This previous Sunday marked the beginning of October and the working of a brand-new course for the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon. Runners had been handled to a tour of the Metropolis of Milwaukee and a uncommon alternative to run throughout the Hoan Bridge, a landmark of the Metropolis, and notably, a non-pedestrian bridge.
As Wisconsin’s largest marathon, this annual occasion is a fan favourite for marathon runners from throughout the Nation. Badgerland Striders is the host of the race, which this yr, included a half marathon distance. Runners had the choice of choosing the complete marathon, half, or 5K distance. The complete and half marathon runners started collectively and ran the primary 10 miles collectively earlier than the 13.1-ers turned again to move to the end.
It was an abnormally heat morning for October in Milwaukee, because the runners toed the road to start their trek. The race director warned runners in pre-race electronic mail to be sensible and hydrate, because the temps had been predicted to start within the 60’s and rise to the 80’s by the race’s finish. Runners had been additionally inspired to observe their pacing and hearken to their physique, as warmth accidents mid-run will be tough to come back again from.
Regardless of the nice and cozy temps and excessive humidity, the beginning line was stuffed with positivity and vitality as we waited for our mark to go. The brand new course allowed runners to attend within the Baird Middle, which is a big, multi-purpose venue within the coronary heart of the Milwaukee. It additionally housed a number of set of actual loos which was a lot appreciated.
On the beginning, runners wove via the downtown streets of Milwaukee, previous eating places, bars, and retailers, and even over a number of patches of historic cobblestone-lined streets. The morning started fairly nice with a lightweight cloud cowl and slight breeze. Runners had been handled to a tour of Milwaukee with a fast out and again north earlier than turning again south and heading to the Hoan Bridge.
This bridge is an iconic landmark within the Metropolis and runs almost two miles in size. It’s closed to pedestrian site visitors, as automobiles journey each north and southbound over 4 lanes in width. Nonetheless, the southbound site visitors was closed for the marathon and runners had been handled with 1,000,000 greenback view of the Metropolis, if they might catch their breath after the almost mile lengthy climb to the highest. What a whammy of a climb. This climb got here at mile 7.5 and we completed our time on the bridge at mile 10, the place the half marathon runners obtained to show round and sort out that climb once more.
Full marathoners continued their journey south via the cities of South Milwaukee and Cudahy. We ran via the residential areas, whereas legislation enforcement closed streets and allowed us to cross. There have been so many transferring elements concerned on this new course that saved it secure for runners. Cones had been positioned alongside the street to point the place runners ought to be transferring and a number of legislation enforcement businesses ensured streets had been blocked and runners had been protected.
At mile 17, runners turned onto Oak Leaf path, which runs parallel to Lake Michigan and largely shaded by timber. This was a welcome aid, because the solar was out in full power and impact by this time. The path additionally ran alongside a golf course and challenged runners to a number of units of rolling hills.
Runners had been routed off of the path at mile 23, the place we tackled the steep incline of the Hoan Bridge but once more. This was a real problem to do because the solar was bearing down, the temps had been close to 80, and our legs had already packed on double digit miles.
At mile 25.5, we left the bridge and headed to the end line, which was staged inside an grownup playground, generally known as Summerfest. These grounds are huge and produce the identical feelings to me that Six Flags Nice America used to deliver as a baby. There was a DJ cranking out the hits and a number of other totally different meals and beverage choices. To not point out a big medal, which I proudly draped over my sweat soaked neck.
The Badgerland Striders and Race Director, Scott Stauske actually nailed this occasion, showcasing the Metropolis of Milwaukee and making a day to recollect. Look ahead to this marathon to open in 2024 and seize a spot so you may expertise this midwest gem your self.
