MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Saturday morning, thousands of people took to Milwaukee's Hoan Bridge to kick off the annual Lakefront Marathon weekend.

Officials told CBS 58 there are 8,000 people signed up to participate, representing a 25% increase from last year.

"Just really indicates how much demand there is for running and how much people love Milwaukee too," said Leah Etling, a spokesperson for the marathon. 

Saturday opened with a 5K across the Hoan Bridge, while Sunday has two marathons -- a full and a half.

If a runner does both the 5K and one of the marathons Sunday, they have "owned the Hoan" and will receive a special medal.

"It's going to be a beautiful weekend, you can really look forward to just some amazing views, some great weather, some very excited people and a lot of positivity to welcome you here to the course and we hope you have a great event," Etling said.

For mother daughter duo Vanessa Nickel and Kendall Gottsacker, their main goal was to "have fun."

"Any time you get to spend with your kids is the best," Nickel said, noting she trains four days a week.

"Excited, a little nervous," Gottsacker said. "It's hard, it's not easy training for that so just try to have fun, get through it."

Kevin Phalphouvong showed up early Saturday where he was met with a surprise -- his uncle, Pate, who was also running the 5K.

"I didn't know my uncle runs," said Phalphouvong laughingly, adding that he only found out after seeing his uncle's name on the sheet below his. "I was like, oh, didn't know that!"

"I'm pretty excited about this because I've never done this one before," said Pate Phalphouvong. "I'm ready and I'm here."

The marathon is also helping support a good cause.

"So, we have This Time Tomorrow here and they're a fantastic charity partner for us," Etling said. "They do amazing, random acts of kindness for people going through cancer treatment so it's a very special cause."

For more information on the marathon weekend, click here.

For information on road closures and parking rules, click here.