A Great Race on a Great Lake. The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon offers participants a unique and scenic route along the shores of Lake Michigan and through downtown Milwaukee. Notably, this marathon is the only race that crosses over the iconic Hoan Bridge, providing runners with breathtaking views of the city …
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A Great Race on a Great Lake. The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon offers participants a unique and scenic route along the shores of Lake Michigan and through downtown Milwaukee. Notably, this marathon is the only race that crosses over the iconic Hoan Bridge, providing runners with breathtaking views of the city and the lake.
As one of the largest marathons in the state, it attracts runners from all over the country and internationally, eager to experience the beauty of the course and the vibrant atmosphere of Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon is produced by the Badgerland Striders Running Club and we are proud to say this event is “For Runners, By Runners!”
Why run?
– Course offers the most scenic views of Milwaukee’s skyline and natural beauty.
– Run across the iconic Hoan Bridge – only possible with Lakefront Marathon.
– Over 40% of course right along gorgeous Lake Michigan
– First 10 miles of half marathon and full marathon courses are the same.
– Stay warm and dry in our indoor waiting area prior to race start just yards away
THE LOCATION: General Mitchell International Airport is only approx. 10 minutes from downtown. Milwaukee hospitality is friendly and affordable with restaurants, breweries, excursions and accommodations to fit everyone’s wishes. Race through downtown Milwaukee, closed highways, and paved trails in an effort to really showcase metro Milwaukee
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Loved the Lakefront
The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon has a good reputation, and I believe the race experience met my expectations. The expo was smaller than I expected, but had everything runners needed -- … MORE
The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon has a good reputation, and I believe the race experience met my expectations. The expo was smaller than I expected, but had everything runners needed — fueling essentials, running gear and race merch. I especially liked the videos playing on the TVs that had a first-person POV of each race — it definitely helped visualize the task at hand.
Fast-forwarding to race day, I would say there was an adequate number of portable restrooms and plenty of space for warm-ups. As far as the race itself, the half marathon really makes its hay in the first 7 miles or so. Running through downtown Milwaukee, peaceful neighborhoods and then turning onto Lincoln Memorial Drive and the lakefront itself – it really is a vibe. There was a lot of course support and incredible views. Once you depart the lakefront, you get to run up and over the iconic Hoan Bridge. That is a fun race feature and a really cool environment. But then you have to continue on I-794 another 2 miles or so, turn around (this is where the half and full marathons split) and then go all the way back! It was daunting to turn around knowing exactly how much distance you still had to go — because you just ran it. I could have done without that second crossing of the bridge, but it at least meant that the final mile or so was downhill to the finish. I thought I heard that the course this year (2025) was different than usual for some reason, but I’m not certain of that. Maybe that explains running the bridge twice, maybe not.
The post-race party was lively and fun, and the medal was great. Overall, I really enjoyed this race. As I said, it met my expectations, but I wouldn’t say it exceeded them. But I am really glad I ran it, would consider doing so again, and would recommend it to others in the future.
Nice lakefront and a Hoan of a bridge
The race starts in downtown with a short uphill towards the lake before turning north. Going north is through lovely, shady neighborhoods before turning to the lakefront for an easy … MORE
The race starts in downtown with a short uphill towards the lake before turning north. Going north is through lovely, shady neighborhoods before turning to the lakefront for an easy downhill towards the Hoan bridge at mile 7.5ish. The bridge has a steep half-mile uphill to the peak and continues with a gradual downhill towards about mile 10 where the half-marathon turns and goes back across the bridge to the finish line. Be sure to hydrated before heading up the bridge.
Packet pickup was easy, there was water and electrolytes along the course, and everyone was friendly. The race app isn’t great. The only timer after the start was at 10k and again at 10 miles and it wasn’t easy for a spectator to know where their runner was.
It was a warm day but I’m from Texas and it was not too warm. Milwaukee and the area are nice and it was a beautiful weekend for a run.
Nice Scenery, for most of the race
I enjoyed most of this race. The part of Milwaukee I saw was pretty nice. Stayed at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown Milwaukee, it is across the street from the packet … MORE
I enjoyed most of this race. The part of Milwaukee I saw was pretty nice. Stayed at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown Milwaukee, it is across the street from the packet pick up and the start of the race. Also attached to a really cool food court/beer garden. Packet pickup was easy, not a lot of booths, but enough to get what you needed if you wanted to. The shirt is a long sleeve, same for both the half and full. Kind of a strange color and design on it. 7 am start for the race was great, there was yellow warning for hot weather, I’m from the south, so it didn’t really bother me doing the half, marathoners may have other things to say. You start in downtown Milwaukee and run towards the lake to head North. Run through some interesting neighborhoods with some huge houses and by some parks. Then head south along the lake, great scenery of the lake. Everything was going well, lots of fan support through most of the race…….. then you hit the Hoan Bridge. This is the part that sucks. The bridge makes up the last 4-5 miles of the half. Luckily it was not that hot or it would have been torture. Up hill at the begining, seems to go on for ever. Make sure you get plenty of fluids at the water stop right before it. Luckily there was a big group of supporters mid way, they really helped a lot! Once you reach the peak of the bridge, it just keeps on going. The turn around is at the far end somewhere around mile 10, this is where the marathon keeps going and half turns around. I am so glad I don’t do full marathons anymore. The only good thing about the Hoan Bridge is once you head back up the other side, shorter but steeper incline, you are pretty much done. I also think the bridge goes over a sewage treatment plant, the smell was not overwhelming, but noticeable. The finish area seemed nice but I was not able to stick around. Medal is nice, basic with the race logo on it. Chocolate milk (hit the spot), chips, bananas, water at the finishline. The finishline is not near the start, so I had a 20 minute walk back to my hotel. Overall a good race, volunteers were great, a lot of the water stops were getting slammed but they kept up. The fact that this race is close to an airport is the reason I picked it, and Milwaukee seemed like a pretty cool city.
Goregous Run along Lake Michigan
The Milwaukee Lakefront Half Marathon is a great event! The race is well organized, the route along the lake is gorgeous, the volunteers were friendly, and the finisher medal was … MORE
The Milwaukee Lakefront Half Marathon is a great event! The race is well organized, the route along the lake is gorgeous, the volunteers were friendly, and the finisher medal was awesome! The first 8 miles are flat and fun, then comes the BRIDGE!! The climb to the top of the Hoan Bridge is a bit challenging (gain of about 125′), and since the course turns and crosses the river again, you have to do it twice! But there are also two downhill sections that help. Overall, this half marathon was top-notch!
First Marathon!
This was my First Marathon, the travel logistics for this race was pretty easy, I found lodging near the airport for a fair price, parking for the expo was easy … MORE
This was my First Marathon, the travel logistics for this race was pretty easy, I found lodging near the airport for a fair price, parking for the expo was easy as well as for the race both were free. The course aid stations were placed in good spots throughout the race. Crowd support was awesome as well. The expo was pretty small and it’s an easy in and out experience for packet pickup. Medal looks awesome, wore it for the rest of the day.
Scenic run through Milwaukee
First time in Milwaukee and loved the city, great race day environment with lots of water stops along the course! Fairly flat with a long hill around mile 23... overall … MORE
First time in Milwaukee and loved the city, great race day environment with lots of water stops along the course! Fairly flat with a long hill around mile 23… overall a good PR course.
Good production, challenging course.
Well produced. Good excitement. Most of the course was scenic and varied quite a bit. Frequent / appropriate water and gel stations. Few downsides: You cross the couple-mile-long Hoan bridge … MORE
Well produced.
Good excitement.
Most of the course was scenic and varied quite a bit.
Frequent / appropriate water and gel stations.
Few downsides:
You cross the couple-mile-long Hoan bridge at mile 8 and mile 24, the mile 8 ascent was fine, but the elevation gain at mile 24 was very challenging and a bit defeating for a first-timer.
Great Event Overall
I enjoyed pretty much everything about this race except for that bridge at the end. The Expo was a nice size. We were given a bibs, gear check bag and … MORE
I enjoyed pretty much everything about this race except for that bridge at the end. The Expo was a nice size. We were given a bibs, gear check bag and a nice long-sleeved shirt. Race morning, we were shuttled from the parking lot to the startline at the convention center. The course started in the downtown area, went through some historic neighborhoods with beautiful brick houses, then along Lake Michigan to a monster bridge. We went over the bridge and back to the finishline. The medal is so pretty. The race food was chips, banana, cookies, crustable, chocolate milk, and water. There were a few vendors selling other food items.
There was plenty of port-o-pottys, hydration tables with water, Gatorade and Gu. The medal is bling is big and beautiful.
Overall, I liked this race and would do it again. Even with the few hills and the bridge.
Enjoyable Course!
Logistics: As a 50-stater and traveling from out-of-town, this had to be the easiest marathon logistically. Airport is 10 minutes from host hotels. The hotels are within .25mi of race … MORE
Logistics: As a 50-stater and traveling from out-of-town, this had to be the easiest marathon logistically. Airport is 10 minutes from host hotels. The hotels are within .25mi of race start. (And, the hotel let me in when I arrived at noon! ) Shuttle at finish took me back to hotel.
Expo and Swag: For medium-size race, they had better swag than most. I generally don’t buy much, but they had several things I couldn’t pass up.
Course: I really enjoyed the course. Scenic, fun, never boring. The route takes you through some nice neighborhoods, parks, by Lake Michigan, and most significantly across the Hoan Bridge. This bridge is about 2.5mi long, with a solid mile ascent and a mile descent. The first time you go over it around mile 9 (if I remember correctly) and you are lucky you get to see all of the fast half-marathoners coming in the opposite direction. The second time is at mile 24, and it is a solid climb, so save some legs and energy! It all pays off at mile 25 when you are at the top of the bridge and know that the rest is a fast downhill. If you are feeling good, that may be most fun 1.2mi of the course!
Production: Everything was flawless to me. Great communication, expo, start line, finish area, volunteers. Great job!
Scenic, scenic, scenic
what a beautiful run with so many special things. The part through the old lakefront houses, the running along the lake, past the art center, and of course the trip … MORE
what a beautiful run with so many special things. The part through the old lakefront houses, the running along the lake, past the art center, and of course the trip over (and back) the Hoan bridge right at the end. Then a great finish line right in the Summerfest park area as you come back down the Hoan bridge. Love this race and would do it again.
My 100th Half Marathon
For my Wisconsin half I was looking for a Sunday race near Milwaukee so I could get Wisconsin done without using vacation days. I was excited this race added a … MORE
For my Wisconsin half I was looking for a Sunday race near Milwaukee so I could get Wisconsin done without using vacation days. I was excited this race added a half and excited it was chosen as the venue for the 50 states half marathon club annual meet up. Awkwardly though it was my 100th ha;f marathon for the 100 half marathon club which counts races between 13.1 and 26.2 miles but not for the 50 states half marathon club which only counts exactly 13.1 mile races. This was an excellent race and an excellent choice for #100. I flew in Saturday morning and got my packet that day. I stayed in the Hilton right by the start and the expo is across the street. You definitely don’t need a rental car (though I got one because I had plans not within walking distance). The expo was fine. Kind of small but had race merch, the typical stuff and a few booths. Packet pick-up went smoothly and included a nice, long sleeve tech shirt. It was a grey color. I don’t love grey but it’s a nice grey. The race is point to point but the start and finish are 1.5 miles apart. Most people are instructed to park at the finish and take a shuttle to the start. But for the host hotel guests you walk to the start and there is a shuttle back. I rolled out of bed and walked to the start about 20 minute before the race. The start is organized with pacers to help everyone line up properly. Only complaint about the start is it started about 10 minutes late. There is a few thousand participants. A really nice number for an exciting atmosphere but not too crowded. The course is well-marked and all on closed streets which is great after running on so many open courses this summer. The weather was a bit hot this morning. The race starts at 7am and it was gorgeous at the start but got a bit hot by the end. I loved the first ~8 miles which started downtown and then went though pretty neighborhoods and then along the lake. There were a good amount of spectators on this section though not as much as some cities such as Richmond or Little Rock. It reminded me a lot of the Buffalo Half/Marathon in terms of size, energy and support probably because they are both Great Lake cities. This part is mostly flat with some little rollers and perfect elevation for me. Then a bit before mile 8 we start an out and back on this huge bridge to finish the race. This part is a bit grueling as it was unshaded and long. There are also no spots for spectators but since it is an out and back a ton of runners cheer you on. The turn around is where the half and full split. The way back has a separate lane for the half and full marathoners so no mixing of paces. There is a steep uphill on the bridge but then it flattens you then have the go back up on the way back but it means the last mile is downhill. There was also plenty of aid stations with water and gatorade and one with gels along the course. Very back of the pack friendly and lots of people running and walking at slower paces. They said you had to make it to the bridge by an 18 minute/mile pace but they let everyone though even if they were a bit slower. However I didn’t need to worry about it because I was feeling great today. It helped that there were a ton of back of packers and people to run with and encourage me. I have been so sick of being stuck at 3:20 + all summer and my goal was under 3:20 ideally under 3:15. I was doing great with most of my miles under 15 minutes (except the hill which was a bit over). Once I made it up the hill the second time I saw at mile 12 I was at 2:56 and realized if I really pushed myself and ran the rest as fast as possible I could finish in under 3:10 and I really went for it. I ran as hard as I could downhill and had my fastest mile since the smoke messed up my lungs last June and couldn’t believe my finish time. I’m still not at my old speed but I shaved 15 minutes off last week. The medal is gorgeous. One of the best medals I have. The finish area is fun though the post race food is only okay. You got a bag of food with an uncrustable PB&J, a clif bar, chips and a banana. At least it was all vegan. I actually love uncrustables and clif bars so I kind of enjoyed the food. I then took the shuttle back to the hotel but you could also consider walking or taking a short cab ride if you don’t want to wait for the shuttle. Overall this was a very, good race. I didn’t love the long stretch on the bridge but otherwise it was a very nice and pretty fast course. I would recommend this race for Wisconsin especially if you prefer more urban races and/or are looking for the most convenient location. This is probably a one and done race for because there are so many great races closer to me in the Northeast this weekend but I could be convinced to do it again and if I lived closer I would definitely do it again.
Nice race views but not that wet
I found it funny that the call this the lakefront marathon but you don’t actually get to see the water till mile 23…. Well organized race point to point with … MORE
I found it funny that the call this the lakefront marathon but you don’t actually get to see the water till mile 23…. Well organized race point to point with mostly a downhill course. Good support from aid stations but not a lot of crowds to cheer for you as you race.
Nice course nice swags
I like almost everything about it from the race (course, swags, logistics) to hotel & city. Host hotel is super friendly. I stayed at Drury hotel, they tried their best … MORE
I like almost everything about it from the race (course, swags, logistics) to hotel & city. Host hotel is super friendly. I stayed at Drury hotel, they tried their best to help with everything I asked for. One of the best service from all hotels I have stayed with. They offer daily complimentary breakfast & light dinner and drinks.
One thing I don’t like is that it seems very disorganized because of too many runners? Or rainy day? It seemed chaotic at start and finish. I paid for VIP package but I didn’t get any service for it. 🤔
Great race!
I ran this race as the "Sweeper Pacer". This is a race "for runners by runners". The support you will get is amazing. The run is mostly along the lakefront … MORE
I ran this race as the “Sweeper Pacer”. This is a race “for runners by runners”. The support you will get is amazing. The run is mostly along the lakefront of Lake Michigan. There are some rollers in the first half of the race and the second half is mostly an overall downhill run. This has been put on for about 40 years now and is a well oiled machine. It is a fast course and great for all runners from first timers to BQ hopefuls.
Don't Let My Time Keep You From This Rac
Great organization - shelter at the high school before the start with real bathrooms - beautiful scenery - great shirt and medal - FUN town - great beer and weather … MORE
Great organization – shelter at the high school before the start with real bathrooms – beautiful scenery – great shirt and medal – FUN town – great beer and weather – Want to go back to Milwakee!
Hometown race with a hometown feel
I've run 14 marathons, and Lakefront was my first, most recent and most frequent. I think I've run it 8 times or so and it's where I have my PR. … MORE
I’ve run 14 marathons, and Lakefront was my first, most recent and most frequent. I think I’ve run it 8 times or so and it’s where I have my PR. I’ve run it as a pacer, with a team and solo.
This year brought a few minor changes with the finish line extended to Summerfest, just past where it previously finished at Veteran’s park. This was a huge improvement for the better since in previous years the finish line has been muddy and wet, making it difficult for runners and spectators alike. The finish at the Summerfest grounds made for a scenic finishing chute along Lake Michigan, as well as allowed for ample entertainment on the stage. The new set-up made it feel a lot more like a legit finish line party and the logistics were greatly improved. Kudos to the race organizers for making this change to the long-standing route.
As for the route, some people might call it boring, others may call it peaceful. It’s a mix of rural and suburban and you finally get into the city along the last few miles, where the route takes you along Lake Michigan. My favorite stretch is along quiet farmer fields just before you enter Concordia University around mile 7. That’s also where you see one of the biggest cheering sections, which usually appear every few miles or so. To me, it’s a good mixture of solitude and cheering along the route.
It’s also a fast course. There are barely any inclines, with just a few minor ups and downs along the way. You end with a big downhill to the lake around mile 24.
As someone who has run huge races like Chicago and scenic but logistically challenging races like Big Sur, I really like the happy medium of Lakefront Marathon. It’s easy to get to the start, it has an intimate community feel but it’s also big enough to run with others and have fan support along the course. I may be biased as a hometown participant, but it’s one of my all-time favorite races.
Fabulous Race! I'd Run It Again!
The course is fantastic--fairly flat with a few small hills. The race went very smoothly! I loved being able to hang out in the high school before the race--real bathrooms … MORE
The course is fantastic–fairly flat with a few small hills. The race went very smoothly! I loved being able to hang out in the high school before the race–real bathrooms and you stayed warm! The finish line at Summerfest was super nice. No mud unlike when my husband ran the race several years ago! The volunteers were great! I also loved that they had a sign that water was ahead about 1/10-2/10 mile before the water station–it gave you time to have your nutrition before the water stop!
Scenic Point-to-Point
Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon was a happy surprise! A beautiful fall day to run along the lake. To early for fall color but still beautiful course in lovely neighborhoods. After the … MORE
Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon was a happy surprise! A beautiful fall day to run along the lake. To early for fall color but still beautiful course in lovely neighborhoods. After the rolling hills at the start, course felt like a very gradual downhill to Milwaukee.
Race director sent informative emails prior to race and after race. Do this race!
Beautiful course, more laid back vibe
Very small but nice expo, beautiful scenery (the bluffs at Concordia University! rural farmland!), and great post-race food (beer and brats, obviously). MORE
Very small but nice expo, beautiful scenery (the bluffs at Concordia University! rural farmland!), and great post-race food (beer and brats, obviously).
Must Do!
This was my 4th marathon and what I said would be my last. However, I had so much fun and was so close to my goal that I am running … MORE
This was my 4th marathon and what I said would be my last. However, I had so much fun and was so close to my goal that I am running it again this year! The Badgerland Striders puts on an amazing race. The spectators are fantastic.