Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Recreation Announce the 18th Annual Run Back to School

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) invites the community to celebrate the start of the 2025-2026 school year at the 18th annual Run Back to School. Participants can register for the 5K fun run or 1.5-mile walk through Washington Park, followed by family-friendly activities. Proceeds from the event will support youth wellness needs in schools throughout Milwaukee. The event is coordinated by Milwaukee Recreation, a department of MPS.

The event will take place on Saturday, August 23. The 5K fun run and 1.5-mile walk begin at 9:00am (participants will not be allowed to start the course after 9:10am). The run/walk starts at the MPS Central Services Building (5225 W. Vliet St) and costs $5 for youth and $20 for adults. Event parking is available at MPS Central Services (5225 W. Vilet St). The race fee includes an event t-shirt, race bag, and snacks after the run/walk. First, second, and third place awards will be given to the top male/female adult finishers for the 5K run. Top three finishers will receive medals in the youth divisions: Elementary School (grades K – 5), Middle School (grades 6 – 8), and High School (grades 9 – 12). Every child will receive a participation medal. Additionally, the event will feature a school mascot race, including a special appearance by the Milwaukee Brewers Racing Sausages, entertainment, refreshments, exhibit booths, activities for children, and much more.

“The Run Back to School is something we look forward to every year,” says Brian Litzsey – Senior Director, Milwaukee Recreation. “It’s more than just a run/walk — it’s an opportunity for the community to come together in support of student health and wellness. The funds raised through this event directly benefit our students in the form of mini grants, which help create healthier learning environments. We welcome participants of all ages and fitness levels to join us for this exciting event that captures the spirit of the community.”

Participants can register online by visiting mkerec.net/rbts. Online registration is open until August 20 at 11:59pm. Walk-up registration will be offered the morning of August 23 from 7:30am – 8:30am (preferred shirt sizes not guaranteed if registering the morning of August 23).

The 2025 Run Back to School is made possible with generous support from Educators Credit Union; Edvest; Girls on the Run; Goodwill; Gruber Law Offices; Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company; Milwaukee County Parks; NVA; United Healthcare; and Voya.

Milwaukee Recreation is a department of Milwaukee Public Schools, established in 1911 to enrich and strengthen the community by promoting healthy lifestyles, personal development, and fun through memorable recreational and educational experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Milwaukee Recreation is recognized as an accredited agency through NRPA and CAPRA. For more information, visit mkerec.net or contact Claire McHugh (Claire@mkerec.net) at (414) 475-8634 or Brian Hoffer (Brian@mkerec.net) at (414) 475-8938.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.