Proposed Milwaukee Marathon gets early boost at committee

Legislation recommended for approval today by the Common Council’s Public Works Committee could pave the way for an inaugural Milwaukee Marathon in November 2015.

The committee voted unanimously in favor of a resolution authored by Alderman Jim Bohl which directs the City Attorney to draft an operating agreement with Milwaukee Marathon, Inc. for the staging of the 26.2-mile marathon on city streets in November 2015. The full operating agreement will most likely go to the full Common Council for its consideration in
early 2015.

Alderman Bohl said the race would start and finish on the lakefront, running a route that would stretch through various neighborhoods in the city. The organizers also hope to work with Summerfest to secure the festival grounds for a post event bash. “This is just the first step toward bringing a major running event with significant potential economic impact to Milwaukee, and one that would bear our city’s name,” he said. “We have already seen a number of cities hosting successful marathon events, and we know the running community is a robust one and will travel.”

Co-sponsor of the file, Alderman Willie C. Wade said, “Not only will this event be a showcase for the city’s diverse neighborhoods and people, but it also offers the opportunity to show runners and their guests a one-of-a kind post-race bash, Milwaukee style, at our city’s impressive Henry Maier Festival Park.”

Alderman Joe Davis, Sr., also a co-sponsor, said he is hoping the marathon can become a positive and economically successful event for Milwaukee. “New races in Milwaukee have proven wildly popular, including the Summerfest Rock’ n Sole Run, so I would expect the Milwaukee Marathon to follow suit in contributing in a positive way to Milwaukee’s local economy,” Alderman Davis said.

Representatives of Milwaukee Marathon, Inc. have indicated that between 5,000 and 10,000 runners would participate in the Milwaukee Marathon in its first year, and that the goal would be to attract 20,000 runners annually within five years. The organizers are securing sponsors and have support from Summerfest and VISIT Milwaukee.

The operating agreement will require race organizers to provide a detailed plan for staging the race, as well as details regarding possible resources required from the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee Fire Department and the Department of Public Works.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.