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RACE DAY INFO
It's time to race! Be sure to know before you go and we'll all have a wonderful morning. Of course, you can always find all the race info at www.wisconsinmarathon.com.
Be sure to read all the information below!
Race Packets:
- If you selected to have your packet mailed out to you, we have shipped those out and you should have already received those. Email us immediately if you have not yet received it.
- Someone else can pick up your packet for you, yes.
- If you plan on picking up your packet on race morning, be sure to allow for a little extra time, just so you are not rushing when you arrive.
- If you would like a different shirt size from what you ordered, you may switch it out only if we have extra sizes available at that time or after the race, choosing from whatever we have left from what was not picked up.
Be sure to wear your bib on your front and to not bend or crumple the timing chip.
Directions and Parking:
Make sure you know where you are going. Roads getting into town should not be busy in the early morning, but still plan for additional time with all the runners coming in at once.
Directions link: https://wisconsinmarathon.com/directions%2Flodging
Make sure you know where to park.
All parking will be in the downtown area and is about a 10-minute walk to the start line. There is NO parking at the museum and there are no drop-offs. If you are being dropped off, it is best to be dropped before you get east of 6th Ave. The streets will probably be closed the closer you get to the race site anyway.
Parking: https://wisconsinmarathon.com/parking
Gear Check:
Gear Check will be available near the start/ finish area. Look for the big flag. Please try to pin your Gear Check tag to your bag before dropping it off to speed up the process. Please do not check anything of high value or any extra-large bags or suitcases. We are not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
Spectators:
Everyone loves to watch the race, and if you have someone that wants to cheer you on, come up with a plan beforehand. Some tips can be found on our viewing page: https://wisconsinmarathon.com/viewing-the-race
Spectators can track their runner's progress using the results link. It will show when they have crossed timing mats located on our course and the finish. (Marathon and Half marathon only for splits. 5k will show finish results.)
Results and Tracking link.
Also, we know some of you might have friends that want to run with you on parts of the course. While that is not ideal for us, we know it helps you. Please make sure they know to be mindful of the other paid, registered runners and to not impede their progress. Also, they should not take any water or supplies at aid stations as we have that allocated for our registered runners only and if they take from the aid stations, they are stealing materials from runners that are behind you. Thank them for their cooperation in this vital race aspect.
Please remember, bikes, strollers, dogs, and race bandits are not allowed on the course.
Course Map:
If you haven't looked at it yet, be sure to check out our course map.
https://wisconsinmarathon.com/course-description
The marathon course is a double loop, meaning you will pass by the start/ finish line before you head to mile 14. Please watch for signs.
5k Runners:
The 5k course is updated for 2026. The split from the main loop is just before the mile mark. Be sure to keep an eye out for the 5k route signage. The aid station for the 5k will be just after mile 2 and will have water available.
Also, the full loop for the 5k course is 45 meters long. We will have a timing mat at the actual 5k mark so that you can have an accurate time, but please still continue to the finish line so that you can claim your 5k finisher medal. Top three finishers will also be selected by gun time according to the accurate 5k finish line.
Reminder:
The streets and aid stations operate on a rolling reopening based on a 15:00 per mile pace. Aid stations will pack up and course marshals/ police will open streets on a rolling schedule based on this timeline or when the final runner passes by, if earlier. In some cases, if you do not arrive at certain points within that timeframe, you may be moved to the sidewalk and aid stations may be taken down. If you feel you may not be able to maintain a 15:00 per mile pace and would like a couple extra minutes, we do have an early start at 6:35am for marathon participants only that expect to be over six hours.
Warmups:
If you need to warm up before the race and would like to do any strides, do not cross the timing mat before the start. With our early start option, if you do your stride over the mat, your chip will register and your time will start recording. So, do not run over the start line the opposite way before you start the race.
REMEMBER:
If you feel sick, please stay home!
Start Line Details:
Early Start: 6:35am (optional for marathon participants only expecting to be over a six-hour finishing time)
Race Start- All distances: 7:00am
Your chip will register when you cross the timing mat. We have pacer teams with handheld signs which will help you find your proper pacing spot in the start area. Please line up according to pace. The pace groups leaders will lead marathon paces of every 15 minutes from 3:30 to 6:00. There will also be a sweeper who will pace out at 6:30 for the marathon, our official shut-off pace.
- For those using our early start option, please line up in our coned off area by 6:30am for your 6:35am start. We will line the main field up behind you for the common start. If you plan on using the early start option, please be on time as we will not allow early starters after the early start group begins, so that the main field has their space for their start.
Aid Stations:
There will be aid stations at the following approximate mile marks:
- 1.3
- 3.5
- 5.2
- 6.9
- 8.7
- 10.1
- 11.6
- 13.1 (GU will be available for marathoners here)
- 14.4
- 16.6
- 18.3
- 20.0
- 21.8
- 23.2
- 24.7
Each aid station for the marathon and half marathon will be stocked with Gatorade and water. Be sure to keep moving through the aid stations and be mindful of runners around you to help stop any traffic jams. If you carry your own, refillable water bottle, please step behind the tables when refilling.
Medical assistance will also be available at each aid station, should you need it.
Trash cans will also be at each aid station. Use them! We want to keep our cities free of trash. (Also, volunteers don't enjoy picking up gel packs, gross.)
Porto-potties will be located at each aid station. Please do not relieve yourself on the course or in someone's yard. That's gross and makes you a jerk.
Post Race:
After you cross the finish line, marathoners and half marathoners will be able to pick up our Big Cheese Medal. There are separate medals for the marathon and half marathon so be sure you have the correct one before you walk away. New this year, 5k runners will receive a 5k finisher medal.
The top three runners from each distance will be grabbed at the finish line, given their awards at that time, and have pictures taken. Top three overall male and female are determined by gun time.
All runners can make their way to the food tent for snacks and water as they leave the finish line area.
After that, runners are invited to the Post Race Gathering at Kenosha Tap House, just a short walk across the street at 125 56th Street, where they can claim their brat using their BRAT TICKET from their bib. Runners over 21 can also claim their post-race beer. using their BEER TICKET. After you get your brat and beer, please stick around and enjoy the other items they have on their menu.
Results and Photos:
A link for results can be found here or on our website: 2026 Results
Official race photos can be found below here: finisherpix.com/e/10373
Photos are usually posted within a week of race day.
Merchandise:
We will have a limited amount of Wisconsin Marathon merchandise available at the Packet Pick-up on Friday or the main tent on race day. Cash or check only if you plan on purchasing any merchandise.
Showers:
If you need a shower after the race, the Kenosha YMCA has allowed us to use their facilities. They are located at 7101 53rd Street, which is about three miles from the race site. You must bring own towel and show your ID and race bib for access.
Mitten Challenge Runners:
Congrats on the first half of your challenge! If you are participating in the Mitten Challenge, you can pick up your mittens on race weekend (Friday or Saturday) or, after you complete your marathon, head to the registration tent to claim your mittens. Good luck with you trip to Kalamazoo.
Half-and-Half Challenge Runners: All your goodies will be claimed in Kalamazoo. Good luck!
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