Schlitz Park Run by the River 5K

Schlitz Park Run by the River 5K – Milwaukee’s Only Evening 5K Through a Vibrant Urban Market!

Get ready for an unforgettable evening run! The 2026 Run by the River 5K is back at Schlitz Park on Thursday, September 10th, offering Milwaukee’s only evening 5K experience through a vibrant urban market. This unique race and 2-mile walk takes participants along the scenic Milwaukee Riverwalk, through Brewer’s Hill, and around Schlitz Park, a vibrant office park that once was the former Schlitz Brewery.

Event Legacy

• Founder: Founded by the late Gary Grunau, a visionary behind much of downtown Milwaukee’s development.
• Community Impact: The event continues his legacy of community impact and philanthropy.
• Participation: Each year, over 500 runners and walkers—individuals, teams, corporate partners, and neighbors—come together for this inspiring event.
• Funds Raised: Raising thousands for a local cause.

Supporting a Local Cause

This year, we’re proud to support the Ignite the Spirit Fund – Milwaukee, an organization founded by local firefighters that provides mental, emotional, and financial support to Milwaukee’s first responders and their families. On a date as meaningful as 9/11, your participation is more than a run—it’s a tribute to the courage and resilience of those who protect our city every day.

Join Us

• Every Step Counts: Every step makes a difference.
• Participation: Join us to run, walk, and give back.
• Unique Experience: Experience a one-of-a-kind urban evening race you won’t find anywhere else.

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Firehouse Challenge: Who Will Take Home the Axe?

Are you a Milwaukee firefighter, a member of the Chief Officers Association, part of the MFD Administration, or the MFD Repair Shop? Not part of MFD? We want you! Just connect with your department name and firehouse and we’ll add your team to the challenge.

Challenge Details

• Time to Suit Up: It’s time to suit up and represent your house in the first-ever Firehouse Challenge.
• Competition: Each firehouse will compete for bragging rights and the coveted Traveling Axe, proudly sponsored by Ridgeway Woodworks.
• Winning Criteria: We will take the three fastest members from each firehouse, and the team with the fastest average score will win the Firehouse Challenge Axe.
• Engraving: Our friends at Ridgeway Woodworks will engrave the name of the winning firehouse on the handle each year.

Challenge Participation

Not part of MFD? We want you! Just connect with your firehouse and we’ll add your team to the challenge. Think your crew has what it takes? Let the challenge begin.

More Information

For additional details, visit the official race page.