Saturday, September 30, 2023 • La Crosse, WI • Course Map
Note: A virtual option is available for this event. Registration details are included below.
More than 1,200 runners crossed the finish line each year at the annual fall running of La Crosse’s YMCA Maple Leaf Road Races, which will feature a 13.1-mile half marathon, 5-mile run, a 5K and a one-mile and half-mile fun run for kids.
The races are run to benefit the local YMCA’s youth programs including the La Crosse YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, which supports and promotes athletic programs like swimming, karate and dance classes, and provides financial assistance to local children and families in need.
The races are timed to coincide with the city’s annual Oktoberfest Maple Leaf parade, and take runners along some of the city’s most scenic streets, as the half marathon starts and finishes in Riverside Park overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, and also takes runners over a bridge that crosses the Black River, and features views of Lake Onalaska in the middle portions of the race’s 13.1-mile course.
Runners in the half marathon — which is officially titled the Marine Credit Union Half-Marathon — start their race at 7:00 AM at the park, and follow what is basically a long, out-and-back route, first through downtown La Crosse and then over to French Island.
The course passes some of the city’s local parks like Copeland Park, which overlooks the waters of the Black River, and reaches its turnaround point in Louis Nelson County Park, at the northern end of French Island.
Once runners make the turn at the park, they then head back and cover the 6.5 miles they’ve just run, all the way back to the finish line at the Eagle statue in Riverside Park.
Those running the half marathon must be able to complete their race within 2 hours and 45 minutes, race organizers note, as the streets will need to be re-opened to traffic for the Oktoberfest Parade later that same day.
Race Weather & Climate
Located along the confluence of the Mississippi and Black Rivers in Wisconsin’s southwestern corner, just across the state line with Minnesota and roughly 140 miles northwest of Madison, the city of La Crosse typically experiences mild to moderately warm weather conditions in the early fall season.
On race day (Sep. 30), the average low is 46ºF and the average high is 68ºF.
Past Results
- 2022 Results
- 2020 Maple Leaf Walk Run Half Marathon Results (Virtual)
- 2018 Maple Leaf Walk Run Half Marathon Results
- 2017 Maple Leaf Walk Run Half Marathon Results
- 2016 Maple Leaf Walk Run Half Marathon Results
- 2015 Maple Leaf Walk Run Half Marathon Results
- 2014 Maple Leaf Walk Run Half Marathon Results
- 2013 Maple Leaf Walk Run Half Marathon Results
- 2012 Maple Leaf Walk Run Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Maple Leaf Walk Run Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
6:30 AM
Fees
- $60 – $75 for the half marathon
- $35 – $50 for the 5-mile
- $30 – $45 for the 5K
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of La Crosse’s Maple Leaf Walk Run Half Marathon, register online at RunSignUp.com here.
Official Race Website
Comments
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