Proceeds and words of encouragement for tornado victims, hair braiding for participants, an all-new Shoutout Board sponsor and more make race weekend about more than just a race
APPLETON, Wis. (Sept. 16, 2026) — The Community First Fox Cities Marathon Presented by Miron Construction prides itself on being more than just another race, it’s a community experience. This year, a portion of Sunday’s course looks a little different following a tornado that caused destruction throughout the Fox Cities. The Community First Fox Cities Marathon doesn’t just run through the Fox Cities; this year especially, they are running with the Fox Cities.
“This community has been here supporting our race for 35 years, and now when our community needs support, we’re going to be here for them,” explained Julie Johnson, race director. “Our Sunday courses run down Valley Road in Menasha, our Saturday and Sunday events both use Riverside Park in Neenah — both have visible damage from the storm. We will have signs along Valley Road with words of encouragement for the community, from the community and we will also be selling T-shirts. Proceeds from those shirts will go to Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity to help families rebuild their homes, with Community First Credit Union matching sales up to $5,000.”
T-shirts will be for sale at the Nutritional Healing Health & Wellness Expo located at the Community First Champion Center on Friday, Sept. 18 from 4-8 p.m., and on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Every dollar from the sale of the “We Run With You” T-shirts will benefit the Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity as they help hundreds of families repair their homes. This limited-edition T-shirt costs just $20. Community First Fox Cities Marathon is also matching proceeds from this sale up to $5,000, doubling its impact and potentially raising $10,000 to help Fox Cities Habitat with its repair efforts to tornado damaged homes.
Additionally, participants, community members and supporters are encouraged to come out to the Expo and write a message of encouragement, support or hope on a sign at no cost, thanks to presenting sponsor, Miron Construction. The signs will be posted on Sunday’s course along Valley Road in Menasha, which goes right past Miron Construction’s warehouse, providing something for every participant and resident watching as they pass.
Beyond tornado relief, there are other new enhancements to this year’s Fox Cities Marathon weekend in celebration of its 35th year. Those special participant experiences include:
Cheer participants on with the McCarty Law Shout Out Board
Friends and family can send encouragement straight to the course with the newly renamed McCarty Law Shout Out Board. Loved ones can record personalized video messages that greet participants as they run, delivering the boost that carries runners through to the finish line. The board senses the chip in your participant’s race bib, and upon crossing that threshold, your video plays, encouraging your runner or walker to keep going during one of the most difficult portions of the Sunday racecourse.
New offerings at the Nutritional Healing Health & Wellness Expo
The Nutritional Healing Health & Wellness Expo returns with more ways to prepare and connect. New this year, a hair braiding station gives participants a race-ready look before the big day. One braid costs $10 and two braids are available for $20 per session.
The popular cheer sign station also returns, giving spectators a spot to craft custom signs for the participants they are supporting. Combined with packet pickup, local vendors and photo opportunities, the expo offers a lively kickoff to race weekend. The expo is free and open to the public.
Community support
Positioned throughout the entire course will be local businesses, nonprofits and school cheer and sports teams, along with area bands, supporting participants each mile of the course. This is what makes the Fox Cities Marathon weekend of events different from other races. The community here shows up, each year, and this year is no different. Look for these volunteers along the course cheering participants on by name on race day.
Themed water stations take runners through the decades
Each year, water stations follow a theme, and this year, runners will hydrate in style at the “Eras” themed water stations. Each station along the course celebrates a different decade, giving participants a fresh burst of energy and a reason to smile with every mile. The stations pair colorful decor with the crowd support that makes the course come alive.
Elite Water returns as the official water partner, keeping runners refreshed and ready to push toward their goals at every stop along the route.
Live music keeps the energy high
To keep spirits soaring, local DJs and music groups will perform at points throughout the course. The live, upbeat sound provides a steady rhythm to run to and turns the toughest stretches into some of the most memorable.
Free gear check adds convenience
Participants can now check their belongings at no cost with the new free gear check. Runners can drop their gear before the race and reclaim it at the finish so that they can focus fully on the miles ahead.
Runner’s Reel returns
Back by popular demand, Runner’s Reel lets participants relive their race day moments through a personalized highlight video. Using advanced motion recognition, timing and bib number technology, cameras placed along the course capture each runner’s individual moments. Within days of the race, participants receive a video link they can download and share on social media.
For more information on the Community First Fox Cities Marathon Presented by Miron Construction, including how to register for any of the race weekend events, visit foxcitiesmarathon.org.
Renderings included.
Rendering of the “We Run With You” T-shirt for sale for $20 at the Nutritional Healing Health Wellness Expo.
Rendering of the Signs of Hope that will be positioned along Valley Road in Menasha on Sunday, Sept. 20.
