marathon is the stories that bring people back year after year. Sometimes those stories involve chasing a personal best. Sometimes they involve checking off a bucket list item. And sometimes they remind us just how connected our Eau Claire Marathon community truly is.

For Juli, the Eau Claire Marathon has been part of her running journey for many years.

"I have run the Eau Claire Marathon and Half Marathon many times. In fact, I ran the first year you were race director," Juli shared. "I have always loved this race. From the great pre-race emails and expo to all the cheer sections and great finish line, I recommend it often to other runners."

This year, however, the race experience became even more special.

Juli had the opportunity to run the Half Marathon alongside her son, William, who was completing his final year at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Running a race together had long been on Juli's bucket list, and in May, they finally made it happen.

William, who recently graduated with a degree in Software Engineering, spent the past year interning with Royal Credit Union, the title sponsor of Eau Claire Marathon Weekend. The connection made race day even more meaningful—a graduating UW-Eau Claire student, an RCU intern, and a first-time Eau Claire Half Marathon participant sharing the experience with his mom, a longtime member of the ECM family.

The race itself exceeded expectations.

William crossed the finish line 18 minutes faster than his goal time, a remarkable accomplishment for his first half marathon. But for Juli, the day was about much more than the clock.

"William is my sixth son, and I actually ran my first marathon after he was born," Juli said. "This year's memories are ones I will definitely treasure. I am already looking forward to next year."

From longtime runners to first-time participants, from UW-Eau Claire students to Royal Credit Union interns, stories like Juli and William's remind us that the Eau Claire Marathon is about more than miles. It's about family, community, and creating memories that last long after race day is over.

Thank you, Juli and William, for sharing your story. We can't wait to see you back at the start line next year.