September 5, 2024
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The Eau Claire Marathon announces Royal Credit Union will serve as title sponsor of the Eau Claire Marathon race weekend. The three-year agreement will begin with the 2025 event held April 26-27. “The Biggest Small-Town Race in the US” is expecting 5,000 participants and over 1,000 volunteers. The Eau Claire Marathon was voted Wisconsin’s #1 half marathon (2024) and #1 full marathon (2023) by RaceRaves. Registration for the 2025 event is currently open and more information can be found at www.eauclairemarathon.com.
“Eau Claire Marathon organizers have built an amazing event that provides so much value to our community including economic benefits, tourism, and the opportunity to showcase our beautiful region to thousands of participants, volunteers, and spectators,” said Brandon Riechers, Royal Credit Union President/CEO. “Royal Credit Union is proud to have our name associated with such an impactful event.”
Included in the agreement, the Charity Classic 10K race previously featured at the RCU Foundation’s Rock the Riverfront event will transition to the Eau Claire Marathon weekend of events and will be called the Eau Claire Marathon Charity Classic 10K presented by Royal Credit Union. The RCU Foundation has pledged $15,000 to area non-profit organizations which will be selected on a rotating annual basis to benefit from the event.
“We are proud to welcome Royal Credit Union as title sponsor and presenting sponsor of the 10K Charity Classic during Eau Claire Marathon race weekend,” said Emi Uelmen, Eau Claire Marathon Race Director/Owner. “By combining our 10K events, we’ll highlight RCU’s long standing commitment to charity, enabling us to give back more than ever before. This collaboration will also showcase the best of Eau Claire, benefiting both the city and its vibrant community.”
The Eau Claire Marathon and RCU Foundation are working to select the charities for the 2025 event and will announce the recipients in October. Every 10K registration will include a free charity vote and additional votes can be purchased for $2 each on the race registration website. The charity with the most votes will receive $8,000, second place will receive $5,000, and third will receive $2,000. In addition, charities will be able to earn additional funds through organizing volunteers to work during marathon weekend.
“The Charity Classic has a long, and storied history in this community, and we are proud to continue the tradition through our agreement with the Eau Claire Marathon,” said John Sackett, RCU Foundation President. “The RCU Foundation is proud to continue raise awareness and funds for area non-profit organizations through this incredible event.”
All race participants receive a t-shirt and a finisher medal. If you have questions, contact the Eau Claire Marathon team at info@eauclairemarathon.com.
About Eau Claire Marathon
The Eau Claire Marathon presented by Royal Credit Union features a marathon, marathon relay, half-marathon, 10K Charity Classic, 5K, and kid’s obstacle run. The event attracts 5,000 participants and over 1,000 volunteers and was voted Wisconsin’s #1 half marathon (2024) and #1 full marathon (2023) by RaceRaves. The Eau Claire Marathon has given back $550,000 to over 175 Chippewa Valley organizations and generates an estimated $5.3 million impact on the local economy. For more information, please visit www.eauclairemarathon.com or contact info@eauclairemarathon.com.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 300,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. A complete list of Member eligibility requirements is available on the Royal Credit Union website. To learn more about Royal, visit rcu.org or call 800-341-9911.
About RCU Foundation
The RCU Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2012 to support organizations and initiatives in communities where Royal Credit Union operates in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. The Foundation focuses on large-scale, capital projects that help build community and create the spaces where people come together. Focus areas include education, health, and the arts. Currently, it has awarded more than $10 million in grants. Contact foundation@rcu.org for more information.
