I ran the 2015 Lakefront Marathon as a first timer. Everyone in the Milwaukee area talked about how this is an excellent PR/BQ course, due to the flat to downhill elevation, and cooler temps at that time of year. 2015 was a cool and overcast day, perfect for racing! The finish line area is in downtown Milwaukee, and there is a continuous shuttle service that goes from here to the start line (lakefront is a point to point course). There were ample busses starting a few hours before the race, so there was plenty of time to get to the start. The start line itself is in Grafton, a suburb in northern Milwaukee. The busses drop at the high school, which is open for restrooms, coffee, etc. The race doesn't use a corralled start, but there is a good orderly set up of faster runners toward the front. The first two miles are in Grafton before the course swings east toward Lake Michigan. The first 14 miles are run mostly in the country, with a short jaunt through a university campus (lots of excited spectators here!). Upon entering Milwaukee, you race through the northern lakeshore area, featuring some of the priciest real estate in the city! The final 4 miles take place right on the lakefront, with spectacular views and lots of spectators!

Participants receive a long sleeve technical shirt, as well as a large medal featuring the lakefront marathon logo. The finish line party features lots of refreshments for participants, including local restaurant fare along with the usual post race candy and bagels and drinks.

The race has a cap of 3500 participants, and it usually sells out. It is a competitive field that brings out top racers in the area, but of course they are welcoming of all abilities. There are several pace groups at varying speeds to get you to your PR. One of the best things about Lakefront though is the crowd support. Since this is Milwaukees race, people line the course nearly from start to finish, even in the rural areas. Great energy comes from start to finish!

I loved Lakefront, set my marathon PR there, and will definitely be running it again!