Wausau Marathon presented by Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg

Experience the 15th Annual Wausau Marathon!

Join us on Sunday, August 23th, 2026, for a wonderful race experience. The Wausau Marathon by Ho-Chunk Wittenberg features a Marathon, Half Marathon, and a free 5K, offering something for every runner.

The course takes you over the stunning Wisconsin River and through some of the most scenic parts of the region. Runners from across the country join us each year, making this a truly special community event.

The course is USATF certified and can be used as a Boston, Chicago, and New York Marathon qualifier. The cutoff for the Boston Marathon is the middle of September, making the Wausau Marathon one of the last opportunities to qualify for next year's race. 9.5% of our field qualified in 2025!

Race Director: Scott Smith

Scott grew up in a town of 800 in southwestern, Wisconsin and has strong ties to Marathon County, dating back to 2013. He is a long-time endurance athlete; Scott has completed 11 full / half Ironman triathlons and numerous marathons, including the Boston Marathon (2x). Scott finds fulfillment through community engagement and dedicates his time to various community-based foundations and organizations in the Midwest. 

Community Liaison: Patrick Meverden

Patrick is a Wausau native and still calls it home today. He is a husband and father of two who works locally in a sales role at Finishing Touch Signs. He's heavily involved in the community, supporting youth sports and coaching JV baseball at Wausau West. He's passionate about helping expand the Wausau Marathon and building excitement around it in the city. 

Assistant Race Director: Anna Hundt Golden

Anna brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role with the Wausau Marathon. She is an accomplished endurance athlete, completing multiple 70.3 triathlons as well as being a 5x Boston Marathon finisher. She also has extensive experience in community organizing and puts those skills to use as a volunteer for non-profit organizations from Chicago to Wausau. 

Full Marathon Course Link                 -                Strava Link

This course begins in Marathon Park in Wausau, you will run through the surrounding communities of Schofield, Weston, Rothschild, and Rib Mountain before returning to Marathon Park. Runners will have the unique experience of crossing the Wisconsin River three times on this route. It is gently rolling, with the most substantial climb coming just before mile 5. The course offers a great opportunity for a PR and one of the final opportunities to qualify for the Boston Marathon, before the September cutoff.  USATF # WI24016DM

Half Marathon Course Link               -                 Strava Link

The route takes runners across the Wisconsin River and to the northern point of the beautiful Riverlife trail before sending runners south on River Dr and then back on to the southern portion of the Riverlife trail. Runners will then travel along Forest Avenue before heading south to the Marathon County Sports Complex, the hilliest portion of the course. Runners will exit the sports complex and briefly head north before heading west across the Wisconsin River again, this time on the Thomas St bridge. The closing section of the course will take participants down Sherman Ave to 17th Ave where they will merge with the marathon course. Marathon Park will be in sight at this stage, a right on Stewart Ave will bring runners back to the entrance of Marathon Park and a nice downhill finish to complete the course! USATF # WI24015DM

5K Course Link

The 5k course begins and ends in Marathon Park. Runners will travel around the interior roads of Marathon Park before exiting to the south. You will turn around on 6th Ave and return to the park the same way you left. There will be one aid station on this route. 

Q: I have a question, who do I contact?

A: You can contact this event by emailing wausaumarathon@gmail.com. 

Q: Can I use this race to qualify for the Boston, Chicago, and New York Marathons?

A: Yes! The full and half marathon courses are USATF certified and can be used to qualify for any Abbott world major.

Q: Is this course signed and marked accurately?

A: Yes! We have revamped the course marking to ensure the best course marking available!

Q: Why aren't race shirts included in the race fee?

A: The Wausau Marathon is one of the lowest priced marathon and half marathon events in the entire Midwest. Our goal is to keep our event affordable for anyone who wants to participate. In an effort to keep our fees low, we have decided to make the shirts an add on for those who want one. Shirts are offered in gender specific sizing. 

Q: What is the processing fee that shows up when I register?

A: That is a runsignup website fee. That is not a Wausau Marathon fee, and we do not receive any of that money. 

Q: What are the rules and details for the Relay?

A: The Wausau Marathon Relay is back! Teams will be comprised of 2 - 4 members. Exchange locations will be designated on the course. All exchanges must take place inside designated exchange zones. Violators will be subject to disqualification. All teams will receive one race bib that will double as their "baton". We suggest the use of a race belt for ease of transfer between runners. There will be no divisions, just one overall category for 2026, the top 2 teams will receive awards. 

Q: Where can I park on race day?

A: Marathon Park features several small lots. There is also plentiful street parking available in the surrounding neighborhood.

Q: Will there be aid stations?

A: Yes, the full marathon will feature at least 14 aid stations. The half marathon will have 5 aid stations. The 5k will have 1 aid station.

Q: Are there awards?

A: Yes, the male and female overall winners of the full and half marathon will have their names engraved on the Wausau Marathon trophy. The top 3 overall male and female finishers of the marathon and half marathon will receive a prize. The top 3 finishers in each age group will receive a pair of goodr brand sunglasses. The age categories are: 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

Q: What are the race time cutoffs?

A: The full marathon will begin at 6:30am and the course will close at 1:00pm. The half marathon will begin at 7:00am and the course will close at 10:30am. The 5k will begin at 7:15am and the course will close at 8:30am. You will still be allowed to finish if you are on the course after it closes but you will be asked to move off of any roadways and on to the sidewalk. Aid will not be provided after course closure. 

Q: Why does the marathon start at 6:30am?

A: To avoid potentially (uncommon) warmer weather. Morning temperatures are typically in the mid 50s to low 60s and we want to help you take advantage of the cooler temps. Whether you're going for a BQ or trying to beat the time cutoff, the more time in cooler weather, the better. 

Q: Can I edit my registration or change race distance?

A: Yes, you have until the final day of registration, August 15th, to make any changes. No modifications are allowed after August 15th.

Q: What is the refund policy?

A: We do not offer refunds. We do offer deferrals which are be granted on an individual basis. 

Q: Does the Wausau Marathon support any charities?

A: Yes, the Wausau Marathon is a nonprofit event that supports local organizations. In 2025 all proceeds from the Wausau Marathon will benefit the Shannon Marie & Louis Porter Smith Foundation, the Wausau West Cross Country Team, Friends of the Gridiron(Newman), Northern Extreme Athletics and the DC Everest Booster Club.

Q: Are walkers welcome?

A: Yes. Please seed yourself near the back of the starting chute and be aware of course cutoffs.

Q: Is there a gear check?

A: No. We do not offer gear check.

Q: Can a family member or friend cross the finish line with me?

A: Unfortunately, only registered participants may enter the course or finish line chute. This is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants and spectators. Any violators of this policy will be disqualified.

Q: How do I exchange my race shirt?

A: You can only exchange your shirt after the completion of the event, as long as supplies last. 

Q: Is there medical support on the course?

A: Yes, each aid station will have a medical bag for basic and minor injuries. If you are in need of medical support on the course, please reach a volunteer and support will be sent and provided. 

Q: Can I wear headphones?

A: Yes, but PLEASE be aware of your surroundings, including traffic, course signage, and other runners. Anyone unable to meet these standards will be removed from the course. 

Q: When and where is packet pickup?

A: Packet Pickup is TBD for 2026.

Welcome to the Wausau Marathon training plans page brought to you by Sanford Health Marshfield Clinic of Wausau! Whether you're a seasoned runner or lacing up your shoes for the first time, we're thrilled to accompany you on your journey to race day excellence. 

The Half Marathon plans run 12 weeks, and the Full Marathon plans run 16 weeks. 

Wausau Half Marathon Plans

Wausau Half Marathon Plan - Beginner

Wausau Half Marathon Plan - Intermediate

Wausau Half Marathon Plan - Sub 2 hour!

Wausau Marathon Plans

Wausau Marathon Plan - Beginner

Wausau Marathon Plan - Intermediate

Wausau Marathon Plan - Advanced

Wausau Marathon Plan - Sub 4 hour!

**These training plans are not a substitute for professional advice and carry inherent risks of injury. Users must assess their own fitness level and assume personal responsibility for their health & safety while following the plans.**

Welcome to Marathon Co. Runners

This page is the central hub for updates, routes, and all things related to our new running group in Wausau.

Who are the Marathon Co. Runners?
We’re runners, joggers, and walkers from Wausau and the surrounding areas who believe every pace has a place. Whether you’re training for a race or taking your first steps into running, you’ll find encouragement and good company here.

When and where does the group meet?
Our standard locations are either Peak Potential and Performance located at 311 Financial Way, Wausau or at the Pinery Coffee Co located at 300 N 3rd St, Wausau. Check for updates at our Instagram or Facebook pages. 

Is there a designated route?
We’ll have a 3- and 5-mile route with a group leader, but you’re welcome to run, jog, or walk at your own pace. Choose the distance and pace that fits your day. This is about community and support, not competition. We will help organize everyone who is going out at similar paces.  

What happens after the run?
Join us after your run for complimentary coffee and donuts / snacks and some good conversation. Again, our goal is community first. 

Does it cost to join?
No. This is a free, social running group. Our goal is simple: to bring people together, build consistency, and create a space that’s kind, supportive, and open to all.

What if I have a question?

Email us - wausaumarathon@gmail.com

2025 Photos

The 2026 Wausau Marathon and Half Marathon finisher medal is inspired by the unique geographical landmark within Marathon County, Wisconsin. Just west of Wausau, you can visit a rare geographical point where 45 degrees north latitude meets 90 degrees west longitude, one of only four such intersections worldwide. Two of these locations are located on the ocean, one is located in a remote mountainous region in China, leaving the location in Marathon County as the only accessible location. These locations are significant because they are the exact halfway points between the geographical poles and the equator and halfway between the prime meridian and the 180th meridian. When you visit this location, you are halfway to everywhere. Visitors of this site are rewarded with a commemorative coin, which we have tweaked and is represented in the center of our 2026 finisher medals. 

2025 Results

2024 Results

2023 Results

2022 Results

2021 Results

2019 Marathon Results / 2019 Half Marathon Results

2018 Results

2017 Marathon Results / 2017 Half Marathon Results