After Fox Cities Marathon Cancellation, Other Events Offer Options

MENASHA, Wis. (WBAY) – After the Community First Fox Cities Marathon was canceled, another local marathon is stepping up to offer those runners a special discount.

Some of these runners are trying to qualify for the next Boston Marathon.

The marathon was scheduled to start Sunday morning, just outside the UWO Fox Cities campus, before being cancelled due to thunderstorms.

The cancellation has since prompted questions about refunds and other arrangements for those planning to make the trip to Boston.

About an hour and 15 minutes west of Fox Cities, the organizer of the Jailbreak Marathon in Wautoma expects at least 500 participants on Saturday and some may sign up at the last minute.

“As a runner, I understand how frustrating it can be because you spend all summer training to get ready for this event, their event and you can’t control a lot of things, you can’t control the weather,” said Norm Duesterhoeft, organizer of the Jailbreak Marathon.

The organizer is now reaching out to those who registered for the Community First Fox Cities Marathon, offering them a 10 percent discount. The money raised will benefit the Waushara County Sheriff’s Department and its K-9 unit. That includes Deputy Jeremy Krueger and K-9 River, who will be participating in the 5K event.

“Not only the initial expenses of his journey with me, but also his food needs throughout his years of service, as well as veterinary care and veterinary bills along the way to keep him healthy,” said Waushara County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Krueger.

Fox Cities event organizers say they will not offer refunds because all money from registration fees is spent on permits, setup and food at the finish line, which will be donated to local food banks. However, a $30 credit will be applied to participants in next year’s marathon.

“We recognize and honor the training they’ve put in and the disappointment they’ve felt, but we really want to emphasize that we stand with them,” said Amanda Secor, organizer of the Community First Fox Cities Marathon.

In Wautoma, organizers are expecting an increase, noting that online registration runs through Friday and runners can register in person Saturday.

“We usually top out at about five hundred participants. We hope to get back to that number, we’d really like to start to exceed that number. I understand the excitement for big races, but you have to try a race in a small town. It feels like home, you’re more welcomed. You’re not just a number in the crowd,” Duesterhoeft said.

Other marathons in Milwaukee, Stevens Point and Eau Claire are also planned. offering special discounts.