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The Eau Claire Half Marathon embodies the local community spirit that brings smaller races to life. 2,000 runners participating in the Half Marathon are supported by the entire community cheering at the race, lining the course with fans. Multiple runners cited the Blugold Mile at mile 10.5 as their favorite part of the course, with over 1,000 students and volunteers from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire showing up to cheer and support the runners.

“The Blugold Mile is something that is like no other race I have ever done.”

While the community support gives the Eau Claire Half Marathon the feel of a larger race, it also maintains all the benefits of being a smaller event. The shuttles to and from the race are plentiful with little wait times, the start area is not overly crowded, there are porta potties aplenty, and more. Runners get a great tour of Eau Claire while on the course, including running over eleven bridges (read: pretty views), and of multiple neighborhoods and towns. To top it off, the race bling is so sweet it earned a nod on our Top 10 Medals and Swag list. This event is a perfect spring gem!