I had finally decided to run the Eau Claire marathon in May and stay with my aunt so I could catch up with family. Just logged in to get registered to find out THEY AREN'T HAVING THE RACE ANYMORE. Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!?!? Damnit.
I think Fargo is my next plan. Or maybe Michigan. Or maybe I just need to train for the full here - the downhill one that approximately a billion people run fast on. Redemption plan? Ugh. Back to the drawing board.
After five years of a successful event, the race directors have decided that for a variety of reasons this is the best plan of action.
This event began in 2008, as a means to raise funds that would assist in building a new YMCA for the Eau Claire community. "The experience within the community has been rewarding. Together with our amazing sponsors, we have been able to raise over $120,000," said Race Director, Karen Drechsel. YMCA Executive Director, Ken Van Es, explained that "the funds raised from this event were substantial and put into the YMCA's new building fund."
It reads like they raised enough money to build the building, so they're done. But it's clearly just taking off, so why wouldn't you just find a new organization to benefit?
Post by keweenawlove on Nov 15, 2013 9:17:29 GMT -5
Did you look into Green Bay at all? It's in May. I don't know what the drive is but it seems like it should be close-ish to Eau Claire. You get to run through Lambaeu Field at the end which is pretty cool.
Green Bay is not close to Eau Claire at all, but if you are interested in driving to the other side of the state for any reason I would also recommend Kenosha (also May). Great course, great size, beautiful scenery.
Madison also has (or at least used to) a marathon/half marathon in May. Memorial Day weekend, IIRC. Followed by a bratwurst festival No idea if that race is still around, but I ran the half twice and enjoyed the course (and the town-I'm biased because I love Madison in general).