We love all things Milwaukee, so naturally we were thrilled to discover a new race that celebrates the city.
Below, Sam Kassel tells us a bit about the Sweet Home Milwaukee 5k, including what sets this race apart from others and course tips.
For more details about the race, visit our Featured Races page.
Can you tell us a bit about the Sweet Home Milwaukee 5k?
We love Milwaukee and we wanted to create an endurance event that showcases this awesome city. Whether it’s in your blood or you’re a transplant, we want to get this community up, active and healthy! We also want to promote local businesses, causes and everything this city has to offer. Races are an awesome way for people to come together and start being more active. A 5K is the perfect distance for all levels. Plus, you get a medal at the end – what’s better than that?!
What makes this race different/unique?
Two words: Bloody Marys! Let’s face it, they are a staple for Sunday mornings in MKE. We’ve partnered with the famous Sobelman’s Pub and Grill, and they are offering all participants a BOGO Bloody Masterpiece to have at the restaurant. We suggest their Piggy Back burger while you’re there!
What is the course like? Do you have any tips for runners hoping to PR at the race?
The course is along the beautiful Milwaukee lakefront at Veteran’s Park. Racers will start in the middle and go along the path, even running out along the pier. The Lake Michigan view is one of the most beautiful things about this city. For those hoping to break their personal record, start at the front of the line to avoid those who prefer to go a little slower – it’s a clean course with few harsh turns so you’ll be smooth sailing.
Are there any overall and/or age group prizes awarded?
There will be awards for the top three males and top three females. Depending on how many children we have registered, we may throw in some awards for them, too!
What do participants get with their race entry?
A whole heck of a lot! In addition to it being a timed race, each participant gets an awesome long sleeve tee, finisher’s medal, BOGO Sobelman’s Bloody Mary and post-race beer (or soda, Gatorade, water or coffee).
Who is the race’s charitable partner and how can runners help contribute to the cause?
The Hunger Task Force is our charitable partner. The Hunger Task Force believes that every person has a right to adequate food obtained with dignity. Locally founded, locally funded and locally run, for nearly 40 years they have been feeding Milwaukee. They have been a voice for the hungry, promoting socially sound policies that could end hunger in our community.
We have a cure for hunger – it’s simply food. Participants and spectators can help the organization by bringing non-perishable food on race day (or monetary contributions if they prefer, they will be onsite collecting donations). For every three items, each person will receive a raffle ticket to win some awesome Milwaukee gift baskets! Best part? Participants and spectators can earn unlimited tickets. So let‘s feed Milwaukee!
Can you tell us a bit more about your plans to expand the race in upcoming years?
We believe in the movement for this country to get more active. We also believe in working local. We have plans to take the Sweet Home Race Series to 15 cities in the next 5 years (with MKE being home of course!) and working with local businesses and local food banks at each location. Next year in MKE, we plan to add a 10K!
Can you tell us a bit about Four.One.Four Events?
Four.One.Four Events is a local start-up in the Riverwest neighborhood of Milwaukee. We both have worked for large non-profits coordinating their events and decided it was time for us to venture on our own! We want to create awesome events that bring the community together with a helping hand and keep ‘em talking!
So you want to run the Sweet Home Milwaukee 5k …
… You’re in luck – We’re giving away one race entry! To enter:
- Tell us what you love best about running in Milwaukee.
For additional entries do the following and let us know you did each action in separate comments:
- Like Keep Running MKE on Facebook
- Like Sweet Home Milwaukee 5k on Facebook
- Follow Keep Running MKE on Twitter (@KeepRunningMKE)
- Share this post via Facebook or Twitter using the hashtags #KeepRunningMKE and #SweetHomeMKE
Good luck! We’ll pick a winner at random on Monday, February 24 and announce the winner the following day. Be sure to check back on Tuesday morning to see if you’re our winner!*
Keep Running MKE – you’re doing great!
*Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize by emailing keeprunningmke@gmail.com. If the prize is not claimed within that time frame, we will select a new winner.
The supportive running community and great running buddy friends I’ve met along the way!
Love this – the MKE running community is so welcoming!
Liked Keep Running Mke on FB
Liked Sweet Home Mke on FB (four.one.four)
following @keeprunningmke on Twitter
Shared post on Twitter
My favorite thing about running in Milwaukee is the community. MKE’s running community is friendly, fun, and welcoming. You can always find someone else to share the run with!
So true – lots of friendly runners in MKE!
I haven’t heard of this race until now, so thank you for writing about it. I love running in Milwaukee because of the different seasons we have. Every season is a new experience!
You’re welcome, Jen! We especially love running in the fall – it’s so pretty as the leaves turn.
Having the lakefront and gorgeous scenery to run past has always been my favorite part of running in Milwaukee! Even if it’s snow and ice!
Love your great attitude about the snow and ice – there’s certainly plenty of it this winter 🙂
I like Keep Running MKE on facebook.
I like Keeprunningmke on Facebook
I like the Sweet Home Milwaukee 5K on Facebook.
I follow @KeepRunningMKE on Twitter
My favorite thing about running in Milwaukee is the scenery … regardless of where you are running, there is always something new that you discover that you wouldn’t see if you weren’t running!
So true, Angie – lots of ‘secret’ spots that only runners find 🙂
I follow you on twitter
I liked Keep Running MKE on Facebook!
Like Sweet Home Milwaukee 5K on Facebook!
Following on Twitter! 🙂
I shared about this contest on Twitter as well!
I love running along Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront! I also enjoy running in the different season’s of the Midwest!
We’re so lucky to have the lakefront – it’s an ideal spot to run!
I love the city of Milwaukee! It’s a beautiful place and although I’ve never had the chance to run here, I would absolutely love to! The lakefront area is gorgeous!
Hopefully you get a chance to run here soon!
I love running Milwaukee streets because there’s always something to look at.
So true – MKE is a very scenic place to run!
I love that there are so many races of all distances so close to home! Plus you get perfect temps for spring and fall running!
So true, Carolyn – we think fall running is the best!
Liked on facebook!
As a relatively new runner at an older age, I love the inclusiveness of the runners / race organizers in Milwaukee. Everyone is so willing to help / give advice. Thank you!
We love how kind runners in MKE are as well – always a friendly face!
Liked on FB.
The Lakefront!!!
It truly can’t be beat!
I love how easy it is to run along the Lakefront.
I just discovered your site and I love it!!
Thank you, Carrie! We can’t wait to check out your site 🙂
I followed @KeepRunningMKE on Twitter