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 good 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 take heed to their physique, as warmth accidents mid-run could be troublesome to return 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 inside 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 bogs which was a lot appreciated.
On the beginning, runners wove by 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 light-weight 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 practically two miles in size. It’s closed to pedestrian visitors, as automobiles journey each north and southbound over 4 lanes in width. Nonetheless, the southbound visitors was closed for the marathon and runners had been handled with 1,000,000 greenback view of the Metropolis, if they may catch their breath after the practically 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 acquired to show round and deal with that climb once more.
Full marathoners continued their journey south by the cities of South Milwaukee and Cudahy. We ran by the residential areas, whereas regulation enforcement closed streets and allowed us to cross. There have been so many shifting components concerned on this new course that saved it protected for runners. Cones had been positioned alongside the highway to point the place runners needs to be shifting and a number of regulation 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 bushes. This was a welcome reduction, because the solar was out in full drive 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, referred to as Summerfest. These grounds are large and produce the identical feelings to me that Six Flags Nice America used to carry as a toddler. There was a DJ cranking out the hits and several other completely 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.
