Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon Explained

Bgcolour:darkblue
Date:first Sunday in October
Location:Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Event Type:Paved Road
Distance:26.2miles
Sponsor:Badgerland Striders
Est:1973
Record:Women:
Damaris Areba, 2:37:39 (2023)[1]
Men:
Steve Benson, 2:14:09 (1981)[2]
Participants:over 1600[3]

The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon is an annual marathon held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the United States. It starts at the Italian Community Center on West Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee and finishes at Henry Maier Festival Park and has a total elevation gain of 626feet.[4] As of 2023, it is the largest marathon held in Wisconsin.[5] The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon is somewhat unique among American marathons because it does not have a corporate sponsor and is not for charity; instead it is organized by the Badgerland Striders running group on a "for runners, by runners" model.[6]

In 2008, the Road Runners Club of America recognized the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon as Road Race of the Year.[7] [8]

Race history

The Wisconsin Mayfair Marathon, which started at the Mayfair Mall, was established in 1973 and was the progenitor to what became the Lakefront Marathon.[9] [10] In 1982, the Badgerland Striders running group reconstituted the event as the Lakefront Marathon. The 1983 race was known as the Lite Beer Lakefront Marathon.[11] [12]

Chip timing was used for the first time at Lakefront Marathon in 1999.[13]

In 2005, the Badgerland Striders had to cap the number of participants for the first time limiting entries to 2,300.[14]

Fauja Singh ran his 100th marathon at the Lakefront Marathon in 2008.[15]

In 2009, pace groups were first a part of Lakefront Marathon to help runners meet their time goals.[16] The same year, Wisconsin politicians Jim Sullivan, David Cullen, and Pedro Colón competed in the Lakefront Marathon.[17] There was also controversy in the women's race that year when Cassie Peller, who ran 3:02:09, was disqualified for accepting outside aid by drinking water outside of official aid stations in violation of USATF rules. Peller admitted she took water from a young boy and was handed an unplanned water bottle by a friend around 19miles, but claimed she didn't seek to have any unfair advantage.[18] [19] However, the second place finisher Jennifer Goebel was also disqualified for using an iPod in violation of USATF rules from 19miles to 21miles of the race.[20] This elevated Corina Canitz, the third women's finisher, to be the winner with a time of 3:04:20; Canitz donated the $500 winner's award to a charity affiliated with Jenny Crain.[21]

In 2010, the Lakefront Marathon was the Road Runners Club of America national marathon championship race.[22] The same year, about 100 runners were obstructed by a train about 1.6miles into the race.[23]

The marathon relay race at Lakefront Marathon ended in 2010. Race director Kristine Hinrichs explained the decision by saying the change helped focus on the marathon race.[24]

In 2011, 62 runners tethered themselves together and ran the Lakefront Marathon with a finish time of 6 hours and 18 minutes to set the Guinness World Record for The Most People Linked Together To Complete A Marathon.[25] The previous record was 54 runners. This was done as a fundraiser for elite athlete Jenny Crain, who was injured in a traffic accident, and raised at least $108,000.[26] Crain joined "Team Jennipede" for the last 0.2miles of the race in her wheelchair.

Slight changes were made to the race course in 2011 to better show off views of Lake Michigan.[27]

In 2022, the Lakefront Marathon was canceled due to permit issues.[28] [29] An unofficial marathon and half marathon called Not Lakefront Marathon took place on October 2, 2022, and 700 to 800 runners participated in it from 20 states.[30] [31]

Until 2023, the Lakefront Marathon was run on a point-to-point course from the Grafton High School in Grafton, Wisconsin, to Veteran's Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on a course that was recognized for being flat and fast.[32] The route change was necessitated by road construction on the original course.[33] [34] The new route has more elevation gain on the course including 125feet on the Hoan Bridge.[35]

In 2024, the driver of a vehicle experienced a medical emergency and struck a marathon participant.[36]

Race weekend

The marathon and half marathon both start at 7 am.[37]

Past marathon results

DateMen's winnerTime
(h:m:s)		Women's winnerTime
(h:m:s)
Steve Benson2:14:09[38] Mary Bange2:55:31[39]
Tom Antczak2:25:38[40] Kris Clark-Setnes3:04:56[41]
Tim Renzelmann2:22:22[42] Linda Walker2:43:15[43]
Lee Zubrod2:26:03[44] Debbie Revolta2:51:39[45]
Randy Damkot2:29:00[46] Liz Krznarich2:56:43[47]
Mitchell Craib2:25:27[48] Ann Schaefers2:47:31[49]
Randy Damkot2:22:35[50] Jane Murphy2:44:31[51]
Rick Stefanovic2:33:52[52] Kathleen Green2:58:13[53]
Brian Pahnke2:33:08[54] Jennifer Holzem2:58:47[55]
Randy Damkot2:25:25[56] Mary Peckarsky2:49:48[57]
Dan Held2:23:22[58] Keri Wells2:49:49[59]
Randy Damkot2:26:07[60] Janeth Salazar-Ohst2:52:24[61]
Randy Damkot2:29:04[62] Kathy Waldron3:01:28[63]
Rick Stefanovic2:41:04[64] Kit McCaffrey3:05.26[65]
Chris Roberdeau2:26:39[66] Rebecca Ward2:56.46[67]
Shane Carr2:35:34[68] Aaron Clark2:58:30[69]
Bob Cisler2:32:22[70] Meghan Macardy3:03:06[71]
Paul Laeseke2:32:26[72] Rebecca Suehring2:53:29[73]
Matthew Lavine2:37:31[74] Corina Canitz3:01:02[75]
Brent Alexander2:28:24[76] Corina Canitz3:00:48[77]
Ryan Meissen2:24.53[78] Corina Canitz3:04:20[79]
Scott Jansky2:31:41[80] Nacole Fredrickson3:01:39[81]
Nick Szczech2:22:17[82] Amber Druien2:54:15[83]
Paul Zdroik2:27:08[84] Jacqui Aubert2:55:06[85]
Ryan Meissen2:28:23[86] Melissa Burkart2:45:30[87]
Nick End2:27:38[88] Melissa Gacek2:43:41[89]
Kyle Fraser2:27:38[90] Melissa Burkart2:43:41[91]
Dave Eckhart2:27:22[92] Brooke Slayman2:51:17[93]
Matt Borneman2:31:44[94] Jenny Zwagerman2:54:11[95]
David Luy2:21:24[96] Kameron Burmeister2:45:21[97]
Sammy Kibet Rotich2:17:10[98] Liz Berkholtz2:45:27[99]
canceled due to coronavirus pandemic[100]
Matt Barrett2:22:35[101] Samantha Slattery2:48:00[102]
canceled due to inability to secure permits
Seth Massot2:24:51[103] Damaris Areba2:37:39[104]
Abraham Kipkemei2:21:53[105] Alexis Mather2:46:42[106]

Notes and References

  1. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Steele . Ben . Kenyan runner sets record at Lakefront Marathon, but there is confusion before she is declared winner . 1 October 2023 . 26 November 2024.
  2. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Dawson . Drew . Who won the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon? . 2 October 2023.
  3. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Reid . Claire . Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon and Half Marathon 2024 winners and results . 7 October 2024.
  4. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . 16 June 2022 . Lakefront Marathon sets a new course . .
  5. News: Fox 6 News (Milwaukee) . Gooden . Isley . 2023 Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon: Participants conquer new course . 1 October 2023 . 25 November 2024.
  6. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Stuller . Guy . Lakefront Marathon . 5 October 2002.
  7. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . Lakefront Marathon scores 2008 Race of the Year Award . 28 January 2009.
  8. News: The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) . Event basking in national honor . Andres . Patrick . 10 August 2022.
  9. News: Freeman, The (Waukesha, WI) . KOGUTKIEWICZ . James . Two seconds for a lifetime - Town of Brookfield firefighter follows mother's path . 18 May 2002.
  10. News: Milwaukee Journal . Flaherty . Tom . The very long and winding road 41 year old runner finds success, joy in ultra-marathons . 26 February 1990.
  11. News: New York Times . Braile . Robert . How L.I. Runners Train for Olympics . 20 May 1984.
  12. News: Minneapolis Tribune . Hobbs . Maurice . Two changes coming on how to register for Grandma's . 16 October 1983.
  13. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Miller . Stanley . These runners will be wearing timepieces on their shoes, Lakefront Marathon organizers using microchips to ensure accurate timing . 10 October 1999.
  14. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . Marathon will limit entries for 1st time . 13 June 2005.
  15. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . At 100, marathoner runs one for the record books . 18 October 2011.
  16. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . Lakefront Marathon adds pace teams . 3 March 2009.
  17. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . Pols on the run - Legislators line up for Lakefront Marathon . 2 October 2009.
  18. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . D'Amato . Gary . LAKEFRONT MARATHON Violation takes title from top finisher Fastest woman accused of taking aid . 5 October 2009.
  19. News: Times, The (Munster, IN) . Oren . Paul . Chesterton grad Cassie Peller disqualified from Lakefront Marathon . 6 October 2009.
  20. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . Second Lakefront Marathon winner disqualified for iPod use . 7 October 2009.
  21. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . Lakefront winner donates prize money to Jenny Crain fund . 7 October 2009.
  22. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . Lakefront Marathon will host RRCA National Championship . 14 May 2009.
  23. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . Train slowed about 100 in Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon . 5 October 2010.
  24. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . Lakefront Marathon drops relay, expands field for 2011 . 15 November 2010.
  25. News: Saint Paul Pioneer Press . Guinness confirms Milwaukee marathon record . 25 January 2012 . .
  26. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . First-timers, Team Jennipede run to victories in Lakefront Marathon . 3 October 2011.
  27. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . Lakefront Marathon changes course . 26 July 2011.
  28. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Glauber . Bill . Spicuzza . Mary . 2022 Lakefront Marathon canceled - Planners could not find alternate route . 10 September 2022.
  29. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Nickel . Lori . Athletes feeling betrayed after course hangups in Milwaukee result in Lakefront Marathon 2022 cancellation . 13 September 2022.
  30. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Nickel . Lori . Runners and volunteers at Not Lakefront Marathon show Milwaukee wants a big marathon event . 10 October 2022.
  31. News: Silver Circle Sports in Oconomowoc to hold ‘Non-Canceled Marathon’ - Organizers canceled the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon . 16 September 2022 . Freeman, The (Waukesha, WI) . .
  32. News: CBS 58 News (Milwaukee) . . Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon back in person on its 40th year . 3 October 2021 . 25 November 2021.
  33. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Nickel . Lori . After an abrupt cancellation last year, the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon is making plans for an Oct. 1 race. Here's what we know so far. . 8 February 2023 . 25 November 2024.
  34. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . 16 June 2022 . Lakefront Marathon sets a new course . .
  35. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Lakefront Marathon makes its big return . 28 September 2023 . .
  36. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Rodriguez . Jessica . Runner hit by vehicle during Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon in Cudahy after driver experiences medical emergency . 6 October 2024.
  37. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Pandey . Maia . Road closings for Lakefront Marathon . 3 October 2024.
  38. News: Minneapolis Star . Benson Captures Milwaukee Marathon . 21 September 1981. .
  39. Web site: Race Winners. 27 November 2024 . Association of Road Racing Statisticians . 2 October 2017 .
  40. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Lorentz . Dan . Antczak captures marathon crown . 8 October 1990.
  41. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Lorentz . Dan . Antczak captures marathon crown . 8 October 1990.
  42. News: Chicago Tribune . 14 October 1991 . Briefs . .
  43. News: Chicago Tribune . 14 October 1991 . Briefs . .
  44. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Nickel . Lori . 1st-timers dominate the day Zubord, Revolta win men's, women's titles . 12 October 1992.
  45. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Nickel . Lori . 1st-timers dominate the day Zubord, Revolta win men's, women's titles . 12 October 1992.
  46. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Breitenbucher . Cathy . Krznarich's best gets Lakefront win Damkot wins men's race in 2:29:00 . 11 October 1993.
  47. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Breitenbucher . Cathy . Krznarich's best gets Lakefront win Damkot wins men's race in 2:29:00 . 11 October 1993.
  48. News: Minneapolis Star Tribune . 10 October 1994 . N.Y. Marathon's Lebow dies . .
  49. News: Minneapolis Star Tribune . 10 October 1994 . N.Y. Marathon's Lebow dies . .
  50. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Norris . Tim . 9 October 1995 . LAKEFRONT MARATHON Victory wears different faces Damkot, Murphy are tops among many winners - Results.
  51. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Norris . Tim . 9 October 1995 . LAKEFRONT MARATHON Victory wears different faces Damkot, Murphy are tops among many winners - Results.
  52. Web site: Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon: Race Winners. 2 December 2024 . 2 October 2017 . Association of Road Racing Statisticians .
  53. Web site: Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon: Race Winners. 2 December 2024 . 2 October 2017 . Association of Road Racing Statisticians .
  54. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Spicuzza . Paul . 13 October 1997 . LAKEFRONT MARATHON - Victory is no breeze because of stiff wind - Pahnke fights elements to win by nearly 5 minutes.
  55. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Spicuzza . Paul . 13 October 1997 . LAKEFRONT MARATHON - Victory is no breeze because of stiff wind - Pahnke fights elements to win by nearly 5 minutes.
  56. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Flaherty . Tom . 12 October 1998 . LAKEFRONT MARATHON - Sheboygan racer pulls away and wins easily.
  57. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Flaherty . Tom . 12 October 1998 . LAKEFRONT MARATHON - Sheboygan racer pulls away and wins easily.
  58. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Manoyan . Dan . 11 October 1999 . LAKEFRONT MARATHON - Held, Wells run away to victories - Men's, women's winners finish far ahead of crowd.
  59. News: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Manoyan . Dan . 11 October 1999 . LAKEFRONT MARATHON - Held, Wells run away to victories - Men's, women's winners finish far ahead of crowd.
  60. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Manoyan . Dan . Lakefront winners cruise - All other marathoners left far in their wake . 9 October 2000.
  61. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Manoyan . Dan . Lakefront winners cruise - All other marathoners left far in their wake . 9 October 2000.
  62. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . D'Amato . Gary . Busy man finds time to win - Damkot, father of 3, runs away with Lakefront Marathon . 15 October 2001.
  63. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . D'Amato . Gary . Busy man finds time to win - Damkot, father of 3, runs away with Lakefront Marathon . 15 October 2001.
  64. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Stuller . Guy . Masters runner captures Lakefront - Milwaukee's Stefanovic, 40, is overall winner in 2:41:04 . 7 October 2002.
  65. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Stuller . Guy . Masters runner captures Lakefront - Milwaukee's Stefanovic, 40, is overall winner in 2:41:04 . 7 October 2002.
  66. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Manoyan . Dan . Runner walled off from Olympic goal - But he holds on, wins annual event . 6 October 2003.
  67. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Manoyan . Dan . Runner walled off from Olympic goal - But he holds on, wins annual event . 6 October 2003.
  68. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Dettmann . Nick . Change of heart a good decision Carr wins men's race, Clark runs to women's title . 3 October 2004.
  69. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Dettmann . Nick. Change of heart a good decision Carr wins men's race, Clark runs to women's title . 3 October 2004.
  70. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . ROQUEMORE . Bobbi . LAKEFRONT MARATHON Pushing the limits Kurian endures challenge . 4 October 2005.
  71. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . ROQUEMORE . Bobbi . LAKEFRONT MARATHON Pushing the limits Kurian endures challenge . 4 October 2005.
  72. News: The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin) . LAESEKE WINS MILWAUKEE - LILIENTHAL 4TH IN CITIES . 2 October 2006 . .
  73. News: The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin) . LAESEKE WINS MILWAUKEE - LILIENTHAL 4TH IN CITIES . 2 October 2006 . .
  74. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . MANOYAN . Dan . LAKEFRONT MARATHON - Heat, humidity run down competitors Winning times behind last year . 8 October 2007.
  75. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . MANOYAN . Dan . LAKEFRONT MARATHON - Heat, humidity run down competitors Winning times behind last year . 8 October 2007.
  76. News: News Graphic (Cedarburg, WI) . . Mequon woman wins age division - LAKEFRONT MARATHON Whitcomb finishes fourth among women . 7 October 2008.
  77. News: News Graphic (Cedarburg, WI) . . Mequon woman wins age division - LAKEFRONT MARATHON Whitcomb finishes fourth among women . 7 October 2008.
  78. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . D'Amato . Gary . LAKEFRONT MARATHON Violation takes title from top finisher Fastest woman accused of taking aid . 5 October 2009.
  79. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . Lakefront winner donates prize money to Jenny Crain fund . 7 October 2009.
  80. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . D'Amato . Gary . Finding the long road back has its rewards - Jansky, Fredrickson earn respective titles in Lakefront Marathon . 3 October 2010.
  81. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . Jansky, Fredrickson win Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon. Streaks continue. . 3 October 2010.
  82. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . First-timers, Team Jennipede run to victories in Lakefront Marathon . 3 October 2011.
  83. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Held . Tom . First-timers, Team Jennipede run to victories in Lakefront Marathon . 3 October 2011.
  84. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Novice wins Lakefront Marathon . 7 October 2012 . .
  85. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Novice wins Lakefront Marathon . 7 October 2012 . .
  86. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Repeat winner takes Lakefront Marathon, Female champ has eyes on Olympics . 7 October 2013 . D'Amato . Gary.
  87. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Repeat winner takes Lakefront Marathon, Female champ has eyes on Olympics . 7 October 2013 . D'Amato . Gary.
  88. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . First-timers Gacek, End return to their roots to pace the field . 6 October 2014 . D'Amato . Gary.
  89. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . First-timers Gacek, End return to their roots to pace the field . 6 October 2014 . D'Amato . Gary.
  90. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Personal best falls just short of goal, Burkart misses Olympic trials qualifying standard LAKEFRONT MARATHON . 5 October 2015 . D'Amato . Gary.
  91. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Personal best falls just short of goal, Burkart misses Olympic trials qualifying standard LAKEFRONT MARATHON . 5 October 2015 . D'Amato . Gary.
  92. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon - Out-of-state rookies come out on top - Local stars take runner-up spots . 3 October 2016 . Nickel . Lori.
  93. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon - Out-of-state rookies come out on top - Local stars take runner-up spots . 3 October 2016 . Nickel . Lori.
  94. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Running - Second time a charm for Lakefront Marathon winners . 2 October 2017 . Nickel . Lori.
  95. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Running - Second time a charm for Lakefront Marathon winners . 2 October 2017 . Nickel . Lori.
  96. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Brookfield's David Luy wins Lakefront Marathon but wants to push harder . 7 October 2018 . Steele . Ben.
  97. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Brookfield's David Luy wins Lakefront Marathon but wants to push harder . 7 October 2018 . Steele . Ben.
  98. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Best finish for Lakefront Marathon in 38 years . 7 October 2019. Nickel . Lori.
  99. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Best finish for Lakefront Marathon in 38 years . 7 October 2019 . Nickel . Lori.
  100. News: Fox 6 News (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) . 20 July 2020 . 'Great disappointment:' 2020 Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon canceled due to COVID-19 . . 27 November 2024.
  101. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . More to celebrate than wins in Lakefront Marathon . 4 October 2021 . Nickel . Lori.
  102. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . More to celebrate than wins in Lakefront Marathon . 4 October 2021 . Nickel . Lori.
  103. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Kenyan runner sets record at Lakefront Marathon, but there is confusion before she is declared winner . 1 October 2023 . Steele . Ben.
  104. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Kenyan runner sets record at Lakefront Marathon, but there is confusion before she is declared winner . 1 October 2023 . Steele . Ben.
  105. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon and Half Marathon 2024 winners and results . 7 October 2024 . Reid . Claire.
  106. News: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel . Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon and Half Marathon 2024 winners and results . 7 October 2024 . Reid . Claire.

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