Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon

The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon is Wisconsin’s largest marathon and a respected fixture on the U.S. running calendar. Known for its grassroots approach—organized entirely by the Badgerland Striders without corporate sponsorship or charity ties—the race operates on a “for runners, by runners” model. It starts at the Italian Community Center and finishes at Henry Maier Festival Park, covering 26.2 miles (42.2 km) with an elevation gain of 626 feet (191 m). The current course offers expansive views of Lake Michigan and a challenging climb over the Hoan Bridge. The event has earned national recognition, including Road Runners Club of America’s Road Race of the Year. While past editions were run on a flatter, point-to-point course, the new urban layout maintains strong crowd support and scenic appeal. The race also holds historical significance: in 2008, Fauja Singh ran his 100th marathon here, and a Guinness World Record was set in 2011 for most runners tethered together.