Finding Joy in Motion with Ben Anderson

Running brings people together in the Eau Claire community, and few know that better than Ben Anderson. A nurse practitioner, longtime volunteer, and endurance athlete, Ben has completed more than 20 marathons, one ultra-marathon, and several Half Ironman triathlons. His passion for movement and helping others reach their goals led him to teach the UW–Eau Claire Distance Running Course, a unique program that blends fitness, community, and wellness education.

Ben first ran the Eau Claire Marathon in 2009 and has participated in at least nine events since. What keeps him coming back is the energy along the course - the cheering spectators, the bridges over the Chippewa River, and the convenience of racing close to home. “It’s an incredible race because your family can see you throughout the course,” he says. “That support makes a huge difference when you’re pushing through the tough miles.”

His connection to running deepened when he and his daughter joined the university’s distance running class several years ago. “Every week we met on campus to talk about training, wellness, and motivation,” Ben recalls. “Then on Saturdays, everyone gathered for long runs starting from Centennial Hall. It felt like a mini race every weekend.” Surrounded by runners of all levels, Ben discovered how powerful group support can be. After that experience, he volunteered as a teaching assistant for several years before stepping into the instructor role this spring.

The class focuses on distance running for health and fitness, not just performance. Students and community members train together to prepare for the Eau Claire Marathon weekend, many targeting their first half or full marathon. Lectures cover topics such as injury prevention, recovery, nutrition, and mental health. Guest speakers from Mayo Clinic and UW–Eau Claire share expertise on “movement as medicine,” goal setting, and self-efficacy.

One of Ben’s favorite parts of teaching is reading student reflections at the end of the semester. Many describe the pride of crossing their first marathon finish line and realizing how the lessons apply to life beyond running. “They learn that big goals can feel impossible until you break them down into smaller steps,” Ben says. “Once they’ve achieved something like a marathon, they know they can take on other challenges, too.”

Volunteering has always been part of Ben’s journey. He has served on medical teams at races such as the Twin Cities Marathon and Eau Claire’s Fall Back Blast. Whether he’s handing out water or offering first aid, he values the connections and shared enthusiasm that come from being part of an event. “You meet amazing people when you volunteer,” he says. “It’s another way to give back to the running community that gives us so much.”

Now, as the new instructor, Ben hopes to continue the legacy of Dr. Matt Evans, who created the distance running course in 2015. “Matt inspired so many runners and taught them to see fitness as a lifelong pursuit,” Ben reflects. “Those are big shoes to fill, but I’m excited to build on what he started.”

The class welcomes students of all ages and fitness levels, including community participants. Saturday group runs are open to anyone who wants to join. Each week at 8 a.m., runners meet at Centennial Hall for an active warm-up before heading out on scenic routes through Eau Claire. “We have everyone from college students to runners in their seventies,” Ben says. “It’s not about speed—it’s about showing up, moving, and supporting one another.”

For Ben, the goal is simple: help people become lifelong movers. Whether it’s walking, running, biking, or skiing, he wants his students to find joy in motion. “You don’t have to be fast or competitive to be part of this,” he says. “What matters is taking that first step.”

The Eau Claire Marathon and UW–Eau Claire’s Distance Running Course prove that fitness is more than a finish line—it’s a community built on encouragement, perseverance, and shared experience.

Learn more about Eau Claire Marathon’s “Running on Air” Podcast and listen to the full episode here: Podcast — Eau Claire Marathon