With so many local summer races in the area, how do you choose just one? Well, the way we look at it, there’s no need to limit yourself! There are so many different reasons to participate in summer races; reasons that benefit you, and reasons that benefit others.
To name just a few of those reasons… Personal reasons like demonstrating an active lifestyle to your kids, spending time with friends and family, pushing yourself to reach a goal, or to simply have some fun.
Reasons that benefit others include: raising awareness for a cause that’s important to you or someone you love, helping a local organization raise funds for a special event or occasion, or encouraging a friend or loved one who is working toward a goal or trying to change their lifestyle. As we said, these are just a FEW reasons to participate in summer races.
To help you find a race or two…or three… that’s in our area we’ve compiled a handy list for you to scope out so you can start gathering friends and fill up your calendar with summer races!
Local Summer Races on May 27, 2017
Coast Guard Foundation Run to Remember | Milwaukee
The Coast Guard Foundation’s Run To Remember is a worldwide movement that honors Coast Guard heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. Each year, thousands of people participate in road races, memorial walks, and other types of fitness events to pay tribute to the lost members of the service. Join us in Milwaukee as we support the Coast Guard Foundation.
Operations Finally Home 5K | Menomonee Falls
Operation FINALLY Home in Wisconsin builds mortgage free homes for our Wisconsin Disabled Hero’s. We do this through community support and donations. All work is done by certified contractors and the home comes completely Mortgage free. Currently, we are finishing our third home in Wisconsin and giving the keys to the Wisconsin family on June 10th. We also have surprised our 4th family with a groundbreaking scheduled for June 24thPlease join us in raising money to help our Wisconsin Veterans and their families.
Superhero Stomp 5K | Pewaukee
This is a fun run/walk to raise awareness for childhood cancer and support those in the Pewaukee community whose families are currently battling this journey. There will be a donation table at the event, race T-shirts for sale for only $10, food, raffle prizes, and a superhero costume contest. We encourage you to bring the whole family out, as there is something for everyone to participate in. It is May 27th at 10:00 am and is a great opportunity to come together and give back to the community.
Local Summer Races on May 29, 2017
Holy Family Guardian Angel Run | Whitefish Bay
This is a fun family event for runners of all abilities. Show up for the run, and stay for the post party. Brats, hot dogs, fruit, snow cones and beer in the parking lot following the race, rain or shine.
Local Summer Races on June 3, 2017
Cupcake Run | Bayside
Cupcake Run and Carnival! There is something for everyone! A 5k Run/2k walk on a new course at a new location! Kids run, prizes for top finishers, cupcakes for all participants. All new this year: carnival games, inflatable obstacle course, food/burgers hot off the grill.
Harbor View 8K | Port Washington
Experience sunset views as you run next to Lake Michigan and through the Port Washington Marina. The unique distance of an 8k race (4.97 miles) is a new and exciting distance to tackle! Commemorative finisher medals, lightweight hoodie event shirt, free entry into the Pirate Festival taking place downtown Port (aka…family fun) and a free drink ticket for the big kids.
Run for the Bucket | Waukesha
The Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (CVSA) serves the needs of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) sufferers, their families, and professional caregivers by raising awareness and providing education and support to those affected by cyclic vomiting, abdominal migraine, and related disorders while advocating for and funding research.
Stampede for Scouting 5K | Milwaukee
Proceeds from Stampede for Scouting are designated to provide Scouting programs to underprivileged youth in at-risk neighborhoods in Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Racine.
This event encourages physical fitness while offering Milwaukee’s beautiful and captivating zoo as a classroom. It is our promise to Scouts to teach them character and leadership skills while having fun outdoors.
Tiny Steps/Big Hearts 5K/10/K | Milwaukee
Family-friendly event featuring a 2-mile walk, a 5K run, and an all new 10K run. But it’s more than exercise – Branches Band will be jamming live, kids can enjoy free face painting, balloon animals, and a bouncy house, AND a raffle with awesome prizes!
Wisconsin Brewery Running Series – Big Head Brewery | Wauwatosa
Participants walk / jog / run a 5k-ish course then drink beer. It’s that simple! Everyone is invited to enjoy the day’s entertainment (varying by event): live music, food trucks, giveaways and activities with partners and sponsors, and all finishers get a FREE craft brew and collectors pint glass or seasonal swag item. A portion of all proceeds goes to benefit local non-profits.
Local Summer Races on June 8, 2017
Big Gay 5K | Milwaukee
Milwaukee Gay Sports Network is excited to host it’s 6th annual Big Gay 5K Run/Walk! The event will be held on June 8, 2017 at 5:00 pm at Veterans Park as a special kick-off event for Pridefest Milwaukee.
Local Summer Races on June 10, 2017
Run for the Pig | Brookfield
Top overall male/female finishers. Top three male/female finishers in each age group (12 and under; 13-19; 10-years; 70+). Mid-pack award to the 5K runner whose finishing place is the median among all finishers.
Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run | Milwaukee
The event features three distances (half marathon, quarter marathon, and 5k) and gives half marathon and quarter marathon participants the opportunity to run over the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge.
The WISCO Mile | Milwaukee
This special evening will give distance runners of any level the opportunity to race the classic MILE and pursue their personal best. The Mile is the premiere event of Track & Field and this meet will showcase it. We have designed an evening of racing that will promote fast times by using pace rabbits, music, announcing and racing under the lights of Wisconsin Lutheran High School (the real WISCO).
Local Summer Races on June 11, 2017
Strain for the Brain 5K | Milwaukee, WI
Timed runners must pay additional $5 to defray cost. (included in registration fee). Brain Tumor Survivors participate for FREE! To have a guaranteed shirt you must register by May 30th. Otherwise it’s first come first served. Children under 5 participate for FREE! Persons with any financial limitations please contact organizers to discuss a Fee Waiver. All participants will get an event T-SHIRT and other event items. The 5K run will be officially timed on a certified 5k course. There will still be a 1-mile walk option this year. Bernie Brewer will be there prior to the race starting. Tailgating is approved at the Uecker lot after the event and does not have a time limit on it.
Local Summer Races on June 15, 2017
Traveling Beer Garden 5K | Franklin, WI
Back for its second year, The Traveling Beer Garden 5K Series. Four races over four months in Milwaukee County parks. Join Silver Circle Sports Events & Milwaukee County Parks for a Thursday night 5K and a free pint of Sprecher at the Traveling Beer Garden.
Local Summer Races on June 16, 2017
Capuchins’ Run/Walk for the Hungry | Milwaukee
Help feed Milwaukee’s hungry and enjoy one of our city’s top festivals! Every registered participant gets access to Polish Fest for the full run of the festival, June 16-18!
Local Summer Races on June 17, 2017
Clara Depies Memorial Bierhaus Run | Milwaukee
Brad and Anna created The Clara Depies Memorial in memory of their daughter, to raise awareness of SUDC, and to hopefully help develop a future in which SUDC does not exist.
Drink Wisconsinbly 5CurdK | Milwaukee
The Drink Wisconsinbly Pub will be hosting it’s First Annual (Inaugural) Curd Fest on Saturday, June 17th! Get things started with a 5k run through the streets of Walker’s Point with cheese curds along the route. For the non-runners, we’ve got you too. Take part in our special 0k. Step right up and cross the finish line straight to the bar. Your race entry includes a ticket to Curd Fest, an event t-shirt, and beer and curd samples.
HarFest Half Marathon | Wauwatosa
The HartFest Half Marathon is a half marathon held in Wauwatosa. Half of the profits will go to the Tosa Sebena Police Office Fund.
Mud Splash Run for Funds | Germantown
The Mud Splash is an obstacle run course designed for all age groups from kindergarten through adults.
WI Brewery Series – Brenner Brewing | Milwaukee
It doesn’t get more simple than this: walk / jog / run … drink beer … and raise money for local non-profits!
Wisconsin Trail Assail – Father’s Day Run | Menomonee Falls
Give your Dad a gift he will remember forever. Take him for a 5K/10K run or walk for Father’s Day through beautiful Menomonee Park. Sure beats yet another tie? Stay after the run end and enjoy beautiful Menomonee Park.
Local Summer Races on June 21, 2017
MJC 5K Run for Justice | Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Justice Center utilizes volunteers to address the unmet legal needs of Milwaukee County’s low-income unrepresented litigants through court-based programs and legal resources.
Superun 5K | Milwaukee
The Lake Park course is challenging, as it has a long and winding hill to suck the wind right out of runners. But the party afterward is well worth the challenge.
Local Summer Races on June 24, 2017
Elite Tiny Tri | Glendale
Celebrate your active Elite life with this fun, multi-sport race. Pool swim at Elite Sports Club – River Glen, bike to Elite Sports Club – North Shore, and run back to Elite Sports Club – River Glen. Families and strollers welcome on the bike and run portions. May also be run as a duathlon for those who prefer only two sports. Includes post-race refreshments and prizes. All ages welcome!
PurpleStride Milwaukee | Milwaukee
PurpleStride Milwaukee is back and better than ever! This year, our 5K run, 2-mile walk and family-friendly walk will take place in on 06/24/2017, and will take participants on a lovely route at Miller Park.
Race For Soles | Pewaukee
The event will start and end at the beautiful campus of Waukesha County Technical College, and you’ll enjoy a scenic route through the streets of Pewaukee. The morning will also include medals, prizes, refreshments, exciting games for kids and a special appearance by the Milwaukee Brewers Famous Racing Sausages™! By signing up and having fun, you are helping to touch lives across the globe. This event is for individuals and families of all ages.
Tails on the Trail 5K | Milwaukee
All proceeds from Tails on the Trail support programs and initiatives at the Wisconsin Humane Society. Please consider collecting donations from family, friends, co-workers and your employer, not only to compete for fantastic fundraising prizes but also to help us provide lifesaving care to nearly 35,000 animals this year!
Local Summer Races on June 25, 2017
Brainstorm Walk/Run | Milwaukee
Benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Wisconsin.
Local Summer Races on July 1, 2017
Village of Hartland 125th Anniversary 5K | Hartland
In celebration of the Village of Hartland’s 125th Anniversary, the Village is hosting a 5k Run/Walk on July 1st. In addition to the run, other Anniversary festivities are scheduled to be held at Nixon Park after the race.
Wisconsin Trail Assail Independence Day Run | Waukesha
Not sure about a trail run? Come out and try it. If you are not satisfied with our trail events, we will refund the entrance fee! No strings attached.
Local Summer Races on July 4, 2017
Firecracker Four | Hales Corners
The Firecracker Four is one of the longest-running 4th of July run events and is a popular mid-summer event. This race is held in Hales Corners Park and is known for great crowd support and a large open finish area to mingle with about 1,000 others enjoying food and beverages.
Local Summer Races on July 6, 2017
Traveling Beer Garden 5K | South Milwaukee
Back for its second year, The Traveling Beer Garden 5K Series. Four races over four months in Milwaukee County parks. Join Silver Circle Sports Events & Milwaukee County Parks for a Thursday night 5K and a free pint of Sprecher at the Traveling Beer Garden.
Local Summer Races on July 8, 2017
Pewaukee Multisport Weekend – Kids Tri, Duathlon & 5K | Pewaukee
Family fun with an event for everyone!
Walk Run Wag for MADACC | Wauwatosa
The Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC) currently rescues and assures safe, temporary shelter, veterinary, and humane care for more than 11,000 stray, unwanted, abandoned, mistreated, and injured animals each year — more than any other animal control shelter in Wisconsin.
Local Summer Races on July 9, 2017
Milwaukee Challenge | Milwaukee
The ultimate urban scavenger race.
Pewaukee Multisport Weekend – Triathlon
We Are Athletes is an open team of general athletes who simply want to be better, do better and see other people and themselves succeed /reach new goals. We are not a charity, but we do focus on doing good for others without the limitations of a 501c3.
Local Summer Races on July 13, 2017
Storm the Bastille | Milwaukee
Run through the streets of Downtown Milwaukee with 5,000 of your closest friends! Runners and walkers kick off Bastille Days with the annual Associated Bank Storm the Bastille 5K run/walk, in memory of the 18th century attack on the Bastille prison in Paris.
Local Summer Races on July 15, 2017
Brewers Community Foundation 5K Famous Racing Sausages Run/Walk | Milwaukee
The event is family friendly and benefits Fisher House Wisconsin. All participants receive a Brewers ticket voucher and an exclusive race shirt!
Dominic Days Festival Steeplechase 5K | Brookfield
Fish Day 8K | Port Washington
Proceeds from the Fish Day Run/Walk support Portal, inc., a not-for-profit human service agency serving adults with disabilities.
I Run the Village 5K | Sussex
An annual 5k Run/Walk to benefit our Recreation Scholarship fund so no child is excluded from community recreation opportunities because of financial limitations.
WI Brewery Running Series – MobCraft Brewing | Milwaukee
Enjoy a 5k-ish fun run through the surrounding neighborhood, parks, and streetscape. You can walk, jog, run… no one cares. We’ve mapped out an awesome course that starts and ends at the brewery and our guides along the way will make sure you know where to go. Cross the finish line and celebrate!
Local Summer Races on July 16, 2017
Ironman 70.3 Racine | Racine
A prime tune-up race for IRONMAN Wisconsin, boasting a flat and fast course.
Local Summer Races on July 19, 2017
Cream Puff 5K | West Allis
Participants receive a free ticket to the 2017 State Fair, plus an exclusive early cream puff, and a post-race party with live music from the LoveMonkeys.
Hump Day 5K | Waukesha
Join Silver Circle Sports Events for a fun filled, Wednesday evening 5K run at Frame Park in Waukesha, WI. The course starts and finishes in beautiful Frame Park and circles the Fox River. The entire course is within the park so get your hump on.
Local Summer Races on July 21, 2017
Wheels & Heels Run/Walk Roll | Milwaukee
A 5k Run or Roll / 1k Fun Walk to help individuals with spinal cord injuries and disabilities to thrive and to support paralysis research.
Local Summer Races on July 22, 2017
Get Lei’d 5K | Racine
As you cross the finish line, you get a Hawaiian Lei, beach towel, and a finisher medal. So come out and enjoy a beautiful day along the shores of Lake Michigan and take in all the scenery that Lake Michigan has to offer.
Lombardi Walk/Run for Cancer | Milwaukee
This summer, join thousands of cancer survivors, caregivers, and allies as Wisconsinites unite to tackle cancer statewide.
MidTown Madness 5K For Wellness | Wauwatosa
As a neighborhood run, come together to celebrate friendship, family, and fun in the Wisconsin summer sun with proceeds given to the Wauwatosa Public Library Foundation!
Local Summer Races on July 27, 2017
Race for the Bacon | Cudahy
All participants will receive a ticket to the Bacon Bash, which includes lots of delicious bacon treats and a free beverage from Sprecher. Everyone will also get one of our cool race shirts and a goody bag.
Sub Five-K Cross Country Series | Mequon
The name Sub FIVE-K is based on the events being less than a 5K. The events will be approximately 4K to 4.5K. We hope this will encourage FUN participation with no emphasis on a personal best 5K time for summer fun with friends and training. The distance for the last race of the season will be 5K.
Local Summer Races on July 28, 2017
Run, Set & Hit 5K | Sussex
Support the Hamilton Volleyball program at the 3rd Annual Run, Set & Hit 5K Run/Walk! Join us Friday, July 28th at Sussex Village Park. We are spicing it up this year with a GLOW RUN!!!! Follow the buttons below for more information, opportunities to sponsor or volunteer and a link to the registration site.
Local Summer Races on July 29, 2017
Super Run | Hartland
T he Super Run is a national series of 5k running events that partners with non-profit organizations to put on superhero themed events to help raise funds and awareness for their cause. The Super Run is here to save your day!
Local Summer Races on July 30, 2017
Cudahy Classic Races | Cudahy
The Cudahy Classic is one of the club’s longest running events and celebrating its 57th year. The event is a perennial RRCA State Championship and will likely host the state championship in the future. The 10-mile event is two laps of the flat and fast course, with the smaller 5-mile event a nice compliment for those snot quite yet in shape for the longer distances.
Local Summer Races on August 3, 2017
Traveling Beer Garden 5K – Lake Park | Milwaukee
Back for its second year, The Traveling Beer Garden 5K Series. Four races over four months in Milwaukee County parks. Join Silver Circle Sports Events & Milwaukee County Parks for a Thursday night 5K and a free pint of Sprecher at the Traveling Beer Garden.
Local Summer Races on August 5, 2017
Hank Aaron State Trail 5K | Milwaukee
The 2017 Run/Walk route features Three Bridges Park crossing the Menomonee River two times.
Local Summer Races on August 6, 2017
Wisconsin Du Series – Shoreline Duathlon | Mequon
The 8th annual Shoreline Duathlon is state renowned and THE event to DU in August including BREATHTAKING views of Lake Michigan! The pristine Shoreline Duathlon consists of a 2-mile run course (including the famous ‘Zig-Zag’ hill), 21 miles of smooth biking followed by the final 2 miles of running (without the ‘Zig-Zag’ hill)!
Local Summer Races on August 12, 2017
Sprint for Spina Bifida | Wauwatosa
Race day includes light refreshments, resources and vendor displays, games, mural painting, Kid’s Dash, awards and more. This event benefits Wisconsin families affected by the disabling birth defect, Spina Bifida. Funds raised provide financial assistance to families, camp scholarships, and community social events.
Village Days Dash | Greendale
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Greendale High School Marching Band.
Local Summer Races on August 18, 2017
Run with the Cops | Waukesha
Waukesha Citizens Police Academy Association, Inc. (WCPAA, Inc.) is a group of citizens that volunteer their time and talent to support the Waukesha Police Department and help raise funds for the department’s needs. WCPAA’s goal is to unite the Waukesha Police Department with the citizens of Waukesha for a fun, light-hearted night.
Local Summer Races on August 19, 2017
Land Regatta Run | Port Washington
The Land Regatta Run/Walk serves as the Be3’s annual fundraising opportunity to support the local community. The project selection is completed in collaboration with the City of Port Washington and/or other local civic organizations in order to identify a community improvement opportunity which aligns with the vision for Port Washington’s future.
Piece of Cake 5K | Waukesha
If you are getting married, like fitness and the outdoors, or just love cake, then you need to join the fun for the first ever bridal fun run in Wisconsin!
Run for Education – Kettle Moraine School District | Wales
Registration closes on June 2, 2017 at 11:59pm CDT and re-opens on June 3, 2017 at 12:00am CDT .
Local Summer Races on August 26, 2017
MPS Run Back to School | Milwaukee
MPS invites all runners and walkers to join us for the 10th Annual Run Back to School on Saturday, August 26, 2017 (rain or shine). Sign up for this event to enjoy a 5K run or 1.5 mile walk through Washington Park, followed by some great activities. All event proceeds will support MPS Youth Recreation programs.
Strider Half Marathon | Milwaukee
The Strider Half Marathon is our late summer Half Marathon. The course starts and finishes in Eastbrook Park at the beer garden. The race features the cool shade of the Oak Leak Trail bike path for much of the course and finished at the beer garden where we enjoy a great post-race party with breakfast, beverages, beer and music!
Tosa Youth Tri | Wauwatosa
The Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool is hosting the second-annual TOSA Youth Tri for children ages 9-15 on Saturday, Aug. 26, at TOSA Pool at Hoyt Park. Triathlon participants will swim at TOSA Pool, bike the Menomonee River Parkway and run the Oak Leaf Trail and surrounding Hoyt Park.
WI Brewery Running Series – Lakefront Brewery | Milwaukee
Enjoy a 5k-ish fun run through the surrounding neighborhood, parks, and streetscape. You can walk, jog, run… no one cares. We’ve mapped out an awesome course that starts and ends at the brewery and our guides along the way will make sure you know where to go. Cross the finish line and celebrate!
If you know of any summer races that we might have missed (there’s so many!), please add them in the comments. With all of the great causes and other fun reasons to run, we wouldn’t want any left out!