

Lake Michigan Half Marathon
A scenic fall half along Lake Michigan's paved shoreline trail.
Race Date
Oct 25, 2026
Location
Milwaukee, WI
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Location
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Course
The Experience
The Lake Michigan Half Marathon delivers one of Wisconsin’s finest running backdrops: the Lake Michigan shoreline. Starting and finishing at Cupertino Park, the out-and-back course follows the paved Oak Leaf Trail south, winding through a chain of lakefront parks—South Shore, Bay View, Sheridan, Warnimont, and Grant Park. The route is simple and runner-friendly, offering wide-open water views, wooded trail sections, and the crisp beauty of fall colors.
The race is open to runners, walkers, and ruckers, making it a welcoming event for all paces. While the course is paved and largely flat along the lake, the changing leaves and lake breezes provide a serene atmosphere. The finish returns to Cupertino Park, where participants receive a T-shirt and enjoy the satisfaction of a well-organized, scenic run. Without large crowds or a bustling expo, the focus remains on the natural splendor of Milwaukee’s south shore.
Race-provided description
The Lake Michigan Half Marathon is a scenic fall race built around one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful running backdrops: the Lake Michigan shoreline. The event starts and finishes at Cupertino Park and follows the paved Oak Leaf Trail south along the Lake Michigan shoreline. From Cupertino Park, participants will head south through Milwaukee County’s lakefront trail system, passing through or alongside South Shore Park, Bay View Park, Sheridan Park, Warnimont Park, and the Grant Park area before turning around and returning north to the finish. The event is designed for runners, walkers, and ruckers who want more than another ordinary road race. With crisp fall air, lake views, changing leaves, and miles of paved trail through Milwaukee County’s south shore park system, the Lake Michigan Half Marathon delivers a memorable race experience from start to finish. Participants will travel through a series of lakefront parks, enjoy wide-open water views, wooded trail sections, and the natural beauty that makes Milwaukee’s shoreline such a special place to run. Whether you are chasing a goal time, completing your first half marathon, rucking the distance, walking with friends, or coming back for the return of a classic event, this race is built to be scenic, organized, and worth every mile. The route is simple, runner-friendly, and built around the best parts of Milwaukee’s south shore: parks, trail, fall color, and Lake Michigan doing most of the heavy lifting. Final course details are subject to municipal and park approvals, because apparently we still need permission before sending hundreds of runners down the shoreline in matching bibs.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
2000 E Iron St, Milwaukee, WI, 53207
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal, Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
limited extras
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 58°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
44°
Afternoon (High)
58°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
13 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Frequently asked
When is the Lake Michigan Half Marathon?
The Lake Michigan Half Marathon is held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Lake Michigan Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
What distances does the Lake Michigan Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Lake Michigan Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Lake Michigan Half Marathon is a rolling hills, out & back course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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