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Marathon Details - La Crosse Fitness Festival

North America Marathons > USA > WI > La Crosse > La Crosse Fitness Festival

La Crosse Fitness Festival

La Crosse Fitness Festival & Half Marathon, Relay, 5K

La Crosse, WI USA

May 4, 2013

http://www.lacrossefitnessfestival.com

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Marathon Results

By Year:

2011 2010 2009 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

The race starts by crossing the Cass Street Bridge over the Mississippi River. The course then heads over to South Side of lacrosse. The half marathon ends at Myrick Park. The full marathon continues on to the North side of La Crosse, also ending at Myrick Park.

Contact Information

Name:	Jay Odegaard
Address:	400 La Crosse St La Crosse WI 54601
Phone Number:	608-789-7593
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (10)

Course 3.7

Organization 4.1

Spectators 3.9

Write a review

Number of comments: 10

John Gorvin from Boston (5/8/2012) "this race has good potential" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 this could have been a good race, but unfortunately the race director cancelled the marathon (but allowed the half to proceed) because of some early thunder and lightning (which then passed and didnt return) - the radar we looked at from hotel on race morning showed clearing skies - if it is safe to start one race it is safe to start both, and then if bad weather returns stop the races...they cancelled this at 5:30 AM and didnt wait to see what actually happened - a hasty decision...
John Rankin from Auburn, WA (5/8/2010) "A great, little, Midwest, marathon gem" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Starting with a great sunrise crossing of the Mississippi, looping through downtown, and then winding along neighborhood streets made for a fun and energizing first half. The second half was much quieter on those long stretches, but for me that's just one of the challenges of this distance. The two short, wooded, paved trail sections were a nice touch too.... Along every mile we had great volunteers support and truly enthusiastic locals cheering us on. Great job, La Crosse! Aid stations were well stocked (full strength Gatorade) and well organized. The much anticipated heat/humidity did not materialize, so we all lucked out, but this could easily have been a scorcher - perhaps with a couple of races under its belt, the LFF might consider an earlier start time in future? Loved the town and the local warmth, so this is one race I will probably return to again. Once again, great job, guys.
S. G. from Milwaukee WI (5/5/2010) "good run" (about: 2010) 2 previous marathons \| 2 La Crosse Fitness Festivals COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran the LaCrosse Marathon both years and I've enjoyed it a lot. A few notes: The mile 2 marker was way off (unless I ran mile 2 in 5:36). Also, the shirts were sized too small. I've only run 2 marathons and both have been in LaCrosse, so it's my marathoning home. Keep up the good work!
G. H. from Kansas (5/4/2010) "Excellent Course!!" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The course was well laid out and allowed runners to get a taste of La Crosse without a lot of pain. Mile 2 was mis-marked. Front-loading of the runners into the start area caused slower runners to be in the front, and they were difficult to dodge at the start. Would like to have an opportunity to buy a cotton t-shirt with the marathon logo. This race needs an earlier start for the marathoners to avoid heat problems later. Aid stations were fully staffed and pleasant. I do question why the half marathoners got the same size of medal as the marathoners. Increase the size of the medal for the 300 marathoners.
D. A. from Chicago, IL (5/3/2010) "Enjoyed it; would recommend it to others." (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race had several things going for it. Logistically, it was very easy to navigate. There was ample parking at the expo and on race day near the shuttles. Shuttles that took you to the start were on time and there were plenty available. It's a smaller race, so there are only short lines for port-a-potties before the race - nice. All mile markers were easy to find. Volunteers were extremely friendly. Splits were not called out (that's a con). Finish area was well organized and for runners only. There were plenty of spectators in the neighborhoods keeping you interested. Course marshals were concerned about runner safety. Plus, the course was beautiful, and we were lucky with our race-day weather. A really well put-together race for its size.
A. F. from Wisconsin (5/3/2010) "This is a nice half marathon course, but..." (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This is not a great full marathon course. It seemed like the course was designed for half marathoners and then the second half was tacked on just for the sake of having a full. Very nice first half: downtown a bit, tree-lined residential streets, people cheering on front lawns. And then after the half runners split to finish, the full runners are left with an industrial park?! And very few spectators. That was harsh and you knew you were destined for the same route coming back (including the viaducts/bridges). There were 3-4 miles on a bike path, which was nice, but it was like a training run - no spectators and very few participants. The last couple of miles (Lang St., I think) took place on a busy road - lots of vehicle exhaust. They had a good supply of fluids for runners throughout, and they did offer fruit, but I think there were only two gel stations. If you use gels, BRING YOUR OWN since they are sparsely located and near the end. The medals were nice and so were the long-sleeved tees, although I prefer to get them at the finish rather than at the expo. I know it's just the second year and I hope things improve, but I think LaCrosse needs to find a much better course for the last half of the full or they should only offer the half marathon.
J. K. from Circle Pines, MN (9/29/2009) "Great first-time marathon and venue" (about: 2008) First Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Since going to school at the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse, this was one race that I was not going to miss. I thought it was organized very well and the fan support for the first 13 was great. My only issue would probably be all of the twists and turns through the first 13; otherwise, the course was great, with great traffic control (considering that it went through quite a bit of town). I will definitely run this again next year.
J. S. from Minneapolis, MN (5/6/2009) "Well done for their first time" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran the first ever La Crosse Marathon and was very impressed with the organization specifically, and the race in general. The expo was small, but had everything you needed, and the water stations were extremely well-stocked. I'm a 6hr marathoner, and not only did the last aid stations still have Gatorade, but they even had fresh fruit left, which was a pleasant surprise. My biggest complaint was that the marathoners had to run past the finish line at mile 13--kind of a cruel trick! There were many volunteers welcoming me to the finish line and saying "you're all done!" even though I had half the race left. My suggestion would be to turn the half-marathoners off even a block or two earlier and wind the marathon around so we don't have to run right past the finish. The volunteers were great, as was the weather, and the finishers' shirt was FABULOUS, although I think you should hand out finisher' shirts only at the finish line and not in race packets. The entire race was well-staffed. I would definitely recommend this race to anyone looking for a good small-ish race.
D. S. from Cedar Rapids, Iowa (5/5/2009) "The La Crosse Marathon is worth running!!" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The La Crosse Marathon was a blast to run. I loved running across the bridge. It was a very scenic route with lots of spectators (until you hit mile 14, when they dropped off). I received my PR at this race. The shirt and medal were nothing special. I do wish there was GU offered sooner than mile 17. The after party was great! In all, I recommend this marathon!
G. B. from Wisconsin (5/4/2009) "not flat" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 For a first marathon, it was pretty well organized. They need to change the location of the pre-race gathering, and where they put the porta-potties. I thought that the water stations were too far apart, but I spoke to two other runners and they did not share the same belief. It's not a hilly course, but for those who have to work to qualify for Boston, it might be more of a trainer. I gave 4 stars for organization because of the distance between water stations; other than that, I thought, for their first marathon, they did a good job. Thanks to all the volunteers and spectators who were out there helping us through. I gave only 3 stars for the small numbers - not for their enthusiasm. It's a nice course for friends/family to get around on and see you multiple times.



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John Gorvin from Boston (5/8/2012) "this race has good potential" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 this could have been a good race, but unfortunately the race director cancelled the marathon (but allowed the half to proceed) because of some early thunder and lightning (which then passed and didnt return) - the radar we looked at from hotel on race morning showed clearing skies - if it is safe to start one race it is safe to start both, and then if bad weather returns stop the races...they cancelled this at 5:30 AM and didnt wait to see what actually happened - a hasty decision...
John Rankin from Auburn, WA (5/8/2010) "A great, little, Midwest, marathon gem" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Starting with a great sunrise crossing of the Mississippi, looping through downtown, and then winding along neighborhood streets made for a fun and energizing first half. The second half was much quieter on those long stretches, but for me that's just one of the challenges of this distance. The two short, wooded, paved trail sections were a nice touch too.... Along every mile we had great volunteers support and truly enthusiastic locals cheering us on. Great job, La Crosse! Aid stations were well stocked (full strength Gatorade) and well organized. The much anticipated heat/humidity did not materialize, so we all lucked out, but this could easily have been a scorcher - perhaps with a couple of races under its belt, the LFF might consider an earlier start time in future? Loved the town and the local warmth, so this is one race I will probably return to again. Once again, great job, guys.
S. G. from Milwaukee WI (5/5/2010) "good run" (about: 2010) 2 previous marathons \| 2 La Crosse Fitness Festivals COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran the LaCrosse Marathon both years and I've enjoyed it a lot. A few notes: The mile 2 marker was way off (unless I ran mile 2 in 5:36). Also, the shirts were sized too small. I've only run 2 marathons and both have been in LaCrosse, so it's my marathoning home. Keep up the good work!
G. H. from Kansas (5/4/2010) "Excellent Course!!" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The course was well laid out and allowed runners to get a taste of La Crosse without a lot of pain. Mile 2 was mis-marked. Front-loading of the runners into the start area caused slower runners to be in the front, and they were difficult to dodge at the start. Would like to have an opportunity to buy a cotton t-shirt with the marathon logo. This race needs an earlier start for the marathoners to avoid heat problems later. Aid stations were fully staffed and pleasant. I do question why the half marathoners got the same size of medal as the marathoners. Increase the size of the medal for the 300 marathoners.
D. A. from Chicago, IL (5/3/2010) "Enjoyed it; would recommend it to others." (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race had several things going for it. Logistically, it was very easy to navigate. There was ample parking at the expo and on race day near the shuttles. Shuttles that took you to the start were on time and there were plenty available. It's a smaller race, so there are only short lines for port-a-potties before the race - nice. All mile markers were easy to find. Volunteers were extremely friendly. Splits were not called out (that's a con). Finish area was well organized and for runners only. There were plenty of spectators in the neighborhoods keeping you interested. Course marshals were concerned about runner safety. Plus, the course was beautiful, and we were lucky with our race-day weather. A really well put-together race for its size.
A. F. from Wisconsin (5/3/2010) "This is a nice half marathon course, but..." (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This is not a great full marathon course. It seemed like the course was designed for half marathoners and then the second half was tacked on just for the sake of having a full. Very nice first half: downtown a bit, tree-lined residential streets, people cheering on front lawns. And then after the half runners split to finish, the full runners are left with an industrial park?! And very few spectators. That was harsh and you knew you were destined for the same route coming back (including the viaducts/bridges). There were 3-4 miles on a bike path, which was nice, but it was like a training run - no spectators and very few participants. The last couple of miles (Lang St., I think) took place on a busy road - lots of vehicle exhaust. They had a good supply of fluids for runners throughout, and they did offer fruit, but I think there were only two gel stations. If you use gels, BRING YOUR OWN since they are sparsely located and near the end. The medals were nice and so were the long-sleeved tees, although I prefer to get them at the finish rather than at the expo. I know it's just the second year and I hope things improve, but I think LaCrosse needs to find a much better course for the last half of the full or they should only offer the half marathon.
J. K. from Circle Pines, MN (9/29/2009) "Great first-time marathon and venue" (about: 2008) First Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Since going to school at the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse, this was one race that I was not going to miss. I thought it was organized very well and the fan support for the first 13 was great. My only issue would probably be all of the twists and turns through the first 13; otherwise, the course was great, with great traffic control (considering that it went through quite a bit of town). I will definitely run this again next year.
J. S. from Minneapolis, MN (5/6/2009) "Well done for their first time" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran the first ever La Crosse Marathon and was very impressed with the organization specifically, and the race in general. The expo was small, but had everything you needed, and the water stations were extremely well-stocked. I'm a 6hr marathoner, and not only did the last aid stations still have Gatorade, but they even had fresh fruit left, which was a pleasant surprise. My biggest complaint was that the marathoners had to run past the finish line at mile 13--kind of a cruel trick! There were many volunteers welcoming me to the finish line and saying "you're all done!" even though I had half the race left. My suggestion would be to turn the half-marathoners off even a block or two earlier and wind the marathon around so we don't have to run right past the finish. The volunteers were great, as was the weather, and the finishers' shirt was FABULOUS, although I think you should hand out finisher' shirts only at the finish line and not in race packets. The entire race was well-staffed. I would definitely recommend this race to anyone looking for a good small-ish race.
D. S. from Cedar Rapids, Iowa (5/5/2009) "The La Crosse Marathon is worth running!!" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The La Crosse Marathon was a blast to run. I loved running across the bridge. It was a very scenic route with lots of spectators (until you hit mile 14, when they dropped off). I received my PR at this race. The shirt and medal were nothing special. I do wish there was GU offered sooner than mile 17. The after party was great! In all, I recommend this marathon!
G. B. from Wisconsin (5/4/2009) "not flat" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 La Crosse Fitness Festival COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 For a first marathon, it was pretty well organized. They need to change the location of the pre-race gathering, and where they put the porta-potties. I thought that the water stations were too far apart, but I spoke to two other runners and they did not share the same belief. It's not a hilly course, but for those who have to work to qualify for Boston, it might be more of a trainer. I gave 4 stars for organization because of the distance between water stations; other than that, I thought, for their first marathon, they did a good job. Thanks to all the volunteers and spectators who were out there helping us through. I gave only 3 stars for the small numbers - not for their enthusiasm. It's a nice course for friends/family to get around on and see you multiple times.

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Marathon Details - La Crosse Fitness Festival