HalfRuns
Trailbreaker

Trailbreaker

Waukesha's Trailbreaker offers a community-focused tradition with multiple distances for all runners.

Race Date

Apr 4, 2027

Location

Waukesha, WI

Standout70

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, April 4, 2027
Location
Waukesha, Wisconsin
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 20 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1.85 Miles, Kiddos 1K
Course
Out & Back
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
6,649

Highlights

Good For

Beginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell Organized

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

Since 1993, Waukesha's Trailbreaker has evolved from a local vision into a cherished spring tradition, now in its 33rd year. This event, managed by Silver Circle Sports Events, LLC in partnership with the Park Foundation of Waukesha, Inc., serves as a significant fundraiser for enhancing city parks and recreation programs, having generated over $200,000.

The event boasts a variety of distances, from a 1.85-mile run to a full marathon, ensuring participation for every level of runner and family. While the half marathon features a mix of city streets, riverfront paths, and paved trails, the marathon extends onto the Ice Age Trail. The course is predominantly flat, making it suitable for those aiming for personal bests or simply enjoying a scenic run through Waukesha's green spaces.

With a median field size of approximately 229 finishers, the Trailbreaker maintains a community feel, drawing participants from around seven states. While the event is noted for its charitable mission and inclusive offerings, runner feedback suggests opportunities for enhanced spectator support and more frequent aid stations. Nonetheless, it remains a beloved local institution, celebrated for its community roots and positive impact.

Race-provided description

The Trailbreaker is Waukesha’s signature running event, proudly held every year since 1993. What began as the vision of three passionate local runners has grown into a celebrated tradition that brings the community together each spring. Originally featuring a Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5K Run, and 2-Mile Walk, the Trailbreaker offers something for everyone — from seasoned marathoners to families looking for a fun and active day out. Since 2009, the event has been hosted by the Park Foundation of Waukesha, Inc. as a fundraiser supporting the enhancement of city parks, trails, recreation programs, and Waukesha’s urban forest. In 2023, Silver Circle Sports Events, LLC (SCSE) partnered with the Park Foundation under a long-term agreement to manage all aspects of the Trailbreaker. This collaboration ensures the event will continue to grow while staying true to its community roots and mission. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just enjoying the route, the Trailbreaker is more than a race — it’s a Waukesha tradition. 🏃‍♀️🌳

Charity Partner - Park Foundation of Waukesha Over $200,000 has been generated and re-invested with the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department to "make Waukesha a better place to live, work and play". The PFW Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization that utilizes funds raised to promote "Community Quality of Life". All staff are unpaid volunteers. Please consider making a donation! This event provides distances for all runners! Come join the fun and support our local parks and community!

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, April 4, 2027

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

1120 Baxter Street, Waukesha, WI, 53186

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Out & Back

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Park

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles20 Miles13.1 Miles6.2 Miles3.1 Miles1.85 MilesKiddos 1K

Quality Score

Standout70
Methodology
Heritage20/20

24 years running

Size12/15

~229 finishers a year

Momentum2/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

22% returning runners

Course & details5/15

5 timing sources

National draw5/10

runners from 7 states

Front-pack speed1/5

winner 1:26:52

Weather5/10

typical high 47°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

29°

Afternoon (High)

47°

Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times

0.1"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

67%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 6,649 finishers actually crossed the line across 24 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

6,649

Median time

2:11:53

Latest turnout

116

States

36

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:10p50 median ≈ 1:556:15

Turnout by year

20182026

'18'19'21'22'23'24'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Trailbreaker?

The Trailbreaker is held on Sunday, April 4, 2027, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Trailbreaker take place?

It takes place in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

What distances does the Trailbreaker offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 20 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1.85 Miles, Kiddos 1K.

Is the Trailbreaker course flat and good for a PR?

The Trailbreaker is a ultra-flat, out & back course.

How many people run the Trailbreaker?

HalfRuns has finish records for 6,649 runners who have completed the Trailbreaker.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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