Half Marathons in Wisconsin
Find Your Next Wisconsin Half Marathon
From scenic state parks and Lake Michigan shorelines to energetic downtown finishes and community-driven race weekends, Wisconsin offers half marathons for every kind of runner and walker.
Whether you're searching for a spring half marathon in Wisconsin, a fall race, your first 13.1 or a course where you can chase a personal best, there are plenty of options throughout the state.
Use this guide to explore Wisconsin half marathons, compare seasons and locations, and find the race experience that's right for you.
Wisconsin Half Marathon Calendar
Wisconsin's half marathon season stretches from spring through fall, with races ranging from large city events to scenic destination races.
Half Marathon. Location. Season. Race Experience
Eau Claire Half Marathon. Eau Claire. Spring. Riverfront + community
Door County Half Marathon. Fish Creek. Spring. State park + challenging hills
Run Madtown Half Marathon. Madison. Spring. Capital city
HFM Maritime Half Marathon. Manitowoc. Early Summer. Lake Michigan
Fox Cities Half Marathon. Fox Cities. Fall. Parks + waterfront
Madison Half Marathon. Madison. Fall. Capital city + urban
Note: Race dates, courses and event offerings can change from year to year. Always check each race's official website when planning your season.
Spring Half Marathons in Wisconsin
Spring is one of the busiest times for half marathon running in Wisconsin, with events throughout April and May.
Runners can choose from city races, destination events and scenic courses throughout the state. Spring half marathons are also popular with runners looking for an early-season goal after winter training.
The Eau Claire Half Marathon takes place Sunday, May 2, 2027, during Eau Claire Marathon Weekend.
EXPLORE THE EAU CLAIRE HALF MARATHON
Summer Half Marathons in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's summer running calendar gives runners opportunities to race 13.1 while experiencing communities throughout the state.
When considering a summer half marathon, pay particular attention to start time, course support and expected weather conditions. Training and racing in warmer conditions can create a very different experience than an early-spring or late-fall half marathon.
The Paavo Nurmi Half Marathon in Hurley is one summer option, giving runners a chance to race 13.1 miles in northern Wisconsin during August. Pairing a race with a summer getaway can make it a fun way to explore another part of the state.
Fall Half Marathons in Wisconsin
Fall is another popular half marathon season in Wisconsin.
Runners who prefer training through the summer can find races throughout September, October and November. Cooler fall temperatures, changing leaves and Wisconsin's parks and waterfront areas can make this an especially popular time to race 13.1.
The Fox Cities Half Marathon is one fall option, with a route through seven Fox Cities communities before finishing at Riverside Park in Neenah. The Madison Half Marathon provides a later-season option with a start and finish on Capitol Square.
How to Choose a Half Marathon in Wisconsin
With so many Wisconsin half marathons to choose from, think about the kind of 13.1-mile experience you're looking for.
Course & Elevation
Do you want a flatter course where you can focus on pace, rolling terrain or a more challenging course? Don't look only at total elevation gain. Consider where the hills fall within the 13.1 miles and what the final miles of the course look like.
Time of Year
A spring half marathon gives you an early-season goal but often requires training through a Wisconsin winter. A fall half marathon lets you build mileage throughout the summer.
Running vs. Walking
If you plan to walk the half marathon, look carefully at time limits and whether the event offers a dedicated walking division. Some Wisconsin races specifically welcome walkers or offer separate competitive walking opportunities.
Race Size & Atmosphere
Think about whether you prefer a larger urban event or a community race where spectators, volunteers and neighborhoods become a major part of the experience.
Destination & Race Weekend
A half marathon can also be a great reason for a weekend getaway. Consider lodging, restaurants, activities for family members and whether other race distances are offered during the weekend
Eau Claire Half Marathon — Eau Claire, Wisconsin
13.1 Miles Through the Heart of Eau Claire
The Eau Claire Half Marathon takes place Sunday, May 2, 2027, and offers runners and walkers 13.1 miles through Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
The course features approximately 348 feet of elevation gain. Runners encounter a hill around mile 4 and a gradual incline around mile 6 before transitioning into a flatter, faster second half.
Along the way, participants cross nine bridges over the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers, travel through residential and business neighborhoods, experience the energy of the Blugold Mile at UW–Eau Claire, and make their way toward the finish in downtown Eau Claire.
The Eau Claire Half Marathon also offers a Competitive Walking Division, giving participants another way to experience all 13.1 miles. Eau Claire Marathon Weekend includes the Marathon, four-person Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids' Run.
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VIEW COURSE MAP & ELEVATION
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Walking a Half Marathon in Wisconsin
You don't have to run every step of 13.1 to be part of a half marathon.
When searching for a walker-friendly half marathon in Wisconsin, check the race's time limit, course support and whether walkers have a separate division or start.
The Eau Claire Half Marathon includes a Competitive Walking Division, allowing walkers to take on the same 13.1-mile course and experience the same downtown finish-line celebration.
Wisconsin Half Marathon FAQs
What half marathons are held in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin hosts half marathons throughout the spring, summer and fall. Options include the Eau Claire Half Marathon, Door County Half Marathon, Run Madtown Half Marathon, Fox Cities Half Marathon and Madison Half Marathon, along with other events throughout the state.
Are there spring half marathons in Wisconsin?
Yes. Spring is a popular half marathon season in Wisconsin, particularly during April and May. The Eau Claire Half Marathon and Door County Half Marathon are among the state's May options in 2027; both are scheduled for the first weekend of May.
Can you walk a half marathon in Wisconsin?
Yes, some Wisconsin half marathons welcome walkers, although course time limits and policies vary by event. The Eau Claire Half Marathon offers a Competitive Walking Division. Fox Cities also lists a Competitive Walk Division for its half marathon.
Is the Eau Claire Half Marathon hilly?
The Eau Claire Half Marathon is best described as rolling rather than extremely hilly. The course has approximately 348 feet of elevation gain, with more of the climbing occurring earlier in the race. A hill around mile 4 and gradual incline around mile 6 are followed by a flatter, faster second half.
How many bridges does the Eau Claire Half Marathon cross?
The Eau Claire Half Marathon crosses nine bridges over the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers during its 13.1-mile course.
When is the Eau Claire Half Marathon in 2027?
The 2027 Eau Claire Half Marathon is Sunday, May 2, 2027 at 8:30 AM in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
What races are part of Eau Claire Marathon Weekend?
Eau Claire Marathon Weekend includes the Marathon, Half Marathon, four-person Marathon Relay, 10K, 5K and Kids' Run, providing options for a wide range of ages, distances and abilities.
Ready for 13.1 Miles in Eau Claire?
13.1 miles. Nine bridges. One unforgettable finish.
Join us May 1–2, 2027 for Eau Claire Marathon Weekend and experience 13.1 miles of Eau Claire energy, community support and a downtown finish line waiting for you.
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EXPLORE THE EAU CLAIRE HALF MARATHON
