This would be a fine marathon if the field were limited to 1000 runners or fewer. The entire course is open to vehicular traffic, and with the first 10 miles or so on narrow two lane country roads, it seemed very dangerous for the 2500 or so runners in the 2004 edition. The runners' portion of the street narrows as the course progresses so that at mile nine the runners are entitled to only about a four foot area of the shoulder. The resulting congestion of runners resulted in at least one runner being knocked to the ground at that point. The disorganization and congestion in the post-race area was very disappointing. There may have been some refreshments after the race somewhere, but there was no indication to the runners how to find the refreshments, nor any effort to control spectators in this area in any way. The long and short of it is that this race has neither the appeal of a small town marathon nor the excitement of a true big city marathon.

With less than 2,000 registered runners, prevailing southwest winds and average temps that range from the mid 40's to mid-50's, this would ordinarily be a great point-to-point course on which to set a PR and (as advertised) to qualify for Boston. 2004, however, was an exception with killer headwinds off of Lake Michigan for most of the last 3 miles. Even this year's temps in the high 30's before the start were OK, but the wind was tough going, especially toward the end, which happened to be the most exposed part of the course near the lake.

The course itself was nice and relatively flat with a net elevation drop. The only hill of real significance luckily went DOWN near the 23 mile mark. For the most part, the course is on asphalt and very smooth. A couple of zigs and zags, but not too many tight turns - the only real exceptions were some turns around the harbor during the last mile, but we were told that it was due to last-minute changes in the course to avoid a construction area.

The spectators were sparse in many places - e.g., throughout a more rural area shortly after the starting line well north of Milwaukee, but they were plentiful at recommended viewing areas such as Concordia College and enthusuastic everywhere. One of the coolest things about this race was that they printed your first name in bold letters above your bib number, so that everyone who was close enough to read it could cheer you on by name! The personal touch helped make up for the lack of spectators, who tended to be clumped together in various neighborhoods and not spread all along the route, even as you entered Milwaukee proper.

There is definitely not as much positive energy generated here as there would be by the party atmosphere and gazillion spectators associated with a mega-race like Chicago, but it was extremely well-organized, had adequate facilities and also some great finish line amenities. Other nice touches included free bus service from downtown Milwaukee to the start at Grafton High School and numbered gear bags with your warm-up clothes awaiting you at the finish. Milwaukee's Lakefront is a great place to go if you want to get away from the crowds, especially if you are not necessarily an elite runner but are nonetheless serious about running for a PR or qualifying time.

This was my first marathon, and it could not have been better. The course begins in rural Wisconsin north of Milwaukee and makes it way down to the lakefront for the finish. A few minor rolling hills at the beginning but relatively flat after that. Runners stay inside Grafton High School prior to the start. There were plenty of course marshals and volunteers handing out water and Gatorade. The only concrete sidewalks encountered are at the very end as runners enter Lincoln Park for the finish - the rest of the race is run on country and neighborhood roads. We did have a strong headwind (about 30 m.p.h.) right at the finish but by then it no longer mattered.

The event was very well organized, with no confusion or difficulty at the end finding food, drink, grab bag and supporting family. Fan support was pretty good considering the small size of the race. It is easy for those out cheering to support you because the race numbers have your name printed on them. I would definitely enter this race again. Next year is its 25th anniversary. Thank you to the Badgerland Striders club, the organizer!

I've done this race at least 4 times and it's one of my favorite runs. You've got to love a race that stages in a heated high school building. Some of the scenery is spectacular. Well organized with plenty of support.

This was my fourth Lakefront Marathon and thirty-third overall. The course and organization ranks near the top. Keep up the good work and we'll see you next year.

This was my 2nd marathon and I thought it was a great experience. I highly recommmend this one. Nice course, especially the last 3 miles downhill around the lake - breathtaking. Spectator support was fantastic, even a man out in the country playing the accordion in his front yard. Milwaukee is a great city with lots to offer in the way of food and entertainment (also a very clean city). The ONLY negative thing I can say at the finish line it was a cluster of runners/friends/family/volunteers and hard to find the refreshments.

The Lakefront Marathon was my first marathon. I found the course to be beautiful. The volunteers were helpful and friendly. However, the Milwaukee area is completely oblivious to the event and does not come out to watch. Perhaps offering more prize money or spending more on publicity would help.

This was my first marathon, and it really couldn't have been much better. If you want a small race, this is for you. It's a charming event, well organized by caring, enthusiastic volunteers. There is good crowd support (race numbers have first names in big letters and everyone encourages you along) and nice scenery to look at just when you need it. Comments about porta-potties (at least when you get out of the corn fields) and narrowing course are valid, and maybe there is a way to encourage more spectators to come out for the final 5 miles. But, for $37.78 you get a great, small race run by friendly people on a flat course, a bus ride to the starting line, a nice sweatshirt and medal, and beer at the finish line.

This a good, fast race. A group of us (all experienced marathoners) decided to try this race because the course looked fast and with the time of the year, we thought we had a chance for good weather. We were right on both counts. The course had no major ascents and only one major descent. You could not have asked for better weather (althought talking to people on the course the weather was not so good last year).
This is a smaller marathon that had a big jump in numbers in 2003. Even with this jump, they handled the race well. Even though there were fewer water stops than in some marathons, they were well staffed and had water and Gatorade at all stops. They did not have any energy gels on the course like most races do.
Spectators were somewhat slim early in the race (you start far north of downtown and run back into town, so the first part of the race is fairly rural). One fun thing was the guy on his accordion playing polka music). But the view at about 23 where you come down the hill to the lake was spectacular.
Post-race was a little subpar. The lines for food were far too long and the food was skimpy and the beer line (we were in Milwaukee) was a bit of a wait.
Overall I rate this race very high. Our group had three people trying to get their first Boston qualifying time. All three succeeded.

While the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon doesn't have the 'Huge Event' feel of Chicago, etc., it was nonetheless a great marathon. Milwaukee was my eighth so far, and was a lot of fun. I like one-way courses (as opposed to loops), and this course was flat, fast, uncluttered, clean, and scenic. We had near perfect weather, and the race was very well organized and executed. The spectators were enthusiastic and really helped us along. I like the idea of printing our first names on the bib number. It's great to hear so many people shouting your name with words of encouragement.

Some suggestions:
More music along the way would be nice.
More beer spigots at the finish area (long lines!).
Thank you all for sponsoring this marathon and doing such a great job (at a reasonable price) - it helps put our sport in the best light. A great way to spend the day - basking in positive energy and health.