2027 Festival Foods La Crosse Marathon

The Festival Foods La Crosse Marathon half marathon, now in its 15th edition, draws nearly 700 runners from about 19 states each year. The point-to-point course begins in Sparta and winds through the driftless region's scenic river trails, passing classic rural Wisconsin towns before finishing at Riverside Park in downtown La Crosse. With a net downhill profile and typical race-day temperatures in the 40s to 60s, it's a fast, PR-friendly course.

Hosted by the River City Running Club, a local non-profit, the race gives back over $30,000 annually to community charities like the Outdoor Recreation Alliance. The event feels intimate and community-driven, with about a quarter of runners returning year after year. The long-sleeve T-shirt is a nice keepsake, and the finish-line celebration at the park offers a festive end to the run.