As the largest marathon in Wisconsin, it offers participants the chance to experience the beauty of Milwaukee’s skyline and natural surroundings. With over 40% of the course running along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Marathon is a must-run for any serious runner looking for a challenging and scenic course.
Don’t wait long and find out more. Believe me you won’t regret it.
Pro´s:
- ✅ Quick absorption
- ✅ Wrinkle reduction
- ✅ Reef Safe
Con:
- ❌ Small
Milwaukee Marathon Overview
If you’re interested in where the route runs, I have the Milwaukee Marathon Route and the Milwaukee Half Marathon Route for you here.
Race Categories
Here I have a small overview of the race categories of the Milwaukee Marathon.
Virtual Participation
For those unable to attend the in-person event, the Milwaukee Marathon offers virtual participation options for all race categories. Virtual runners can complete their race anywhere and at any time, and will receive a finisher’s medal and t-shirt in the mail.
Route Details 🏃♀️🏃♂️
As we prepare for the Milwaukee Marathon, it’s important to know the route details to ensure a smooth and successful race day. The route covers a variety of areas, including Downtown Milwaukee, Cudahy, Grafton, Baird Center, and Lake Michigan.
- 🏙️ Downtown Milwaukee
- 🏞️ Cudahy
- 🌳 Grafton
- 🏛️ Baird Center
- 🌊 Lake Michigan
1. 🏙️ Downtown Milwaukee
The race will start at Fiserv Forum and flow through Downtown Milwaukee before reaching the Lake Michigan Waterfront. Participants will run past iconic Milwaukee landmarks such as the Art Museum and the Hoan Bridge.
2. 🏞️ Cudahy
The route will also take runners through parts of Cudahy, a city located on the shore of Lake Michigan. Be prepared to run through some residential areas and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
3. 🌳 Grafton
The race will also go through Grafton, a village located in Ozaukee County. Participants will run through some of the town’s residential areas and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
4. 🏛️ Baird Center
The route also passes by the Baird Center, a community center located in the heart of the city of Mequon. Runners will enjoy the beautiful architecture of the center and the surrounding area.
5. 🌊 Lake Michigan
Finally, the route will take runners along the beautiful Lake Michigan Waterfront. Participants will enjoy the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area as they make their way back to the finish line at Fiserv Forum.
Registration and Packet Pickup
👉 Registration for the Milwaukee Marathon opens several months before the race.
👉 You can sign up online through the official race website.
👉 Keep an eye on the website for updates and announcements regarding registration deadlines and fees.
👉 Packet pickup typically takes place the day before the race.
👉 You’ll need to bring a photo ID to claim your packet.
👉 You won’t be able to pick up your packet on race day.
👉 You’ll receive your bib number and other race materials, as well as any swag that comes with your registration.
👉 We recommend arriving early to avoid long lines and ensure that you have plenty of time to get everything sorted.
👉 Bring your ID and any other necessary paperwork, such as your registration confirmation or waiver.
Event Cancellation and Refund Policy
Volunteering Opportunities
I think volunteering at the Milwaukee Marathon is a great way to give back to the community and support the runners. As a volunteer, you’ll get to be a part of the excitement and energy of race day, meet new people, and have fun!
Variety of volunteer roles:
- Course marshals
- Aid station volunteers
- Packet pickup volunteers
- Finish line volunteers
- And more!
To learn more about volunteering at the Milwaukee Marathon, visit the Volunteer page.
Milwaukee Running Community
👉 The Milwaukee running community is vibrant and supportive.
👉 There are opportunities for runners of all skill levels, from local running clubs to annual races like the Milwaukee Marathon.
👉 The sense of camaraderie and support among runners is one of the best things about the Milwaukee running community.
👉 Local resources like running clubs and online communities are available to help runners get involved in the community.
👉 The annual Milwaukee Marathon is a highlight of the running calendar and brings together runners from all over the city and beyond.
👉 The event offers a full marathon, half marathon, and 5K, and is a great way to connect with other runners and experience the city’s enthusiastic crowds.
Boston Marathon Qualification
As a Boston Marathon qualifying race, the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon offers runners the opportunity to earn a spot in one of the most prestigious marathons in the world.
In order to qualify for the Boston Marathon, runners must complete a full marathon within a certain time frame. The time standards vary depending on the runner’s age and gender, but they are typically quite challenging. For example, the qualifying time for men aged 18-34 is 3 hours and 5 minutes, while the qualifying time for women aged 18-34 is 3 hours and 35 minutes.
If you’re looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon, it’s important to choose a race that is certified by the BAA. This ensures that the race meets all of the BAA’s standards for course accuracy and timing. The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon is a BAA-certified race, so you can be confident that your time will count towards Boston Marathon qualification.
Milwaukee Marathon Mobile App
What I really like is, that the Milwaukee Marathon now has an official mobile app available for download on the App Store! This app is the perfect tool for both participants and spectators alike.
For participants, the app provides live results, allowing you to see your performance seconds after crossing the finish line. You can also track your progress on the course and stay updated via Race Update notifications. The app also features interactive course maps and real-time leaderboards, so you can keep up with the competition and stay motivated throughout the race.
For spectators, the Milwaukee Marathon app is a great way to stay connected with your loved ones on the course. You can track their progress in real-time and receive notifications when they reach certain milestones.
In addition to all these great features, the Milwaukee Marathon app also includes important race information such as schedules, maps, and FAQs. You can even use the app to register for the race and manage your personal information.
Top 5 Spectator Locations at Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon
As runners make their way through the beautiful city of Milwaukee, there are several great spots where spectators can cheer them on. Here are our top 5 picks for the best spectator locations at the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon:
My Top 5 Post-Marathon Activities
While it’s important to rest and recover, there are also plenty of fun activities to do in Milwaukee to keep the post-race buzz going.
1. 🚣♀️ Kayaking on the Milwaukee River
What better way to unwind than to take in the city’s beautiful scenery from the water? Rent a kayak and paddle down the Milwaukee River, taking in the sights of downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods.
2. 🍺 Brewery Tour
Milwaukee is known for its breweries, and what better way to celebrate your marathon accomplishment than with a cold beer? Take a brewery tour and learn about the history of beer in Milwaukee while sampling some of the city’s best brews.
3. 🎨 Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum
Take a break from physical activity and explore the Milwaukee Art Museum. With over 30,000 works of art, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
4. 🍴 Try the Local Cuisine
After burning all those calories during the marathon, it’s time to indulge a little. Milwaukee has a variety of local cuisine to try, from cheese curds to bratwurst to frozen custard.
5. 🎉 Celebrate at the Post-Race Party
Don’t forget to attend the Milwaukee Marathon’s post-race party, where you can celebrate with other runners and enjoy live music, food, and drinks.
Our Summary on the Milwaukee Marathon
Let me record the following for you:
The Milwaukee Marathon is an annual marathon held in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin that offers three race distances: a full marathon, half marathon, and 5K.
The Milwaukee Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying race.
The event also features a robust lineup of activities, including live music, food and drink, and family-friendly events. The Milwaukee Marathon is an important part of the Milwaukee running community and promotes a sense of camaraderie and support among runners.
Now it’s up to you. Are you ready for your next runfitjourney?
FAQ
What is the date of the Milwaukee Marathon?
The Milwaukee Marathon is typically held in April each year.
What is the course like?
The course is relatively flat and runs through scenic areas of Milwaukee, including Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River.
Are there aid stations along the course?
Yes, there are aid stations approximately every 2 miles along the course, providing water, sports drinks, and medical assistance if needed.
Have you ever run the Milwaukee Marathon? I would love to hear your experience in the comments. I am sure we also have the right training plan for you such as the 52 Week Marathon Training Schedule or the 24 Week Marathon Training Plan.
