HalfRuns
Lake Michigan Half Marathon

Lake Michigan Half Marathon

A scenic fall half along Lake Michigan's paved shoreline trail.

Race Date

Oct 25, 2026

Location

Milwaukee, WI

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Out & Back
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Beginner Friendly

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

The Lake Michigan Half Marathon delivers one of Wisconsin’s finest running backdrops: the Lake Michigan shoreline. Starting and finishing at Cupertino Park, the out-and-back course follows the paved Oak Leaf Trail south, winding through a chain of lakefront parks—South Shore, Bay View, Sheridan, Warnimont, and Grant Park. The route is simple and runner-friendly, offering wide-open water views, wooded trail sections, and the crisp beauty of fall colors.

The race is open to runners, walkers, and ruckers, making it a welcoming event for all paces. While the course is paved and largely flat along the lake, the changing leaves and lake breezes provide a serene atmosphere. The finish returns to Cupertino Park, where participants receive a T-shirt and enjoy the satisfaction of a well-organized, scenic run. Without large crowds or a bustling expo, the focus remains on the natural splendor of Milwaukee’s south shore.

Race-provided description

The Lake Michigan Half Marathon is a scenic fall race built around one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful running backdrops: the Lake Michigan shoreline. The event starts and finishes at Cupertino Park and follows the paved Oak Leaf Trail south along the Lake Michigan shoreline. From Cupertino Park, participants will head south through Milwaukee County’s lakefront trail system, passing through or alongside South Shore Park, Bay View Park, Sheridan Park, Warnimont Park, and the Grant Park area before turning around and returning north to the finish. The event is designed for runners, walkers, and ruckers who want more than another ordinary road race. With crisp fall air, lake views, changing leaves, and miles of paved trail through Milwaukee County’s south shore park system, the Lake Michigan Half Marathon delivers a memorable race experience from start to finish. Participants will travel through a series of lakefront parks, enjoy wide-open water views, wooded trail sections, and the natural beauty that makes Milwaukee’s shoreline such a special place to run. Whether you are chasing a goal time, completing your first half marathon, rucking the distance, walking with friends, or coming back for the return of a classic event, this race is built to be scenic, organized, and worth every mile. The route is simple, runner-friendly, and built around the best parts of Milwaukee’s south shore: parks, trail, fall color, and Lake Michigan doing most of the heavy lifting. Final course details are subject to municipal and park approvals, because apparently we still need permission before sending hundreds of runners down the shoreline in matching bibs.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, October 25, 2026

Start Time

9:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

2000 E Iron St, Milwaukee, WI, 53207

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Out & Back

Terrain

road

Scenery

Coastal, Park

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details2/15

limited extras

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather10/10

typical high 58°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

44°

Afternoon (High)

58°

Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable

0.1"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

70%

Humidity

Frequently asked

When is the Lake Michigan Half Marathon?

The Lake Michigan Half Marathon is held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.

Where does the Lake Michigan Half Marathon take place?

It takes place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

What distances does the Lake Michigan Half Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the Lake Michigan Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Lake Michigan Half Marathon is a rolling hills, out & back course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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