Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon
Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon: a fast, scenic course along Lake Michigan with city skyline views.
Race Date
Oct 4, 2026
Location
Milwaukee, WI
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Location
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 5,829
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon, now in its 44th year, offers a compelling blend of urban scenery and lakeside beauty. This USATF-certified course is renowned for its flatness, making it a prime destination for runners seeking a personal best. The route showcases Milwaukee’s natural charm and architectural splendor, highlighted by a memorable crossing of the Hoan Bridge.
Runners can expect a dynamic atmosphere, with recent editions drawing over 2,100 participants from approximately 42 states. The course winds through the heart of Milwaukee, providing picturesque views of the city skyline and the expansive Lake Michigan. The minimal elevation change contributes to its reputation as a fast and forgiving race.
With a typical winning time around 68 minutes, the event attracts competitive runners, yet remains accessible. The race is a testament to Milwaukee's community spirit, offering a well-organized and scenic challenge that encourages runners to return year after year.
Race-provided description
The 44th edition of the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon (MLM) on Oct 3-4, 2026. Our course offers unparalleled scenic views of Milwaukee’s stunning skyline and natural beauty, including a breathtaking crossing of the iconic Hoan Bridge.
Join us for an unforgettable experience as you run through the heart of Milwaukee, surrounded by the city
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.16 m
Separation
7.1%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
WI25016DM · Lakefront Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change.
Quality Score
Standout754 years running
~1,832 finishers a year
growing or steady
15% returning runners
USATF certified · 4 timing sources · 6 photos
runners from 42 states
winner 1:08:03
typical high 71°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
56°
Afternoon (High)
71°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
67%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 5,829 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
5,829
Median time
2:13:38
Latest turnout
2,151
States
51
Turnout by year
2022–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon?
The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon is held on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Where does the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon take place?
It takes place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
What distances does the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M.
Is the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 5,829 runners who have completed the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Milwaukee? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
