The La Crosse Marathon course winds along the scenic and remote River trails that embody the driftless region. Running from Sparta to La Crosse, passing through classic rural Wisconsin towns, and finishing at the beautiful Riverside Park in downtown La Crosse.
The La Crosse Marathon was the 294th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 269th largest in 2022.
This year 15.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 13.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the La Crosse Marathon the 122nd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 81st highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.77 ranks it as the 53rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest course in Wisconsin.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the La Crosse Marathon a PR Score of 99.77. This PR Score ranks it as the 42nd fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest in Wisconsin.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
La Crosse Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 803 feet (244m) Min Elevation: 631 feet (192m)
I enjoyed running on the trail but if you're one who needs cheering this may not be for you. It is packed dirt/limestone until about mile 21 so be prepared (this site said paved). There were aid stations every 2 miles or so which was nice. This was one of the easiest courses I have run in 12 marathons.
Race Tips
Loved the 6am start to beat the heat. You can drive to the start but not much parking and no way to get back (hubby dropped me off). There isn't much shade so wear sunscreen. Also I'm glad I was wearing shades because between miles 18-21 there were swarms of gnats because the trail is near water. Sounds awful but wasn't that bad! The downhill looks steep on the elevation map but it was a very slight grade and didn't wreck my quads. There are 2 bridges at the end but no bad hills anywhere.
There are several hotels in a short walk to the finish and it was a nice downtown area to stay in. The after party was in a park on the MS river. We flew into and out of Minneapolis and drove to La Crosse which saved a ton on airfare.
KLB's review of 2022 La Crosse Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
For a very small race (~200 participants) the logistics are well handled. Beautiful run along a railroad-turned-bike-path, though there's a nasty mile along the edge of a highway near mile 23 which is soul-crushing after the beauty of the prior miles.
Race Tips
Wear a bandana! There were several spots along the race where I was chocking on gnats that bred in nearby wetlands. Would have given anything for a bandana or face mask to filter them out.
