The Community First Fox Cities Marathon has the charm of a small-town race yet the feeling of a big-city marathon.

The race, which will be held on September 23 in Menasha, Wisconsin, has been recognized for having the organization and crowd support of a major marathon. Yet it takes place in the picturesque Midwestern communities that make up the Fox Cities, which is located about 60 miles southwest of Green Bay and 100 miles north of Milwaukee.

The race is part of a weekend of events called the Community First Fox Cities Marathon Festival of Races. Also taking place during the weekend will be a half marathon, a relay marathon, a power walk, a 5k race and a kids’ fun run. Last year’s events drew over 5,000 participants.

The marathon itself will begin at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley and end at Riverside Park in Neenah. This course has been flipped from previous years, which will make the last half of the race virtually flat and on asphalt. The scenic course takes runners over four bridges including over the famed Fox River twice and also goes by Lake Winnebago. It passes through all seven communities that make up the beautiful Fox Valley in northeastern Wisconsin.

There are 23 water aid stations on the course, all of which will also have Gatorade Endurance sports drink. Clif Shots energy gel will also be available at four stations along the course. Portable bathrooms are located every 2 to 2.5 miles along the course.

Marathon participants will receive a ¼ zip wind jacket, a winter knit hat, a medal and a goody bag. The registration fee is just $55 (it goes up to $70 after August 31st). To register or get more information, visit the race website.

The weekend begins with the Affinity Health & Fitness Expo on September 21-22 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton.