News Summary
The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon marked its 43rd year with over 2,800 participants braving warm temperatures during the race. With a new circular course showcasing downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan, the event featured impressive performances, including first-place finishes by James Weissensel and Isabel Seay. Runners faced challenges due to the heat, emphasizing hydration and careful nutrition. The race attracted entrants from across the country and beyond, highlighting the vibrant community spirit of Milwaukee and the importance of endurance sports in uniting people.
Milwaukee – The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon celebrated its 43rd year on October 4 and October 5, 2025, with over 2,800 runners taking part in the events. This annual marathon featured a revamped course for the third consecutive year, showcasing downtown Milwaukee and the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline. Despite the excitement of the race, participants faced unexpected warm weather, reaching mid-80s temperatures during the events.
On October 4, temperatures climbed to a near-record high of 87 degrees, while the race day saw a starting temperature of 65 degrees at 7 a.m., with a humidity level of 71%. As elite runners completed their races, temperatures had already risen to 72 degrees. By 11 a.m., temperatures increased to 77 degrees, hitting 80 degrees for some five-hour finishers just an hour later. Given the challenging conditions, runners were reminded to stay hydrated, and many planned their nutrition carefully to cope with the heat.
The marathon saw approximately 1,000 participants in the full marathon and around 1,900 in the half-marathon. James Weissensel, a 31-year-old from Park Ridge, Illinois, secured first place in the marathon with an impressive time of 2:37:55. Isabel Seay, a 24-year-old from Sussex, made her mark as the first female marathoner to finish, completing her race in 2:48:55. Seay, who is a high school Nordic ski coach, participated in her first marathon after running the Lakefront Half Marathon in 2024. She had trained extensively, incorporating runs of up to 22 miles, and emphasized the importance of a good experience, appreciating the lively atmosphere of the event.
The marathon’s course has transitioned from a point-to-point format to a circular style that incorporates significant landmarks in downtown Milwaukee. The race attracted considerable participants from 47 states and nine countries, making it a sought-after event for many runners. Spectators were advised about designated viewing areas and were prohibited from aiding runners, to avoid any potential disqualification. Streets were closed along the marathon route, and parking was restricted on the race course.
As noted by participants, the weather posed additional challenges during the race. Weissensel, who has completed 14 marathons, experienced cramping towards the finish but expressed satisfaction with his performance. For Seay, staying hydrated was crucial, and she adhered to a strict nutrition plan, including consuming a gel every 30 minutes throughout the race.
Both the full marathon and half-marathon commenced at 7 a.m. on October 5, starting at the south side of the Baird Center located at 400 W. Wisconsin Ave, and concluded near the Summerfest grounds at Urban Park at 1070 E. Michigan St. Runners, many of whom view the marathon as a bucket-list item, were greeted with a spirited atmosphere created by community support and fellow competitors.
As the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon continues to grow in popularity, the emphasis remains on providing a challenging yet enjoyable experience while ensuring the wellbeing of all participants amidst the elements. The event not only highlights the beauty of the Milwaukee lakefront but also demonstrates the spirit of endurance and community engagement through the sport of running.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
October Events in Milwaukee
The Rise of Active Sports Tourism
Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 2025 Lakefront Marathon Results
- Google Search: Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former Sussex High Runner Wins
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marathon
- WISN: Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon Weekend
- Google News: Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon
- Fox 6 Now: 2025 Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon Guide
- Wikipedia: Running
- OnMilwaukee: Lakefront Marathon 2025
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
