Races Near Me: Upcoming Running Races

It’s more than a 5K. It’s a way to give back. When you lace up for the United Way Turkey Trot, you’re helping put fresh, local food on tables right here in Marathon County. Proceeds from the Turkey Trot support the work of the Hunger Coalition, helping us strengthen our local food system and support our community’s food pantries and partners. Your participation helps make it possible for us to purchase fresh produce directly from local Marathon County farmers and get that produce into the hands of people who need it. Because everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food. 🍅🥕🥬 And the best part? 100% of the money raised stays right here in our community. So whether you run, walk, bring your family, gather your friends, or simply show up on Thanksgiving morning, you’re making a difference. Run for the turkey. Run for your community. Run so everyone has a seat at the table. Join us this Thanksgiving and help us keep our community nourished, one step at a time. 🦃❤️ RACE INFORMATION: Turkey Trot is downtown, with the race starting & ending in the 400 Block! Date: November 26th, 2026 @ 8:30am Registration – September 1st to November 7th: $30.00 November 8th - November 25th: $40.00 Participation is limited, with t-shirt sizes being guaranteed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration will officially sell out at 2,600 runners. NEW THIS YEAR: Turkey Trot Hats for purchase. During your registration, you will have the option to purchase a hat to help support even more local, fresh produce work, right here in our community. Only 500 available. Limited edition! Don't miss out! T-SHIRT & PACKET PICK-UP: Where: The Grand Theater When: Wednesday, November 25th Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm 2026 Race Map - There are no changes to this year's race route. It is the same as last year. Frequently Asked Questions: Q: If I decide not to race after registering, can I get a refund? A: There are no refunds. 100% of your registration fee will be used to continue the food work through the United Way's Hunger Coalition, an initiative of United Way. Q: Can I bring my dog? A: Yes! Your furry friends are welcome to trot with us! We just ask that you clean up after them, keep them on a leash, and line up towards the back of the start line so no doggos get spooked at the race start. Additionally, all dogs must stay outside. No dogs allowed in The Grand Theater. Q: Are strollers allowed? A: Absolutely! We welcome all age levels of Turkey Trotters! If your child is under 8 years old and not expecting a t-shirt, you do not need to register them. However, if you would like your child to have a race bib and t-shirt, registration is required. Q: Can someone pick up my race packet for me? A: Yes! You can send someone to pick up your packet for you if you won't be available during the packet pickup times. This allows for less lines the morning of the race, helping us make sure everyone can start on time. Q: Will you be playing Christmas music the morning of the race again? A: Yes. There was never another option. Q: If I chose to not get a race shirt, where do that money go? A: Great question! If you chose to not get a race shirt, that additional money allows us to spend even more on fresh produce from our local farm partners and give it to people who need it.

Snow Striders is an introductory ski program for kids in grades K4-3rd grades. The program is intended to be fun and get the kids used to being on skis for the enjoyment of our winter. You can use your own equipment or you can use equipment for our rental inventory at no cost. The cost of this program is FREE for club members. There is no non-member rate. If you need to get a family membership, go to our Membership page at https://www.wausaunordic.org/membership and obtain a family membership. To sign your child up for the Snow Striders program, simply click on the Snow Striders sign-up button on this page. If you have multiple children in the program, please sign up all of them as we need their information to make sure we have equipment for them. We are looking for additional help for this program and ask that parents volunteer to help at 2 more more sessions. Parents are also encouraged to help out on the trails and practice area and just need to wear skis or snowshoes. No experience is needed to help. More information will be available later where parent assistance will be needed. If you can help out in any way, click here to access our volunteer availability form. The program runs on Sunday's starting on January 11 and runs for 5 weeks. There are three make-up dates if weather causes us to cancel any of the weeks. Below is the anticipated schedule and make-up dates: 1/10/20271/17/271/24/271/31/272/7/272/14/27 (make-up)2/21/27 (make-up)2/28/27 (make-up)

Flex your athletic and artistic skills during this unique family friendly event at the Nine Mile Forest Recreation Area organized in collaboration with the Wausau Nordic Ski Club, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, and visiting artist Marina Mangubi. Join us for what is truly a unique event that has never been tried anywhere in the world (at least as far as we know)! A painting biathlon! You read that right. You ski for 2k, paint a picture, then ski for final 2k. Winning performance will be based on race time and quality of artwork. The registration is free, but spaces are limited. Event Structure: Participants will ski a 2k sprint to an outdoor painting stadium, where each spot will have an easel set up. While on skis, participants will make quick (15 min) paintings, followed by another 2k loop. The paintings will be judged by a live audience. The winners of each heat will be determined based on their race times and audience scores. All painting supplies, including a backpack kit with a custom 3D-printed palette will be provided free of charge. Ski rentals will be available for participants needing the gear, also free of charge. All levels of skiing and art experience are welcome. Divisions: There will be two broad age groups divided into three heats; ages 16 and over - skate, ages 16 and over - classic, and ages 15 and under - combined skate and classic. Race Times: 10:00 am: Ages 16 and over - Skate10:45 am: Ages 16 and over - Classic11:30 am: Ages 15 and under - Skate and Classic Spectators are also invited to join outdoor and indoor art activities hosted by Museum staff during this free, one-day event. Learn more about resident artist Marina Mangubi by visiting the Woodson Art Museum's website and online events calendar here. This is a free event to participate in, but donations to the Museum are welcome. Visit the Giving Opportunities page here.

Experience the 15th Annual Wausau Marathon! Join us on Sunday, August 23th, 2026, for a wonderful race experience. The Wausau Marathon features a Marathon, Half Marathon, and a free 5K, offering something for every runner. The course takes you over the stunning Wisconsin River and through some of the most scenic parts of the region. Runners from across the country join us each year, making this a truly special community event. The course is USATF certified and can be used as a Boston, Chicago, and New York Marathon qualifier. The cutoff for the Boston Marathon is the middle of September, making the Wausau Marathon one of the last opportunities to qualify for next year's race. 9.5% of our field qualified in 2025!

The Big Bull Falls Grand Fondo is not a race, but rather a chance for riders to challengethemselves while enjoying the ride at their own pace. The routes include scenic, rurallandscapes of Central Wisconsin with three course lengths to choose from – 35, 73, or 101miles. Riders tailor their experiences to their preferences and abilities. There will also be atimed Strava segment in the 101-mile ride, with special awards for top finishers.This fully supported ride includes four rest stops, SAG support, a meal served after the ride, anda Strava-segment award presentation. We have many volunteers who are dedicated to ensuringeveryone has a safe and enjoyable experience from start to finish.In addition, profits from our ride will go to support the Bridge Street Mission and NAMINorthwoods.