Episode Details

The latest episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast puts the spotlight on one of Clinton’s premier annual events: the 15th Annual Clinton Half Marathon. Shannon Sander-Welzien, Executive Director of YWCA Clinton, and Jesse Lawson, Race Director, join us to discuss the race weekend, the community energy behind it, and why this event continues to bring runners, families, volunteers, and visitors to downtown Clinton.

A Clinton Tradition

Set for Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 7:30 AM, the Clinton Half Marathon offers three race distances: a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. The course begins near 5th Avenue South in Historic Downtown Clinton, travels along Riverview Drive beside the Mississippi River, and features the challenging climb toward Eagle Point Park and its scenic river overlook.

Whether you are an experienced runner pursuing a personal best, a first-time participant looking for a new challenge, or a supporter cheering along the route, the Clinton Half Marathon delivers an unforgettable experience and a great reason to spend the weekend in Clinton.

A Full Weekend Downtown

Race weekend begins with the YWCA Clinton Street Fest on Saturday, September 12th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in downtown Clinton. The free, family-friendly event includes a kids' fun run, food, music, and activities that bring the community together ahead of race day.

The Street Fest and Half Marathon create a vibrant downtown weekend that showcases Clinton’s hospitality, riverfront scenery, local businesses, and community pride. It is a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience all that Clinton has to offer.

Shannon and Jesse share more about what runners and spectators can expect this year, how the YWCA Clinton prepares for the event, and the importance of community participation. Listeners will also hear how the Half Marathon has become a meaningful tradition that supports local connection, tourism, and a strong sense of place in the Clinton region.

Registration is available for the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. Participants are encouraged to register early, particularly because race shirts are guaranteed to the first 500 registrants. Awards will be presented to overall and age-group winners, and every finisher receives a medal.

For race information and registration, visit https://www.clintonhalfmarathon.com.

Follow the Clinton Half Marathon Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/clintonhalfmarathon/) for updates, race-weekend information, and reminders.

Grow Clinton sincerely thanks YWCA Clinton for its continued support of Grow Clinton and the work we do to advance economic development, community development, and tourism throughout the region. The Clinton Half Marathon and YWCA Clinton Street Fest are outstanding examples of events that build community pride, welcome visitors, and strengthen the vitality of downtown Clinton.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

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For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

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