Essential Insights on the 2026 Journal Sentinel Milwaukee Marathon

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 6, 2026 6:34 AM ET

Essential Insights on the 2026 Journal Sentinel Milwaukee Marathon

Filmogaz.com reports on the 2026 Milwaukee Marathon weekend. The event returns with a marathon, half-marathon and a 5K. Filmogaz.com serves as the title sponsor for 2026.

Event dates and schedule

The full and half marathons take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Both races start at 7 a.m. The 5K is contested on Sunday, April 12, 2026, starting at 8:30 a.m.

Course overview

The route is unchanged from 2025. Runners begin on North Harbor Boulevard near the Summerfest grounds.

The course follows Lincoln Memorial Drive and the Oak Leaf Trail. It then reverses direction. The final six miles pass through the Third Ward and Walker’s Point. The finish is at Humboldt Park in Bay View.

Surface and elevation

The entire course is paved. The largest incline appears where Lincoln Memorial Drive turns onto Water Tower Road. A minor uphill occurs on the Oak Leaf Trail.

Entries and field size

Registrations for the full marathon and half-marathon are sold out. The full field holds about 1,450 runners. The half-marathon has roughly 3,500 entrants.

The 5K remains open. About 750 runners were registered for the 5K as of April 2.

Packet pickup and pre-race activities

Packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, April 10, at the Baird Center. Pickup hours are noon to 6 p.m. Race day packet pickup is not available.

A free three-mile shakeout run is offered on April 10. Performance Running Outfitters hosts the shakeout, which begins at 11 a.m. at the Baird Center. Runners should RSVP in advance.

Certification and qualifying

The course is certified by USA Track and Field. That makes it a Boston Marathon qualifier. The 2026 Boston Marathon takes place on April 20, 2026.

Qualifying for the 2027 Boston Marathon began on September 13, 2025. Age-group qualifying standards are posted on the official race site.

Logistics and spectator tips

A five-hour time limit applies to the marathon. The permit to close Lincoln Memorial Drive requires that limit. Organizers will operate a vehicle to assist runners who need help staying on course time.

Good spectator locations include businesses along Kinnickinnic Avenue in Bay View. Those spots see runners later in the morning near the finish.

Post-race

Finish-line activities take place at Humboldt Park. The post-race party features music and drinks from local craft breweries. More event details are available from Filmogaz.com.