May Podcast Guest: Abby Seipel

Reflecting on an Electric Eau Claire Marathon Weekend

Every year, there comes a moment after race weekend when the streets quiet down, the finish line comes down, and the post-race blues start to settle in. This year was no different. But after everything we experienced during the 2026 Eau Claire Marathon weekend, there is a lot more excitement than sadness.

From the moment runners filled the Expo to the final finisher making their way down Barstow Street, the energy throughout Eau Claire felt different. It felt electric.

Whether you joined us for the 5K, 10K Charity Classic, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, Full Marathon, or simply came out to cheer, you could feel our community rallying around every runner. That sense of connection is what makes race weekend so special, and it inspired us to take a look back at everything that happened behind the scenes.

On this episode of Running on Air, we sat down with Race Director, Abby Seipel, to reflect on the biggest Eau Claire Marathon yet.

One of the biggest contributors to this year's atmosphere was simple: more runners than ever before. Nearly 5,500 finishers crossed our start lines over the weekend, creating an energy that spread throughout downtown Eau Claire and every mile of the course.

Growth did not happen by accident. The team introduced several new experiences that elevated race weekend. The Kids' Run moved to a new location in Carson Park, creating an even better family experience. Fourteen music groups filled the course with live entertainment, bringing fresh energy to runners from start to finish. The new Family Fun Zone gave spectators a place to gather, cheer, and enjoy race day together without ever leaving the course.

Of course, what participants see is only a fraction of what it takes to make race weekend happen.

Behind every aid station, intersection, packet pickup table, and finish line medal is an incredible volunteer. It takes nearly 1,000 volunteers to bring the Eau Claire Marathon to life each year. Many are returning year after year because they have fallen in love with being part of something bigger than themselves. They hand out water, direct runners, answer questions, and celebrate every finisher as if they were crossing the line themselves. They truly become the heart of the event.

Listening to Abby describe race morning also gives you a new appreciation for what happens before the starting gun even fires. While runners are eating breakfast and pinning on bibs, directors and volunteers are checking course intersections, coordinating with police and EMS, preparing packet pickup, solving last-minute problems, and making sure every detail is ready before thousands of runners take their first steps. It is organized chaos, but when everything comes together, it feels effortless to participants.

One of my favorite parts of the conversation came when we talked about why we do all of this.

For Abby, the most memorable moment was watching her brother complete the half marathon after inviting him to experience the event she pours her heart into all year. Seeing him cross the finish line, sharing a hug, and hearing how much he loved the weekend reminded her why this work matters.

That story is just one of thousands.

Every runner has a reason for showing up. Some are chasing personal records. Others are checking another state off their marathon list. Some are running alongside family members or honoring loved ones. Those stories remind all of us that a marathon is about much more than miles. It is about people.

As we wrapped up the conversation, one word kept coming up over and over again: electric.

That was the feeling runners described. It was the feeling volunteers experienced. It was the feeling spectators created. From the Blugold Mile to the finish chute, Eau Claire showed exactly what makes this race unique.

We often call the Eau Claire Marathon the Biggest Small-Town Race in the U.S. This year reminded us why. We combine the excitement and atmosphere of a major marathon with the welcoming, walkable, community-focused experience that only Eau Claire can provide.

Planning for 2027 is already underway, and if this year's momentum is any indication, the best may still be ahead.

Thank you to every runner, volunteer, sponsor, spectator, and community member who made the 2026 Eau Claire Marathon unforgettable. We cannot wait to welcome you back to the start line next May.

Listen to the full “Running on Air” Episode Here: #19- Take a Deep Breath and Soak it In