February Course Connection 2025 👟

FEBRUARY 2026

Big year. Even Bigger Celebration.

We're turning 35, and we want YOU on the course!

Lace up and join the anniversary fun this fall. We have a race for every pace.

It's more than a phrase

—it’s a celebration of the places that have shaped you, the people who cheer you on, and the community that carries you forward.

As we mark 35 years of the Community First Fox Cities Marathon, it also honors the deep community roots of places and people that have shaped us and you.

Introducing Our

2026 Limited Edition “Run Where You Are Rooted” shirt

— a design inspired by the strength of community, and the miles that connect us all.

Order your limited-edition anniversary shirt with your registration and together we will celebrate where we both started, how far we’ve both come, and the miles still ahead.

Let’s make 2026 unforgettable — see you on the course!

Registration Opened with a Bang!

On January 15, registration for the 2026 Community First Fox Cities Marathon

opened — and the energy was immediate.

Runners are already joining us from: Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Florida, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and more!

Whether you're chasing a PR, running your first 5K, or gathering your relay team, there’s a place for you at the starting line. You better hurry, Early bird prices end March 1. Register now to secure the best price of the season.

Plus: Run together & Save together

After you register, you’ll receive a personalized referral link.

Here’s how it works:

• Share your unique link with friends and family

• When 5 people register using your link, we’ll automatically refund up to $15 on your registration

• Valid for: 5K, 10K, Full Marathon, Relay, Half Marathon & Competitive Walk Half Marathon

There’s nothing better than seeing familiar faces on the course — and getting rewarded for it!

Partner With Us

The Fox Cities Marathon isn’t just a race — it’s a regional celebration drawing thousands of participants and spectators.

We have sponsorship opportunities available for 2026. Partnering with us means:

• Brand visibility across multiple communities

• Direct engagement with active, community-minded participants

• Meaningful connection through health, wellness, and philanthropy

• Year-long exposure through digital, social, and event marketing

Open opportunities are available — we’d love to build something impactful together.

Sponsorships are still available for the 2026 weekend of events! Contact us to get involved.

LEARN MORE

Participant Benefit Spotlight: Course Support

One of the most talked-about race experiences? Our incredible on-course support.

Participants are fueled by Gatorade, the Official Sports Beverage, and water at strategically placed stations to keep you strong from start to finish.

Many stations bring themes, costumes, music, and high-energy cheering sections — making every mile memorable. Its community support at its best.

This isn’t just hydration — it’s motivation.

Legacy Runner Club

At 65, retired process engineer Jeff Alderton isn’t just a runner—he’s a "purist" with a remarkable streak. Since the very first Community First Fox Cities Marathon (FCM) in 1991, Jeff has crossed the finish line every single year—including the virtual race of 2020.

The Early Years: Lessons in Grit

Jeff didn't start as an elite athlete. His first FCM in 1991 was spurred by a coworker’s dare. With no formal training, his IT band "blew up," forcing him to walk the final four miles. The following year, he almost called it quits when the course passed just a block from his house.

"I literally took a step down my road," Jeff recalls, "but thought: I didn't come this far to quit." He finished, and that moment sparked a mission to see exactly what he was capable of.

Key Milestones

The Sub-3 Hour Goal: In 2001, at age 40, Jeff broke the 3-hour barrier with a PR of 2:59:18, finishing 19th overall.
The Achilles Save: During his 15th year, a strained Achilles forced him to stop on a curb, wrap his leg, and "shuffle" to the finish. He notes he wouldn't have pushed that hard for any other race—it was all about keeping the streak alive.
Future Vision: Jeff aims to run a sub-5-hour marathon at age 80, with a long-term goal of making the 50th Fox Cities Marathon his 100th career marathon.

Advice for the Next Generation

For those tackling their first 26.2, Jeff emphasizes smart strategy over raw speed:

Use a Run/Walk Strategy: Taking 1-minute walk breaks early on saves your legs so you can actually run the final miles.
Trust the Pace Groups: They prevent the common mistake of starting too fast.
Embrace the Day: "The hard work is already done. Enjoy the moment!"

Why the Fox Cities Marathon?

For Jeff, the FCM is about more than just a race; it’s about the "hometown feel" and the fitness culture it has built in Appleton. From the spectator support to the evolving trail systems—like the CE trail—the marathon has become a centerpiece of his life and health.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Full Marathon

26.2 miles. Eight communities. One unforgettable day. Where it all began 35 years ago.

The Full Marathon showcases the very best of the Fox Cities, guiding runners through scenic neighborhoods, quite countrysides, and beautiful community spaces — including trails and views of the Fox River that define our region.

This flat and fast course provides participant support with porta potties at all 20 hydration stations, along with roaming medical and placed medical tents. A day not to forget!

And right now?

Get best price of the season.

Learn More

START SHOPPING

Winter miles are building summer strength.

Gear up with our winter running must-haves:

• Pom pom hats

• Performance layers

• Cozy hoodies

• Fox Cities Marathon branded favorites

Course Spotlight:

The Trails

Both our Saturday and Sunday events highlight one of our region’s greatest assets — our beautiful trail systems.

Runners also experience tree-lined routes and river views that make every mile feel connected to something bigger. For the full marathon, 30% of this course are on paved trails and cross the longest pedestrian bridge in Wisconsin.

These trails are more than race routes — they’re everyday spaces that encourage movement, wellness, and community connection year-round.

Community Impact:

Fox Cities Greenways

We’re proud to donate race proceeds to help Fox Cites Greenways to protect and enhance the trail system we run on.

“For Fox Cities Greenways, being part of Fox Cities Marathon is a natural extension of our mission. The event highlights the value of accessible trails and outdoor spaces that inspire people to move, explore, and allow active living and community connection within the Fox Cities region.”

— Dennis Kittel, President, Fox Cities Greenways

Together, we continue building a community that moves forward — one mile at a time.

NEVER MISS AN UPDATE

Connect with us for all the latest updates from training and travel plans, to race calendars and upcoming events.

COMMUNITY FIRST FOX CITIES MARATHON | INFO@FOXCITIESMARATHON.ORG | 920-882-9499