August Course Connection 2025
Posted on Aug 21, 2025, by Jordan
Iconic Athlete Visits the Fox Valley Just Ahead of Race Weekend
“It’s not about running. It’s about changing people’s lives.” – Kathrine Switzer
In 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to enter and finish the Boston Marathon, challenging the rules of what was still a men-only event at the time. When a photo circulated of the race director attempting to remove Switzer from the event mid-stride, it created a worldwide uproar and ignited critical conversations about the need for positive social change. Her decision to break down barriers would forever change the face of sports, health, and opportunities for women around the world.
In so many ways, Switzer’s story emulates the mission of the Community First Fox Cities Marathon. While we serve as a Boston Marathon Qualifier, our weekend of events is focused on much more than running. It’s an opportunity to empower, include, and welcome every individual with a desire to participate.
Just 9 days before we kick off our first event, Switzer will serve as Keynote Speaker for the 25th Annual Women’s Fund of the Fox Valley Region Luncheon, held Appleton. If you’re looking for a little extra inspiration leading up to race weekend, we encourage you to attend this highly anticipated event.
Don’t Miss Out!
Our Full Marathon is nearing capacity! We opened up 75 additional spots to accommodate all of the interest, but even those are filling quickly. Don’t miss your chance to join.
With just over a month left to go, registration keeps ramping up. Here’s a look at current availability across our lineup of events:
Hurry – prices go up September 1st for all Saturday and Sunday events!
PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT
myTeam Triumph breaks boundaries.
On a regular basis, MTT breaks boundaries by providing people (Captains) with disabilities a way to compete, be celebrated, and provide inclusion. These Captains are together with their Angels (volunteers) – showing that inclusion isn’t about doing it for someone, but about doing it together. Captains and Angels will be a part of the Fox Cities Marathon in September celebrating with everyone on how it’s done together!
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Supporting the Future of Running
Fox Cities high school cross country teams earn a donation to their program by providing race weekend volunteers. Here’s a look at the teams supporting our participants this year:
Appleton East HS
Appleton North HS
Appleton West HS
Fox Valley Lutheran HS
Kaukauna HS
Kimberly HS
Little Chute HS
Menasha HS
Neenah HS
St Mary Central HS
Xavier HS
RACE & REGISTRATION FAQs
Need to Make a Change?
Changes can be made through your RunSignup account until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 18 (no exceptions).
Head over to foxcitiesmarathon.org
and select “Register Now” to log into your profile.
Then choose “My Registrations” and “Manage Registrations” to either transfer your bib to someone else or transfer between events.
For complete details and answers to other questions, visit our FAQs Page
TRAINING SUPPORT
On Pace for a Great Race!
As we get closer to race weekend, you’re probably narrowing in on your anticipated pace. Joining a training run is a great way to nail down your optimal speed and solidify your goal chip time. We have several local running partners ready to help you close in on your target.
PaceSetters of the Fox Cities
Free full and half marathon training runs take place on Saturdays throughout the summer beginning at Telulah Park in Appleton at 7 a.m. View Course Maps
Fleet Feet
Full and half marathon group training runs on Saturdays throughout the summer at the Courtyard Appleton Riverfront Hotel at 7 a.m. Register Here
5K and 10K Training Runs will take place Aug 28, Sept 4, and Sept 11 at Riverside Park in Neenah 5:30 – 8 p.m. Find Out More
On Pace Race
They’re back with smiles, encouragement, and of course, pace! Meet your Sunday On Pace Race team at the Nutritional Healing Health & Wellness Expo and get your questions answered. Reach Your Race Day Goal
Want to Up the Ante?
There are several opportunities for your run to mean even more! Check out these additional challenges for you individually, a team of co-workers or your child’s school to win!
Amcor Healthy Business Challenge: Compete with other businesses for the highest employee participation among our five Saturday and Sunday events, and win major bragging rights! Learn More!
Network Health Community Challenge:
We celebrate our runners from our hometown
communities by honoring the top three male and female marathon finishers living in Appleton, Combined Locks, Kaukauna, Kimberly, Little Chute, Menasha and Neenah. Community Challenge Winners are recognized with an award for their achievement.
US Venture School Challenge:
Compete against other area schools for the highest percentage of student participation. Your school could win $250, $500, or $750! Create a team and recruit students from your school for the Kids Run, 5K or 10K today!
Gatorade Endurance:
FUEL TO UNLOCK YOUR BEST
You’re putting in the work and nailing that tough training. Fuel to unlock your best during training and on race day with Gatorade Endurance, formulated after years of research at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. These peak training weeks are a great time to build your fueling plan by testing timing and intake amount to figure out when and how much fuel works for you.
Gatorade Endurance Formula is specifically designed to help athletes like you stay hydrated and fueled while training and racing over prolonged periods when fluid and electrolyte losses can be high. We’ll have Gatorade Endurance Formula on-course at every Fox Cities Marathon aid station to keep you fueled & hydrated.
To learn more about all Gatorade products, visit www.Gatorade.com #Gatorade_Partner
Thanks to their energy, dedication, and enthusiasm of our 1,800+ volunteers, we’re able to make our weekend of events an amazing experience for all participants and spectators.
There are a variety of roles and shifts available Sept. 19-21, 2025 on the Kwik Trip Volunteer Squad. Help us make this another memorable event by registering today.
Get In Gear
Literally! It’s nearing go time, and every athlete knows the crucial role your gear can play in comfort and performance. Shop our online store for the latest deals and steals.
Prefer to shop in person? We’ll have several items available for sale at the Nutritional Healing Health & Wellness Expo race weekend. Stop by and take a look!
PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT
Health is Wealth
It was October 2018 when CEO Dave Kievet went in for a routine physical and shared a family history of heart disease with his doctor. By his doctor’s recommendation, he underwent a cardiac catheterization which revealed an 80% blockage in one of his main arteries.
Dave was lucky, particularly considering he had no symptoms, pain, or warning signs, and had a stent put in that same day. Still, it was a sobering realization that reshaped his priorities overnight.
His running routine—once just a form of exercise—became the lifeline to his physical and mental wellbeing, and this fall he’ll complete his first full marathon. Fittingly, he’s chosen the Community First Fox Cities Marathon to make his marathon debut, an event known for its focus on community, resilience, and celebrating the wealth of health.
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