Run Back to School

Milwaukee Public Schools’ 19th annual back-to-school event offers a 5K fun run and a 1.5-mile walk through Washington Park. Proceeds support MPS youth sports, wellness, and recreation programs. Participant check-in and race-bag pickup close at 8:50 a.m., and no one may begin the course after 9:10 a.m.

Registration and participation

Online registration guarantees a place; walk-up registration is available from 7:30–8:30 a.m. Youth registration is $5. Adult registration is $15 through July 31 and $20 afterward. The fee includes a commemorative T-shirt and race bag, although shirt sizes are subject to availability for registrations made after July 31.

Strollers are welcome. Pets are not permitted, but service animals may attend. Every youth participant receives a medal, while the top three male and female runners receive awards across adult, elementary-school, middle-school, and high-school categories. A live DJ will provide entertainment before and after the course, and participants can pick up a nutritious snack bag afterward. An MPS enrollment booth will also be available.

Arrival and weather

The main Vliet Street vehicle entrance to the MPS Central Services parking lot will be closed. Drivers must use the rear entrance from Martin Drive, accessible from Hawley Road. If severe weather forces a cancellation before the race, registered participants will receive an email and the official event page will be updated by 6:30 a.m.

School communities can form teams for potential wellness grants. Teams with at least 25 registered participants may qualify for $500, and the school with the most registered participants may qualify for $1,000. Community members may join a school team by entering the school's name during registration.