Course Map
About this Race
The Milwaukee Marathon is a largely flat course along the shore of Lake Michigan in the Wisconsin city, running through downtown and the lakefront parks on a gentle profile. The level terrain makes it a reasonable personal-best target, with the lakeside stretches offering long, rhythmic running. Held in autumn, it typically delivers cool conditions, with lake winds the main variable along the exposed shore. The crowds are modest and the atmosphere relaxed. It suits runners who want an accessible, flat-leaning Midwestern race in a cool-weather window without big-event scale.
Course Insight
Milwaukee is a flat, fast lakefront marathon, hugging Lake Michigan on level ground built for quick, even running. The flatness leaves pacing discipline to you on the open early kilometres. The catch is wind off the lake, which can build on the exposed shoreline, so share the work in a pack. Cool conditions suit fast running. Pace it evenly and the flat lakeside route delivers a clean day.
Difficulty Breakdown
A balanced marathon with no single defining challenge.
Course Details
- Course type
- Point-To-Point
- Elevation gain
- 143m
- Elevation loss
- 131m
- Highest point
- 211m
- Lowest point
- 179m
- Net drop
- 12m
- Start
- E. Clybourn St. & N. Harbor Dr.
- Cutoff time
- 5h 0m
Race History
The Milwaukee Marathon was established around 2012 as a flat lakefront course along Lake Michigan through the Wisconsin city. Its level terrain and cool autumn timing made it an accessible personal-best target. Despite early growing pains, it built a place among the region's marathons. Held each autumn, it draws a steady field along the lakeshore.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Milwaukee Mitchell (MKE), Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown for proximity to the lakefront route, the Historic Third Ward for trendy, characterful stays, and the East Side for value options.
- Getting to the start
- The course is often point-to-point along the lakefront; confirm the start location and take the official shuttle or walk from downtown for that year's route.