Wisconsin Lakeside Half Marathon & 5K (fka Rockin Brews Marathon)
Monona, WI
- Half Marathon, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Wisconsin Lakeside Half Marathon & 5K (formerly the Rockin Brews Marathon) starts with the races and ends with the Finish Line Festival. Participants will be able to enjoy live music, unlimited craft beers and ciders, and food (for purchase) from local vendors. The Half Marathon course follows paved paths … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Sep 26):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 81 | 78 | 68 | 59 | 80 |
| L (°F) | 55 | 50 | 61 | 48 | 53 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Pretty lakeside event
This was a smaller production, but a really friendly event. I liked the rockin theme and the band afterwards. I loved the route around Lake Monona. I don’t remember much … MORE
This was a smaller production, but a really friendly event. I liked the rockin theme and the band afterwards. I loved the route around Lake Monona. I don’t remember much about the food afterwards, but swag was a nice cotton T-shirt and a very nice medal.
I’m reviewing this race six months later, so I’m probably missing many details, but I did enjoy this race.
Nice Course
A very nice event and course around the Lake. The Shirt and Medal were nice but no other race swag, as the packet pickup was just that - pickup the … MORE
A very nice event and course around the Lake. The Shirt and Medal were nice but no other race swag, as the packet pickup was just that – pickup the shirt and bib. The race was organized and run well but there were no awards for the top 3 finishers in each category, and very basic finish line offerings.
Nice course and refreshing beers!
This was my first time running this race. I really likes the tour through the neighborhoods in Monona and the views around the lake were nice too. While running through … MORE
This was my first time running this race. I really likes the tour through the neighborhoods in Monona and the views around the lake were nice too. While running through the neighborhood sections you got a small break from the hot sun since there are a number of large trees providing some shade.
The course was a mixture of rolling hills through the neighborhood sections and pancake flat through the parks and near the water. Elevation gain of 282′ and elevation loss of 279′
The “afterparty” had a live band and beers in the tent with a few snacks. Unfortunately, anyone who didn’t purchase an “all you can drink” band for $40 couldn’t join you in the tent. That’s a bummer because $40 for 1-2 beers at 10am is a little steep IMO. Having the option to buy a single beverage would have been a nice option for non-runners.
Beautiful run along Lake Monona.
Very enjoyable course. Looking for a good run in Wisconsin this would be a good one. I only did the Half. The marathon is two loops. Whereas I don’t like … MORE
Very enjoyable course. Looking for a good run in Wisconsin this would be a good one. I only did the Half. The marathon is two loops. Whereas I don’t like loops, this was a pretty one.
A very Scenic race
The scenery as you run two loops around Lake Monona was excellent! The weather did not cooperate at all, Temps went into the high 80's forcing many full marathoners to … MORE
The scenery as you run two loops around Lake Monona was excellent! The weather did not cooperate at all, Temps went into the high 80’s forcing many full marathoners to drop at at the half. Full marathoners did their best to finish upright. I know many logistics are involved, but with those temps in the forecast, an earlier start would have helped tremendously. Plenty of beer and snacks at the finish, with a live band too. Maybe add in some food trucks for runners and friends to purchase some more substantial post race food.
Relaxing course
In 2021 the weather was humid but the course was interesting. The expo was just packet pickup in a park so plan on having all your essentials when you travel. … MORE
In 2021 the weather was humid but the course was interesting. The expo was just packet pickup in a park so plan on having all your essentials when you travel. The parking was easy on race morning. The course was a mix of residential streets with very pretty houses and running around the perimeter of a lake. You run past a building that Frank Lloyd Wright designed.
The shirt was a soft t-shirt that I still wear. My registration came with access to what was advertised as an unlimited beer festival. The live band was great and the beer was too. My only criticism is that some people were taking unopened cans out of the area. Before most runners finished their fulls (I ran the half) the beer was running out. I hope that situation was corrected in later years.
my overall race expeirence
I really enjoyed getting to walk by the lake or one of the Great Lakes. Really love the medal, and will definitely be making a return trip for the full … MORE
I really enjoyed getting to walk by the lake or one of the Great Lakes. Really love the medal, and will definitely be making a return trip for the full marathon. Great crowd and on course support