A Family Tradition on the ECM Course

For Chris and his daughters, Amy and Staci, the Eau Claire Marathon Weekend has become much more than a race weekend — it has become part of their family story.

For years, they stood on the sidelines as spectators, cheering on runners throughout Eau Claire. But over the last two years, something changed. What started as a personal challenge quickly became shared miles, finish lines, and unforgettable family memories.

Amy’s Story: “I Never Imagined I’d Say I Ran a Half Marathon”

“I never imagined I’d say I ran a half marathon, but something about turning 40 and having a bucket list changed my perspective,” Amy shared.

After years of spectating during ECM Weekend, Amy first participated in the 5K in 2025 alongside her dad, Chris, while pushing her son, Elvis, in his adaptive stroller. The experience inspired her to come back even stronger in 2026.

This year, Amy signed up for the G-EAU Big Challenge, adding the Half Marathon to her weekend.

“I trained diligently throughout the winter with my dad, and we crossed the finish line together,” she said. “It’s an incredible feeling to know that my dad has run a half marathon with all his children.”

One of the highlights of the weekend was again participating in the 5K with Elvis through Trail Blazers, an experience Amy described as “amazing.”

And now? She’s already wondering what might come next.

“Who knows what the future holds? Maybe I’ll even attempt a full marathon someday.”

Staci’s Story: “Running Became Part of My Story”

Like Amy, Staci always viewed ECM Weekend as a spectator event — especially while supporting their dad.

That changed in 2025 when she decided to run her first half marathon.

“I thought to myself, why not make it a full weekend and do the G-EAU Big Challenge and add in the 5K,” she said.

That first weekend running alongside her dad and sister sparked something bigger.

In 2026, Staci returned to complete the Half and Half Challenge alongside the ECM G-EAU Big Challenge as a way to celebrate her 36th birthday.

“My dad being who he is said, ‘I better sign up too!’”

The miles quickly became about more than racing.

“It’s been such a fun addition having my sister, Amy, right there with us too,” Staci said.

For her, ECM Weekend is defined by the energy that takes over the city.

“The whole ECM Weekend leaves you with such a high feeling whether you're a spectator or participant — there's just so much excitement. It’s so great to see the streets, bike paths and bridges lined with people cheering from the 5K all the way to the marathon.”

And perhaps most unexpectedly, running became something she never saw coming.

“I never truly would have guessed running would become a part of my story, but it’s been something special having your family right next to you.”

Chris’ Story: “I Have Had the Honor of Running with All Three of My Children”

For Chris, the Eau Claire Marathon Weekend has long been part of his running journey. He has completed countless half marathons during ECM Weekend over the years — but 2026 stood apart.

“It was one of the most exciting ECM weekends for me,” he said.

The weekend actually started before ECM even began. Chris traveled to St. Paul to complete the first half of the Half and Half Challenge at the Get in Gear Half Marathon alongside Staci.

Then came ECM Weekend.

“The expo was super — tons of excited people. Packet pick up was a breeze,” he recalled.

Saturday brought another unforgettable experience: participating in the G-EAU Big 5K alongside both daughters while helping push his grandson, Elvis, as part of Trail Blazers.

“The Trail Blazers organization along with ECM were extremely supportive on the course, cheering us on along with everyone else including runners,” Chris said. “Thank you ECM and Trail Blazers — it far exceeded my expectations.”

Sunday morning brought another emotional moment as the entire family gathered at the start line.

“It was amazing to take the start line with my two daughters, Amy and Staci, daughter-in-law Olivia, and son Eric, who ran the relay,” he said.

But one moment especially stood out — running beside Amy during her first-ever half marathon.

“I have run many half marathons, but to run with your daughter in her first half is priceless.”

After running Staci’s first half marathon with her in 2025 and Amy’s in 2026, Chris reflected on what that truly means to him.

“I have had the honor of running half marathons with all three of my children — that is an incredible experience.”

And perhaps his biggest takeaway from ECM Weekend is this:

“We all have our own story to write, and one event could change your life like ECM. It is a blank page — write boldly, dream big, run fast and strong.”

Because as every runner hears at the finish line:

“Welcome home, you have done it.”