KENOSHA, Wis. — Thousands of runners are expected to flood downtown Kenosha this weekend as the Wisconsin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K return Saturday morning, bringing widespread road closures and heavy foot traffic along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
The races will begin near the Civil War Museum at the corner of Ring Road and Fisherman Drive, with an early start at 6:35 a.m. for marathon runners expecting longer finish times. All other participants will begin at 7 a.m., according to city officials.
The marathon and half marathon routes will mirror last year’s courses, while the 5K will follow a newly updated route. All races will wind through downtown and along the lakefront, showcasing parks and beaches as runners move through the city.
Organizers say pacers will be available to help participants hit goal times, with marathon pacing groups ranging from 3 hours, 30 minutes up to 6 hours. Runners must complete the marathon within 6.5 hours of the official start, with roads reopening gradually behind the final participants.
The event is expected to significantly impact traffic throughout the morning and early afternoon. Large portions of Sixth and Seventh avenues, along with several east-west corridors, will be closed or restricted. Some streets will remain shut down until as late as 1:30 p.m., depending on when the final runners clear the course.
Residents in the downtown area are being urged to plan ahead, particularly those attempting to travel west, as 56th Street will be closed until mid-morning. Crossing points will be limited and controlled by police, with delays expected.
South of 56th Street, traffic will still be allowed to cross portions of the course when safe, though drivers may be rerouted to 59th or 75th streets. Additional congestion is expected near 61st Street and Fifth Avenue during the early stages of the race due to the 5K route.
Parking restrictions will also be in effect. Vehicles must be removed from posted areas by 3 a.m. Saturday or risk being towed. Free parking will be available in the downtown parking structure on Eighth Avenue.
After crossing the finish line, runners will receive food bags and can redeem brat and beer tickets at a nearby establishment. New this year, all 5K participants will receive a finisher’s medal.
Showers will be available at the Kenosha YMCA for participants with proper identification and race credentials, though facilities will be located in a shared team area and are not private.
City officials are urging motorists to use caution throughout the day and remain alert for runners and spectators along the route.
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