Fall is here, but Milwaukee’s sports scene shows no signs of slowing down. From postseason baseball to record-breaking races and community resilience, the City of Champions continues to prove why it’s one of the best places in the country to play, compete, and come together.

Milwaukee’s running culture is hitting full stride this fall with the return of the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon, happening October 4–5. Known for its flat, fast course and scenic route across the Hoan Bridge, the marathon offers runners breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and one of the best chances to set a personal record anywhere in the Midwest.

That racing spirit is powered by the Badgerland Striders, Wisconsin’s oldest and largest running club. Since 1959, the Striders have inspired over 2,000 members through races, training programs, and community runs that celebrate endurance, camaraderie, and the love of the sport.

Carrying that passion into everyday life is Performance Running Outfitters, a locally owned running store that’s been serving the community for nearly two decades. With four locations across the region, weekly run clubs, and race packet pickups, PRO has built a community hub where runners of all levels find support, encouragement, and connection.

Whether it’s a marathon weekend or a casual jog along the lakefront, Milwaukee’s running community keeps the city moving—one stride at a time.

In August, record-breaking rainstorms flooded southeastern Wisconsin, leaving a visible mark on local sports and recreation. Among the hardest-hit areas was Hart Park in Wauwatosa, a beloved venue that typically buzzes with football, soccer, baseball, and community events throughout the year.

When the waters rose, fields turned to lakes and weekend games came to a sudden stop. But in true Milwaukee fashion, the community came together to support recovery efforts.

Visit Milwaukee quickly distributed Emergency Relief Fund grants to local businesses impacted by the floods, while the Village of Wauwatosa began raising funds to repair critical infrastructure and restore the heart of Hart Park’s sporting life.

Every contribution helps ensure that players, families, and fans can soon return to the fields that mean so much to the community.

When it comes to Milwaukee’s most storied sports venues, Washington Park stands tall. Designed in the 1890s by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same visionary behind New York’s Central Park, Washington Park has been a gathering place for athletes and families for more than a century.

Today, its open fields and scenic trails host everything from baseball and basketball to soccer matches, cross-country skiing, and community fitness events. With something happening in every season, the park remains a symbol of Milwaukee’s commitment to recreation, accessibility, and togetherness.

Supporting that mission is the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, which works to sustain parks like Washington Park for generations to come. Their efforts ensure that every corner of the city continues to have a place to play, train, and connect.

Take a virtual tour of Washington Park with Guy Smith, Director of Milwaukee County Parks, and see for yourself how this timeless green space continues to bring people together.

Milwaukee’s momentum doesn’t stop with a season—it’s year-round. From championship chases to local legends and community comebacks, this city continues to show what it means to be a true City of Champions.