MPS Run Back to School - Milwaukee
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Run Back to School - Milwaukee Recreation
Run Back to School is the 19th annual community event presented by Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Recreation to mark the start of the 2026-27 school year. The event is set for Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, and uses a course through Washington Park with the starting line at the MPS Central Services Building, 5225 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208.
Distances:
- 5K run
- 1.5 mile walk
Entry fees are listed as $5 for youth and $20 for adults. Proceeds support MPS youth sports, wellness, and recreation programs. Schools that form a Run Back to School team can qualify for grant awards: schools with at least 25 registered participants are eligible for a $500 grant, and the school with the most participants is eligible for a $1,000 grant. Past uses for grant funds include new gym and sports equipment, uniforms, and sports registration fees.
Event features include an on-site enrollment booth for the 2026-27 MPS school year, a commemorative t-shirt for all participants, medals for all youth participants, and medals for top-three male and female finishers in five age categories. The event allows strollers, does not allow animals except service animals, offers a live DJ before and after the event, and provides a post-race nutritious snack bag. Parking access is via the back entrance off Martin Drive. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
