When is the race?
7:00am on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Where is Kenosha?
Kenosha is located on the Wisconsin/ Illinois border, on Lake Michigan. It is roughly a one hour drive from northern Chicago and a 50 minute drive from Milwaukee.

What does it cost to race?
You can find prices for all three races HERE. Please note that the prices go up as we get closer to race day, so sign-up early

Can I switch my race distance?
Yes, you can switch any time before you pick up your packet. Email Jonathan for details or go into your profile at the registration page and switch your info under “edit my entry.”

Can I walk the race?
Yes, but please be aware we have a 6:30 time limit, which translates to roughly 15:00 per mile pace. If you are slower than that, you may be moved to the sidewalk in some places by police and volunteers, as the roads need to be opened up after that time. Half marathoners have a little more leeway time, since the marathon course is two loops.

Where/ when do I pick up my race packet?
We have four packet pick-up times and locations for 2024: Chicagoland, the Milwaukee area, and in Kenosha. Back again, we also have RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP at the race site.  See our PACKET PICK-UP page for exact times. Please note that you MUST pick-up you packet at one of these times or select the option to have it mailed out to you when you register.

You do not need to let us know ahead of time where you plan on picking up your packet. We will have all the packets at each location.

You may have a friend or family member pick up your packet for you. They may need a copy of your confirmation email to get your packet. Please note, if you are picking up your packet on race day, other people that will be doing that as well, so please be sure to get there at least an hour before the race to avoid any lines. 

Can I have a friend pick up my race packet?
Yes! Save gas and make someone else go. Anyone can pick up your packet. All they need is your name and a copy of your confirmation email.

Can I qualify for the Boston Marathon by running in your race?
Yes! Our marathon is a USATF certified event, and therefore meets all the requirements to be a Boston Qualifier. (Our flat course is sure to help you reach your goal time.)

What about parking?
There is plenty of parking around downtown Kenosha on the streets and in lots. Maps will be available at packet pick-up. CLICK HERE for more details on parking.

What is the course like?
Past participants have called our course one of the most beautiful they have ever run. Most of the course runs along Lake Michigan’s lakefront, and the path will take you through downtown Kenosha, area parks and beaches, and residential areas. We cap everything off with a stunning finish along Lake Michigan.

Is the course closed?
Technically yes, we have police and course marshals all over the course to keep it car free and keep everyone safe. However, please note that our course does go through some residential neighborhoods, and try as we might, it is impossible to keep everyone from just pulling out of their driveways. We alert all residents well ahead of time, but please be alert, just in case.

I’ve heard there are gravel roads on the course.
Yes, that is true. In Pleasant Prairie, there is a short gravel road section that is about a mile long. The Village of Pleasant Prairie does a pretty good job of filling up any bigger divots a couple days before the race. 

Where will the aid stations be located?
We will have aid stations roughly every two miles. Each station will have water, Gatorade, port-a-potties, medical staff, and the best volunteers in the Midwest! 

There are also several trash cans near the aid stations. Please use them! We would like to keep the city clean and the residents appreciate it as well. 

Will you have the All-Cheese Corral this year?
The All-Cheese Corral was a really fun idea we had that we pretty much put there because we liked the photos it produced. We have grown up since then- try as we might- and have decided that the All-Cheese Corral has run its course and will not be returning. We do still encourage our runners to dress in their best cheesy outfit, though. Who doesn’t love a little fun?

Will there be any course changes this year?
No course changes are planned for this year.

Do you have Pace Teams for the full or half?
Yes, we will have pacers at the race. They will be marathon pacers (meaning they’ll take the half marathoners through their first loop, too), and they will lead paces about every 15 minutes between 3:30 and 6:00.

Can I wear headphones while I run?
Yes, participants are allowed to wear headphones, but it is recommended that you keep the volume level low in order to hear any instructions by race officials or anything else that may be happening around you.

What medal do we get?
Marathon and Half marathon runners receive a custom Big Cheese Finisher Medal. 5k runners receive a 5k Finisher ribbon. 

Are showers available after the race?
Yes, showers will be available to use at the Kenosha YMCA after the race. You must show your ID, race bib, and bring your own towel. Please note that the Kenosha YMCA is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Kenosha.  

What if I got hurt and can’t run the race this year?
If you have registered for the race and cannot run, we have three options for you:

1- You can defer your registration to next year. (Option available until March 31 only.)

2- You can transfer your bib to a friend.

3- You can switch to a different distance.

There is no additional fee to defer or transfer your bib, but please note that refunds are not available for any reason. 

Do you have a Gear Check?
Yes, please attach your pull tab from your race bib to your bag. 

What time should I arrive in the morning?
We usually recommend arriving to the race site about 45 minutes before the race to stretch, hydrate, drop gear, and use the bathroom. Most of our parking is in downtown and it is about a 10 minute walk to the start area, so plan accordingly. 

Are you all crazy?
Nope, we’re just cheesy!