On your marks, get set … run! The Eau Claire Marathon returns to Eau Claire Sunday, May 3. Not a runner, you say? Doesn’t matter. From children to adults to volunteers – not to mention cheering spectators – there is a way for anyone interested to participate. The full Eau Claire Marathon, a USTAF-certified, Boston Marathon-qualifying race, will start at 7:30am in Carson Park before heading out into the community and UW-Eau Claire campus, and runners will cross a total of nine bridges between start and finish. Along the way they will pass DJs, bands, and cheer stations all waiting to motivate runners to the finish line. A half marathon following the same scenic route will start at 9:15am, and walkers are encouraged to join. The Eau Claire 5K Run/Walk will follow beginning at 9:30am. On Saturday, May 2, children are welcome to participate in the “Fantastically Fun Kid’s Run” at 6pm in Carson Park. Children ages 2-5 can do a half-mile course, while 5- to 10-year-olds can run or walk the one-mile course. All participants receive a T-shirt, runner’s bib, finisher’s medal, and other goodies. The EC Marathon encourages participants to begin training for the run early, whether planning to run or walk. It may be too late to prep for 26.2 miles now, but there’s always 2016!

Eau Claire Marathon • Sunday, May 3, 7:30am • starts and finishes in Carson Park, Eau Claire • $95 • see website for maps and details, as well as information on Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids’ Run • eauclairemarathon.com