Eau Claire Marathon

🎉 Meet the 2026-2027 Eau Claire Marathon Ambassadors! 🎉

Another great addition to our Ambassador Team: Malcolm Reineck!

Malcolm is a senior at Eau Claire North High School who ran his first marathon right here in Eau Claire at just 16 years old. Since crossing that finish line, he's been hooked on the sport and is constantly looking for ways to go farther, run faster, and take on new challenges.

For Malcolm, running is about more than miles and finish times. It's about pushing himself mentally, proving what he's capable of, and continuing to chase goals no matter what others may think. Whether it's a new distance, a faster pace, or a bigger challenge, Malcolm is always focused on what's next.

One of the things he loves most about running is seeing the direct result of hard work and dedication. Every training run, workout, and race serves as a reminder that he's capable of more than he ever imagined.

We're excited to have Malcolm representing the Eau Claire Marathon as part of our 2026-2027 Ambassador Team and can't wait to see what challenges he conquers next!

👇 Give Malcolm a warm welcome in the comments!

📲 Follow along on Instagram:

🎉 Meet the 2026-2027 Eau Claire Marathon Ambassadors! 🎉

Next up, we're excited to introduce Staci Moldenhauer!

As a full-time mom of four children under the age of 13 and the wife of a firefighter, Staci knows a thing or two about juggling a busy schedule. In 2023, she started walking simply to carve out a little time for herself. A year later, she decided to give running a try—and it quickly became something she never expected.

Since then, Staci has completed multiple 5Ks and 10Ks, along with four half marathons in a single year. Now, she's taking on her biggest challenge yet as she trains for her first full marathon this October.

One of Staci's favorite parts of her story? She used to think running was kind of dumb! While she always enjoyed watching the sport, she never imagined she'd become a runner herself. Today, she's happiest out on a 10K or 10-mile run and loves seeing where the journey continues to take her.

Staci hopes to inspire others to start where they are, trust the process, and take that first step. You never know where a simple walk—or run—might lead.

We're thrilled to have Staci on our 2026-2027 Ambassador Team and can't wait to follow her marathon journey!

👇 Give Staci a warm welcome in the comments!

Follow along on instagram at::

🎉 Meet the 2026-2027 Eau Claire Marathon Ambassadors! 🎉

Next up, we're excited to introduce Kristen Genet!

Kristen's running journey began after losing her mother to kidney disease and multiple sclerosis. What started as a way to process grief became a lifelong passion and a commitment to living a healthier, more active life.

Since completing her first race—a sprint triathlon with her niece in 2009—Kristen has gone on to complete countless 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons, along with 13 marathons, including the Boston Marathon and the D***y Challenge at Walt Disney World. She has even conquered a 50-mile ultramarathon on the Superior Hiking Trail.
Many of Kristen's races have been dedicated to causes close to her heart, supporting organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Kidney Foundation, Alzheimer's Association, and Mile in My Shoes. Through these experiences, running has become about much more than finish lines—it's become a way to create purpose, connection, and impact.

Today, Kristen shares her love of running by coaching and running with Moms on the Run, helping others discover what they're capable of and encouraging friends and family members to join her on the roads and trails.

Kristen first found the Eau Claire Marathon when her son attended UW–Eau Claire and has returned every year since. One of her favorite parts of race weekend? The energy and excitement of the Blugold Mile!

We're thrilled to have Kristen as part of our 2026-2027 Ambassador Team and can't wait to follow her journey.

👇 Give Kristen a warm welcome in the comments!

Follow along on instagram at:

🎉 Meet the 2026-2027 Eau Claire Marathon Ambassadors! 🎉

Over the next few days, we'll be introducing the incredible runners who will represent the Eau Claire Marathon community as our 2026-2027 Ambassadors. We received so many great applications and can't wait for you to get to know this amazing group!

🏃 First up: Saige Seawright 🏃

Saige is a 22-year-old runner from Wisconsin who has spent most of her life involved in the sport. After competing in track and field for 12 years, she found a new passion for long-distance running while attending UW–Eau Claire.

For Saige, running is much more than training and racing. It's a tool for mental health, stress relief, and personal growth. She loves challenging herself, discovering what she's capable of, and encouraging others to take that first step on their own running journey.

A two-time Eau Claire Half Marathon finisher, Saige is already planning to return in 2027. This fall, she'll take on her first full marathon, with a long-term goal of qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon before she turns 30.

We're excited to have Saige representing the Eau Claire Marathon and helping inspire others to embrace the journey, trust the process, and enjoy the incredible running community around them.

👇 Give Saige a warm welcome in the comments!

Follow her journey: .liftz

Who rang the PR Bell race weekend?! 🔔👏

There’s nothing better than celebrating a new personal record at the finish line of the 💥

Huge thank you to FASTSIGNS for sponsoring the PR Bell and helping runners celebrate those unforgettable finish line moments!

We're excited to announce the beneficiaries of the 2027 Eau Claire Marathon 10K Charity Classic presented by Royal Credit Union!

Congratulations to NAMI Chippewa Valley, NorthLakes Community Clinic, and Trinity EC. These incredible organizations are dedicated to supporting mental health and improving the lives of individuals and families throughout the Chippewa Valley.

Through the RCU Foundation, a total of $15,000 will be awarded to these organizations, with race participants helping determine how the funds are distributed through community voting.

We're proud to support organizations that make a meaningful difference in our communities.

Learn more about the beneficiaries and how you can get involved: https://www.rcu.org/about-royal/news-events/press-releases/2027-charity-classic-beneficiaries-announced

ECM spotted at the Grand Canyon! 🏔️

🎙️ Running ON AIR with Eau Claire Marathon – June Episode Now Available!

A Father, A Daughter, and 13.1 Miles

Sometimes the best race stories start with a simple email.

Before Eau Claire Marathon Weekend, Andrew Barnhardt reached out to the ECM team with a question. His daughter, Hannah, wanted to run the Half Marathon, but at just 10 years old, she wasn't able to register through the standard process.

What followed was an inspiring journey of training, dedication, and family support.
Andrew, a previous Eau Claire Marathon participant, helped Hannah follow a thoughtful training plan focused on consistency, confidence, and enjoying the process. Rather than chasing a specific finish time, the goal was simply to prepare well, have fun, and see what was possible.

On race day, Hannah exceeded everyone's expectations.

Competing in her first race longer than a 5K, she completed the Eau Claire Half Marathon faster than she and her dad ever imagined. More importantly, she crossed the finish line smiling and already talking about what's next.

Now heading into 6th grade, Hannah has her sights set on faster 5Ks, cross country, and continuing her running journey. And yes—she's already planning to return for the Eau Claire Half Marathon next year!

Join us as we talk about:
🏃 How the idea of running a Half Marathon started
🏃 Training as a 10-year-old runner
🏃 The importance of having fun while chasing goals
🏃 Race-day surprises and lessons learned
🏃 What parents can do to help young athletes enjoy the process
🏃 Hannah's future running goals

It's a conversation about family, perseverance, and discovering that you're capable of more than you think.

Sometimes the finish line is just the beginning.

🎧 Listen now!
https://www.eauclairemarathon.com/podcast