Fox Cities Marathon Weekend

Planning to race in the Community First Fox Cities Marathon?

We can't wait to welcome all the participants, families, and fans to our community!

As the countdown to the race continues, we encourage you to check out this resource page to make sure your time in the Fox Cities is well spent on and off the course. Bring your families, bring your fans, and create a memorable weekend for all with original dining, recreational, and cultural experiences only found in the Fox Cities.

Welcome To The Fox Cities!

2026 Marathon Details

Dates: September 18-20
Race options: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Half Marathon Competitive Walk, Relay, 10K, 5K, Kids Fun Run, Diaper Dash & Toddler Trot
Registration: Click here to register

For full race details, training tips, sponsorship opportunities, and so much more, visit the Community First Fox Cities Marathon website at https://foxcitiesmarathon.org/

Accommodations

Turn race day into race weekend by booking a night or two at one of our many amazing hotels. Click here to view our lodging options. From hotels with waterparks to charming B&Bs, we've got it all!

Dining

Fuel up for your time in the Fox Cities with plenty of dining options for everyone to enjoy. Kickstart your morning at one of our many locally owned coffee shops, such as Acoca Coffee or Seth's Coffee and Bake Shop, and fill the rest of your day with options ranging from fresh local fare, to globally-inspired cuisine, to regional classics. If you're looking for a meal on the lighter side, Snaps and Bona Fide Juicery are favorites for their wide variety of health food options.

View a full restaurant listing here.

Seths Coffee and Bake Shop

Shopping

Vibrant, walkable downtowns are scattered throughout our various communities and provide some of the best shopping Wisconsin has to offer. From eclectic boutiques and locally owned gift shops to specialty restaurants and art galleries, be awed by the treasures you can find in the downtowns of Neenah, Menasha, and Appleton.

For a collection of larger retailers, 130+ to be specific, the Fox River Mall is the place to be. Scheels is a must stop for all sports enthusiasts as it boasts Wisconsin's largest selection of top-brand athletic apparel, hunting, fishing, and outdoor sports gear.

See here for a comprehensive list of Fox Cities stores.

Downtown Neenah

Family Friendly Activities

If your family is tagging along for race weekend, there are plenty of activities and events to keep everyone occupied before and after the big day.

Trails and nature preserves:

Explore the great outdoors with a trip to one of our many nature preserves or trails, such as Loop the Lake, High Cliff State Park, and Bubolz Nature Preserve.

Museums and art:

Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass and Atlas Science Center offer hands-on learning experiences and classes for both the young ones and the young at heart.

Indoor play areas:

Burn off steam with arcade games and laser tag at Badger Sports Park or let the imagination run wild at the Building for Kids Children's Museum.

Loop The Lake

For the Couples

Thinking about planning a couple's getaway in the next few months? Race weekend in the Fox Cities is the perfect opportunity!

CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel and Spa is an award winning boutique hotel featuring exceptional dining at RYE, spa offerings at Spa BenMarNicos, and elegant suites that are sure to impress. CopperLeaf's warm and inviting atmosphere is the best compliment to the hustle and bustle of race weekend, guaranteed to provide you and your loved one the relaxing getaway you deserve.

Community Events

The Fox Cities are brimming with community events for the whole family to enjoy, such as the Saturday farmers markets listed below. Stay up to date with our events calendar - constantly updated to show the latest and greatest happenings in the Fox Cities.

Downtown Appleton Farm Market - College Avenue (Appleton St. to Drew St.)

Future Neenah Farmers Market - Shattuck Park, 8 am - Noon

Appleton Farm Market

For any other questions or information requests, give us a call or stop by and see us at the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau visitor center. We are happy to chat with you and provide additional recommendations and ideas for things to do and places to go based on your interests.

For a complimentary copy of the Fox Cities Destination Guide, click here.

Header image credit to Graham Images