
From the Organizer
The Trailbreaker is Waukesha’s signature running event, proudly held every year since 1993. What began as the vision of three passionate local runners has grown into a celebrated tradition that brings the community together each spring.
Originally featuring a Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5K Run, and 2-Mile Walk, the Trailbreaker offers something for everyone — from seasoned marathoners to families looking for a fun and active day out.
Since 2009, the event has been hosted by the Park Foundation of Waukesha, Inc. as a fundraiser supporting the enhancement of city parks, trails, recreation programs, and Waukesha’s urban forest.
In 2023, Silver Circle Sports Events, LLC (SCSE) partnered with the Park Foundation under a long-term agreement to manage all aspects of the Trailbreaker. This collaboration ensures the event will continue to grow while staying true to its community roots and mission.
Whether you’re chasing a PR or just enjoying the route, the Trailbreaker is more than a race — it’s a Waukesha tradition. 🏃♀️🌳
Over $200,000 has been generated and re-invested with the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department to "make Waukesha a better place to live, work and play". The PFW Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization that utilizes funds raised to promote "Community Quality of Life". All staff are unpaid volunteers. Please consider making a donation!
This event provides distances for all runners! Come join the fun and support our local parks and community!
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
51°
Typical Low
30°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Waukesha Wwtp.
Host City
Population
70,779
as of 2023
Elevation
797 ft
Nearest Airport
MKE
General Mitchell International Airport · 18 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Trailbreaker, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Independence Day Run
Less than a mile away
Dominic Days Steeplechase Run/Walk
8 miles away
Prowl the Peak Twilight 5K Run & 3K Walk
8 miles away
Run With The Cops
Less than a mile away
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 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)
Trailbreaker
Apr 4, 2027