YMCA/SENN BLACKTOP PURE WATER DAYS RACES SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026
Run. Celebrate. Give Back.
Be part of the excitement at the Pure Water Days Races, a fan-favorite event during the annual Pure Water Days Festival in Chippewa Falls! Join us Saturday morning at the Chippewa Falls YMCA for a high-energy kickoff to a weekend full of family fun.
With six race options, there’s something for everyone—kids, adults, beginners, and seasoned runners alike. Every participant crosses the finish line with a finisher medal, making it a race day to remember!
🏃♀️ NEW! Mission Milers
Make your miles matter even more.
Mission Milers commit to raising additional funds for the YMCA Annual Campaign, helping ensure access to memberships and programs for all.
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Choose a donation level during registration
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Change Maker - $100
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Impact Builder - $250
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Mission Champion - $500
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Cover the donation yourself or invite friends and family to help you reach your goal
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Receive a special thank-you gift and race-day recognition
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Run with purpose and help strengthen our community.
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Check here for information to help you get started on raising funds!
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Fill out this form to make your pledge and receive some graphics to help get your fundraising started! You can fill out this form BEFORE or AFTER officially registering.
📍 Event Details
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Where: Chippewa Falls YMCA
611 Jefferson Ave, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
2 Person Half Marathon Relay
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Race Start Time: 8:00 AM
Share the experience of completing the Pure Water Days Half Marathon by teaming up and splitting the distance!
Runner #1 will start with the half marathon runners at 8:00 AM and complete the first leg of the course, running 7.7 miles to the exchange point at McDonell High School. Once Runner #1 arrives at the exchange point, Runner #2 will begin their portion of the race and complete the remaining 5.4 miles of the half marathon course. For accurate team timing, Runner #2 must wear the race bib.
Price:
$90 per team
Half Marathon
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Race Start Time: 8:00 AM
In memory of Bill a longtime runner and lifelong supporter of the YMCA - this event is dedicated in his honor.
This race starts and finishes at the YMCA, taking you along blacktop roads through the scenic countryside before winding through beautiful Irvine Park.
Price:
$50
2 Mile Untimed
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Race Start Time: 8:00 AM
Enjoy our new and scenic route! You'll stroll through beautiful Erickson Park, cross the new bridge, and finish strong through Irvine Park alongside the 4-mile runners. Strollers are welcome, and walkers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join!
Price:
$20
1 Mile Walk/Run
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Race Start Time: 7:30 AM
This race is for everyone! All ages are welcome, and participants can run or walk the course at their own pace. The race starts at 7:30 AM and loops around the YMCA block, making it perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned racers alike.
Price:
$25
🏅 Awards & Shirts
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OVERALL & AGE GROUP AWARDS ARE BACK!
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1 Mile Awards: The Overall Male & Female will receive awards. The top 3 males & females in the following age groups will receive awards: 0–5, 6-9, 10–14, 15–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60+
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4 Mile Awards: The Overall Male & Female will receive awards. The top 3 males & females in the following age groups will receive awards: 0–9, 10–14, 15–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+
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Half Marathon Awards: The Overall Male & Female will receive awards. The top 3 males & females in the following age groups will receive awards:19 and Under, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+
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2-Person Half Marathon Awards: The top 3 teams will receive awards no matter the gender combination of the teams.
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ALL participants receive a finisher medal at the finish line
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T-shirts are guaranteed for those who register by July 15, 2026
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Mission Milers receive an additional gift for fundraising beyond registration
🚻 Facilities
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Bathrooms available at the Chippewa Falls YMCA
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Additional bathrooms available at McDonell High School for Half Marathon runners
💧 Aid Stations
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4-Mile Race: 2 aid stations with Premium Waters bottled water
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Half Marathon & Relay: 7 water stations along the course
❤️ Who the Race Benefits
All proceeds support the YMCA Annual Campaign, which provides sponsored memberships and program scholarships to individuals and families across the Chippewa Valley who may not otherwise be able to afford them.
🎽 Packet Pick-Up
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Friday (Pre-Registered Only): 5:30–7:00 PM
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Saturday: Begins at 6:30 AM
🔁 Half Marathon Relay Exchange Point
The Half Marathon Relay exchange point will be located at McDonell High School.
What to expect at the exchange point:
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Bathrooms available
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Water and post race snacks provided
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Teammate #1 will receive their finisher medal at the exchange point
Important note for relay teams:
Relay participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the exchange point.
This setup ensures a smooth handoff and a great experience for both teammates as they complete their portion of the race.
🙌 Volunteers Needed
We couldn’t host the Pure Water Days Races without the support of our amazing volunteers! From course support and water stations to packet pickup and finish-line cheering, volunteers play a vital role in making race day a success.
Whether you’re cheering on a runner, earning service hours, or giving back to the community, we’d love to have you join us.
👉 Interested in volunteering? CLICK HERE!
⚠️ Weather & Cancellation Policy
In the event of race cancellation, refunds will not be issued. A virtual race option will be offered if needed.
❓ Questions?
Contact Solomon Abebayehu, Member Engagement Director
📞 715-861-2340
✉️ soloabe@ymca-cv.org
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🤝 Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Pure Water Days Races and offer a great way to support community wellness while gaining visibility at one of Chippewa Falls’ most popular events.
If you’re interested in becoming a race sponsor or would like more information, please contact:
Jim Ignarski, Association Development & Public Relations Director
📞 (715) 861-2346
✉️ jignarski@ymca-cv.org