Marathons in Wisconsin

Find Your Next Wisconsin Marathon

From energetic city streets and Lake Michigan views to riverfront trails and community-driven race weekends, Wisconsin offers marathon experiences for just about every kind of runner.

Whether you're searching for a spring marathon in Wisconsin, a fall marathon, a Boston qualifying race or your first 26.2, choosing the right event comes down to more than the date on the calendar.

Use this guide to explore Wisconsin marathons, compare seasons and locations, and find the race experience that's right for you.

Wisconsin Marathon Calendar

Wisconsin's marathon season stretches from spring through fall, giving runners plenty of opportunities to find a race that fits their training schedule and goals.

  • Marathon. Location. Season Race Experience

  • Milwaukee Marathon. Milwaukee. Spring. Urban + lakefront

  • Wisconsin Marathon. Kenosha. Spring. Lake Michigan

  • Eau Claire Marathon. Eau Claire. Spring. Riverfront + community

  • Madeline Island Marathon La Pointe. Spring. Island

  • HFM Maritime Marathon. Manitowoc. Early Summer. Lake Michigan

  • Fox Cities Marathon. Fox Cities. Fall. Parks + waterfront

  • Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon Milwaukee. Fall. Urban + lakefront

  • Madison Marathon Madison. Fall. Hilly + capital city

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 Marathons in Wisconsin

Spring is one of the best times to run a marathon in Wisconsin, with several established races taking place in April and May.

The season includes races in Milwaukee, Kenosha, Eau Claire and other Wisconsin communities, giving runners options ranging from urban courses to smaller destination-style race weekends.

For runners targeting an early-May marathon, the Eau Claire Marathon takes place Sunday, May 2, 2027, as part of Eau Claire Marathon Weekend May 1–2.

EXPLORE THE EAU CLAIRE MARATHON

Fall Marathons in Wisconsin

Prefer a summer training cycle?

Wisconsin's fall marathon calendar provides another strong season for 26.2, with events taking place throughout September and October.

Fall races can offer cooler race-day temperatures and give runners the summer months to prepare. Events such as the Fox Cities Marathon and Madison Marathon have traditionally been part of Wisconsin's fall running calendar.

When choosing between a spring and fall marathon, consider your preferred training season, course profile, travel plans and race-day experience.

Boston Qualifying Marathons in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is also home to several marathons with courses that can be used to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

For 2027, Wisconsin's Boston-qualifying calendar includes events such as the Milwaukee Marathon, Wisconsin Marathon and Eau Claire Marathon, among others. Because certification and qualifying status can change, runners should always verify a course's current certification when choosing a qualifying race.

It's also important to understand that running your Boston qualifying standard does not guarantee entry into the Boston Marathon. The Boston Athletic Association explains that when qualified applicants exceed the available field size, additional selection requirements may apply.

Learn more about Boston Qualifying Marathons in Wisconsin →

How to Choose a Marathon in Wisconsin

With so many options, start by thinking about the kind of 26.2 experience you want.

Course & Elevation
Do you prefer flat and fast, rolling terrain or a course with more challenging hills? Look beyond total elevation gain and consider where the hills occur. A course with climbing early and a faster second half can feel very different from one with significant late-race hills.

Time of Year
Spring races typically mean winter training, while fall marathons require much of your longest training to happen during the summer.

Race Size & Atmosphere
Some runners love big-city races. Others prefer a smaller race where spectators, volunteers and runners create a more personal race-day atmosphere.

Boston Qualification
If Boston is your goal, make sure you're choosing an eligible certified marathon course—and understand the current B.A.A. qualification and registration requirements.

Race Weekend Experience
Think beyond 26.2. Multiple race distances, kids' events, an expo, spectator opportunities and a downtown finish can make a marathon into a weekend for your entire family or running group.

Eau Claire Marathon — Eau Claire, Wisconsin

The Biggest Small-Town Race in the U.S.

If you're looking for a spring marathon in Wisconsin, come experience 26.2 miles through Eau Claire.

The Eau Claire Marathon takes place Sunday, May 2, 2027 and is run on a USATF-certified Boston qualifying course.

The course features approximately 611 feet of elevation gain, with its most noticeable hills around miles 5, 12 and 15. After the final significant climb, runners can look forward to a net-down second half on the way toward the finish.

Along the course, runners cross nine bridges over the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers, travel through neighborhoods and riverfront areas, experience the energy of the Blugold Mile at UW–Eau Claire, and finish in downtown Eau Claire.

But Eau Claire Marathon Weekend is about more than 26.2.

The weekend also includes the Eau Claire Half Marathon, four-person Marathon Relay, 10K, 5K and Cheri Uelmen's Fantastically Fun Kids' Run, giving runners, families and groups plenty of ways to be part of race weekend.

EXPLORE THE EAU CLAIRE MARATHON

VIEW COURSE MAP & ELEVATION

REGISTER FOR 2027

Wisconsin Marathon FAQs

Are there marathons in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin hosts marathons throughout the spring, summer and fall in communities across the state. Race experiences range from urban marathons and lakefront courses to smaller community and destination events.

Are there spring marathons in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin has several spring marathons, particularly during April and May. In 2027, the Milwaukee Marathon is scheduled for April 10, the Wisconsin Marathon in Kenosha for April 24, and the Eau Claire Marathon for May 2.

Are there Boston qualifying marathons in Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin has multiple marathons with Boston-qualifying courses. Runners should confirm the current certification and eligibility of a particular course before registering if Boston qualification is their goal.

Is the Eau Claire Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. The Eau Claire Marathon is run on a USATF-certified course and is an official Boston Marathon qualifying race.

Remember that achieving a Boston qualifying standard does not automatically guarantee acceptance into the Boston Marathon. The B.A.A.'s registration and selection requirements still apply. Boston Athletic Association

Is the Eau Claire Marathon hilly?

The Eau Claire Marathon is best described as a rolling course. It features approximately 611 feet of elevation gain, with the most noticeable hills around miles 5, 12 and 15. The entire second half is net-down, helping set up a faster finish through UW–Eau Claire and downtown Eau Claire.

When is the Eau Claire Marathon in 2027?

The 2027 Eau Claire Marathon is Sunday, May 2, 2027, with Eau Claire Marathon Weekend taking place May 1–2 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

What races are offered during Eau Claire Marathon Weekend?

Eau Claire Marathon Weekend includes the Marathon, Half Marathon, four-person Marathon Relay, 10K, 5K and Kids' Run. There are also competitive walking opportunities.

Ready to Run Eau Claire?

26.2 miles. Nine bridges. One unforgettable finish.

Join us May 1–2, 2027 for Eau Claire Marathon Weekend and experience why runners return to Eau Claire year after year.

REGISTER FOR 2027

EXPLORE EAU CLAIRE MARATHON WEEKEND