
Schlitz Park Run by the River 5K is a running race on September 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, WI, with an entry fee of $27.50.
From the Organizer
Schlitz Park Run by the River 5K – Milwaukee’s Only Evening 5K Through a Vibrant Urban Market!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening run! The 2026 Run by the River 5K is back at Schlitz Park on Thursday, September 10th, offering Milwaukee’s only evening 5K experience through a vibrant urban market. This unique race and 2-mile walk takes participants along the scenic Milwaukee Riverwalk, through Brewer’s Hill, and around Schlitz Park, a vibrant office park that once was the former Schlitz Brewery.
Founded by the late Gary Grunau, a visionary behind much of downtown Milwaukee’s development, the event continues his legacy of community impact and philanthropy. Each year, over 500 runners and walkers—individuals, teams, corporate partners, and neighbors—come together for this inspiring event, raising thousands for a local cause.
This year, we’re proud to support the Ignite the Spirit Fund – Milwaukee, an organization founded by local firefighters that provides mental, emotional, and financial support to Milwaukee’s first responders and their families. On a date as meaningful as 9/11, your participation is more than a run—it’s a tribute to the courage and resilience of those who protect our city every day.
Every step makes a difference. Join us to run, walk, and give back—while experiencing a one-of-a-kind urban evening race you won’t find anywhere else.
Are you a Milwaukee firefighter, a member of the Chief Officers Association, part of the MFD Administration, or the MFD Repair Shop? Not part of MFD? We want you! Just connect with your department name and firehouse and we’ll add your team to the challenge.
Then it’s time to suit up and represent your house in the first-ever Firehouse Challenge.
Each firehouse will compete for bragging rights and the coveted Traveling Axe, proudly sponsored by Ridgeway Woodworks.
How It Works
We will take the three fastest members from each firehouse, and the team with the fastest average score will win the Firehouse Challenge Axe.
Our friends at Ridgeway Woodworks will engrave the name of the winning firehouse on the handle each year.
Not part of MFD? We want you! Just connect with your firehouse and we’ll add your team to the challenge.
Think your crew has what it takes? Let the challenge begin.
New for 2026 — Free Kiddos 1K
Young participants are invited to take part in a fun and family-friendly Kiddos 1K at Schlitz Park. Registration is free, but each child must be registered in advance
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
76°
Typical Low
56°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Mt Mary College, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
569,756
as of 2023
City Elevation
673 ft
Nearest Airport
MKE
General Mitchell International Airport · 7 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Schlitz Park Run by the River 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
40
Days to train
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From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
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1 mile away
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2 miles away
The Grant Heffelfinger Memorial Big Gay 5K
2 miles away
Spooky Sprint - Milwaukee
1 mile away
Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to Milwaukee than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to MilwaukeeFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Schlitz Park Run by the River 5K
Sep 10, 2026