MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Thousands of runners are getting ready to take over Milwaukee streets on Sunday, Oct. 4. The Lakefront Marathon will bring road closures across the city, including along I-794 and the Hoan Bridge. 

Friday, Oct. 2, many runners were picking up their race packets, race bibs and shirts at the expo center. 

Thousands of runners are expected to line up this weekend for the marathon and its other events -- and that's a big jump from last year. 

CBS 58

"Eight thousand runners is a big deal for us. We saw a big uptick in participation in the last year and we’re up 25% between 2025 and 2026," said Leah Etling, spokesperson for the Milwaukee Marathon. 

The full and half marathons are sold out. 

The marathon starts at 7 a.m. near Vel R. Phillips and Wisconsin avenues, then runners head north to Lake Park and south to Cudahy. 

The finish line is at Urban Park. 

“They get a nice opportunity to be on trails and along the lake and hopefully get some cool breezes as the day starts to warm up and finishing coming over the Hoan Bridge and down into Urban Park," said Etling. 

For everyone else, the marathon means finding another way around. 

Twenty main roads will close Sunday, along with the northbound lanes of I-794 and the Hoan Bridge. Some closures start at 4 a.m. and can last into the afternoon. 

And if you're parking along the route, check the signs before you leave your car. 

“Starting Sunday, all cars must be moved. If they are not moved, we will unfortunately have to tow or relocate them. We are hoping not to do that, so we want to get the message out to please follow the signs on the post," said Peter Knox, Milwaukee Parking Services manager. 

I-794 will also close Saturday at 10:30 a.m. for the 5K, then reopen before closing again at 4 a.m. Sunday. 

"The entire marathon route will be signed not to park there, so basically anywhere outside of that you are free to park," said Knox. 

If your car is towed, you're encouraged to call 414-286-8350.

For more information, CLICK HERE. 

CBS 58