Recreation Events Community Orgs News
E.C. Marathon Takes Reins of Charity Classic, Also Launches ‘hall-EAU-ween 5K’
marathon organizers and Royal Credit Union announce partnership, marathon plans new 5K series
McKenna Scherer, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
The Eau Claire Marathon, Wisconsin’s premier spring race, has been recognized as the best marathon and half marathon in the state more than once. This October, its organizers are launching the first of several seasonal themed 5K races – the hall-EAU-ween 5K – and recently shared plans to host next spring’s 10K Charity Classic Race, which was previously overseen by the Royal Credit Union Foundation.
The new 5K Race Series will kick off with the hall-EAU-ween 5K on Friday, Oct. 25, at 6:30pm. Thanks to community interest, folks can expect three more themed 5K events as part of the series: the ho-hEAU-ho 5K on Dec. 14; xoxEAU 5K on Feb. 15, 2025; and the fEAUrth of July 5K on July 4, 2025.
Eau Claire Marathon participants are likely to recall the 2021 Bridge2Bridge night run, held in lieu of the traditional race weekend due to the ongoing pandemic. Since then folks have continued to ask organizers if it would ever come back, director of operations Heather Market-Sullivan said. Thus, organizers created the 5K Race Series to offer more run/walk events throughout the year.
The nighttime hall-EAU-ween 5K encourages participants to dress up in their Halloween best, and costume prizes will be awarded in various categories. “There will be familiar, friendly, and slightly spooky characters on the course,” Market-Sullivan said. “Costumes are allowed and encouraged for our participants and volunteers, but certainly not required.”
All participants in this October’s 5K will receive a hall-EAU-ween stainless steel tumbler and finisher medal. Registration is now open online, $35/person or $25/person for ages 12 and under.
The Eau Claire Marathon Charity Classic 10K Presented by Royal Credit Union
Eau Claire Marathon and Royal Credit Union also announced a partnership that will transition the RCU Foundation’s Rock the Riverfront Charity Classic 10K to the Eau Claire Marathon beginning this spring.
The news, shared on Thursday, Sept. 5, also notes the 10K’s new title: The Eau Claire Marathon Charity Classic 10K. Included in the agreement is the RCU Foundation’s pledge of $15,000 to area nonprofits that will continue to benefit from the race. Marathon and RCU Foundation members will select the recipients of the 2025 Charity Classic 10K this October, and members of the public will be able to cast votes by registering for the event.
"Eau Claire Marathon organizers have built an amazing event that provides so much value to our community including economic benefits, tourism, and the opportunity to showcase our beautiful region to thousands of participants, volunteers, and spectators,” said Brandon Riechers, Royal Credit Union president and CEO. “Royal Credit Union is proud to have our name associated with such an impactful event.”
Read the full announcement from Royal Credit Union and Eau Claire Marathon online.
Register for the hall-EAU-ween 5K, slated for Oct. 25 at 6:30pm, online • Register for the Eau Claire Marathon Charity Classic 10K, slated for April 26, 2025, online • Learn more about Eau Claire Marathon online
