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.
Firehouse Challenge: Who Will Take Home the Axe?
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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Milwaukee, WI
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
Approximate location — pin shows the host city, not the exact venue.
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
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.
85
Days to train
- Race
- Schlitz Park Run by the River 5K
- Date
- September 10, 2026
- Location
- Schlitz Park, Milwaukee, WI
Coming Up
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Schlitz Park Run by the River 5K?
- Schlitz Park Run by the River 5K is a running race held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 10, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Schlitz Park Run by the River 5K?
- Thursday, September 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Schlitz Park. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Schlitz Park Run by the River 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Schlitz Park Run by the River 5K
Sep 10, 2026