How do I register for the Fox Cities Marathon?

Registration is open entry through RunSignup. There's no lottery or qualifying standard required. Sign up early, as the race closes when the field fills or the registration deadline is reached.

Is the Fox Cities Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, it is a certified Boston qualifier. The net downhill, point-to-point profile makes it a reasonable course for a BQ attempt if you're fit and pace it well.

What is the time limit for the race?

The time limit is 7 hours, which gives a wide range of runners a comfortable window to finish.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course is net downhill, with slightly more loss than gain over the full distance. Elevation change is spread evenly rather than concentrated in one section, so there's no single killer hill. The first half carries the higher ground, and the back half trends gently down.

How big is the field?

The field is on the smaller side, with recent finisher counts in the low hundreds. That means a relaxed start and uncrowded aid stations throughout.

What should I expect from the weather in September?

Race morning typically starts in the low 50s and climbs into the upper 60s by midday. Conditions usually favor a solid effort, though humidity can be a factor. Bring a throwaway layer for the start and plan your hydration early.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, the course is USATF certified, so your finishing time is valid for Boston qualification and other official purposes.

Sun, Sep 20 · 2026Appleton, WISince 1992

Community First Fox Cities Marathon

The Fox Cities Marathon runs point to point through the Fox River Valley, with a net downhill profile and open roads that give you every chance to run your best. It's a no-frills, well-organized race where the course does most of the work.

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COMMUNITY FIRST FOX CITIES · US

Community First Fox Cities

SUN, SEP 20

2026

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Race Overview

EST. 1992

Fox Cities is a point-to-point that runs from Menasha down to Neenah, and the whole thing stays flat enough that you can actually race it rather than just survive it. The net elevation is slightly downhill, which helps, but the course doesn't give you a long sustained drop to coast on. It's honest work. You'll run through small-city streets and along the Fox River, and the crowds are friendly without being overwhelming. This is a race where you can actually hear your own breathing, which some people love and some people find tough. Be patient in the first half even if your legs feel good.

It's a smaller field, which means no big-city crush at the start and plenty of room to find your rhythm early. September in Wisconsin can be perfect running weather, but it can also turn warm by the back half, so don't skip the water stops. The shuttle handles the point-to-point logistics, so you're not scrambling to coordinate a car. If you're chasing a Boston qualifier, this course gives you a real shot. Registration is open, so the main thing is just not waiting too long.

Field size

~543

543 finishers

BQ rate

3%

Below national average

Time limit

7:00

Generous cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:15:52

Eric Morrison

1995

Women

2:38:16

Simona Staicu

2002

The Course

364 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑364 ft

Total descent

↓455 ft

Net elevation

↓91 ft

Highest point

824 ft

Lowest point

689 ft

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

This point-to-point course runs from Menasha to Neenah with a net loss of around 90 feet, so gravity is mildly in your favor. Total gain is modest and spread across the full distance rather than concentrated in any single climb, which keeps the effort even. The highest ground comes in the first half, meaning the back half trends slightly downward. No significant technical sections or sharp turns are noted. The relatively low elevation ceiling keeps exposure manageable. For PR chasers, the profile rewards even-effort pacing from the gun rather than banking time early. The second half is where the course gives back what the first half asks.

DIFFICULTYFLATPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

51°F

High

68°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

September in the Fox River Valley usually means a cool morning at the gun and comfortable temps through the middle miles. You'll likely start in the low-to-mid 50s and warm into the upper 60s by the time you're finishing. That's a reasonable window for a fast effort, but the afternoon warmth can stack up if you go out too hard. Bring a throwaway layer for the Menasha start and plan to ditch it early. Humidity can vary, so check the forecast in the days before and hydrate steadily from mile one if it looks muggy.

Entry

OPEN

Online registration through RunSignup with open entry. Standard entry deadlines apply; registration closes when field is full or race deadline is reached.

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