Cedarburg Half Marathon & 5K: Your Complete 2026 Guide

Lace up for one of Wisconsin's most charming spring races through beautiful Ozaukee County

Looking for a fast, fun, and family-friendly race experience just north of Milwaukee? The Cedarburg Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk returns on Saturday, May 23, 2026, and it's shaping up to be one of the best races of the spring season. Whether you're chasing a PR, tackling your first half marathon, or looking for a low-key 5K the whole family can enjoy, this event delivers small-town charm with big race energy.

Related: Guide to 2026 family fun runs and races

Race Overview

The Cedarburg Half Marathon & 5K is a chip-timed event that starts and finishes at Cedarburg High School, home of the Bulldogs. The race features USATF-certified courses that runners love for their speed and scenic beauty—rolling gently through the picturesque neighborhoods and countryside surrounding one of Wisconsin's most beloved small towns.

Race Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Cedarburg High School, W68 N611 Evergreen Blvd., Cedarburg, WI 53012
Race Organizer: 22 Events

Race Distances & New for 2026

This year's event offers something for everyone:

Half Marathon (13.1 miles) – The signature event features a gently rolling, certified course through beautiful Cedarburg. Perfect for both first-timers and seasoned runners looking for a fast course.

RUCK Half Marathon (NEW for 2026!) – Think you're tough? The brand-new RUCK division challenges participants to complete the full 13.1 miles while carrying a weighted rucksack. Men must carry a minimum of 35 pounds; women must carry a minimum of 25 pounds. Your RUCK will be weighed before and after the race to ensure compliance. RUCK participants are also eligible for overall half marathon and age-group awards.

5K Run/Walk – A fast loop course that's family and stroller-friendly. This is a great option for runners of all abilities, walkers, and families looking to participate together.

Youth 5K Run/Walk – For ages 12 and under, giving young runners a chance to experience race day excitement.

Registration & Pricing

The race has a strict cap of 1,200 runners, so don't wait to register. Prices increase throughout the registration period:

Half Marathon

• Through November 30, 2025: $60

• December 1 – February 28, 2026: $70

• March 1 – April 30, 2026: $75

• May 1 – May 15, 2026: $80

• May 16 – Race Expo: $90

RUCK Half Marathon

• Through February 28, 2026: $70

• Price increases after February 28

5K Run/Walk

• Through February 28, 2026: $30

• Price increases after February 28

Youth 5K Run/Walk (Ages 12 & Under)

• $20

• Registration closes May 22, 2026

Register at: runsignup.com/Race/WI/Cedarburg/CedarburgHalfMarathon5K

Note: All entry fees are non-refundable. You can transfer or defer your entry until May 15, 2026.

What's Included with Registration

Your registration fee gets you a lot of bang for your buck:

• Tech tops for half marathon participants

• Race shirts for 5K participants

• Finisher medals for all participants (these are some of the coolest medals around!)

• Chip timing for accurate results

• Age-group awards that truly shine

• Post-race flapjack breakfast – yes, please!

• Post-race party with food, music, and celebration

• Pace teams courtesy of Run Ozaukee

Course Details

Half Marathon Course

The half marathon course winds through Cedarburg's scenic neighborhoods and countryside on a gently rolling, USATF-certified course built for speed. Runners consistently praise this course for its beauty and PR potential.

On-Course Support:

• 5 fully stocked aid stations

• Water at every station

• Skratch Labs hydration

• Honey Stinger gels

Important: No strollers or dogs permitted on the half marathon course.

5K Course

The 5K features a fast loop course with one aid station at mile 2. This course is family and stroller-friendly (dogs are not permitted).

Pacers: The half marathon will feature pace teams provided by the running experts at Run Ozaukee. Pace groups typically include 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00.

Awards

Half Marathon Awards

• Top 3 Overall Male/Female

• Top 2 Master's Male/Female

• Top 3 in 5-year age groups: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+

RUCK Half Marathon Awards

• Top 3 Male/Female (RUCK entrants also eligible for overall and age-group awards)

5K Awards

• Top 2 Overall Male/Female

• Top Master's Male/Female

• Top 3 in age groups: 10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Awards ceremony takes place at the post-race party!

Packet Pickup

Three convenient options for packet pickup:

Thursday, May 21, 2026
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sahale Ale Works, Grafton, WI
Grab your packet and enjoy a pre-race brew!

Friday, May 22, 2026
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cedarburg High School Plaza

Race Morning – Saturday, May 23, 2026
6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
Cedarburg High School

Running for a Great Cause

The 2026 Cedarburg Half Marathon & 5K benefits Camp Odayin at Camp Lutherdale in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Your registration fee directly supports an incredible organization that provides fun, safe, and supportive camp experiences for children with heart disease and their families.

Camp Odayin serves young people from across the Upper Midwest, offering medically-staffed summer camps, winter camps, and family programs. At Camp Odayin, kids with heart conditions get to experience everything their peers do—swimming, archery, arts and crafts, campfires, and more—all while being supervised by pediatric cardiologists and trained medical staff.

Since 2002, Camp Odayin has given children with heart disease the life-changing opportunity to experience the power of belonging and build lasting friendships with others who understand their journey. Your race registration helps make these transformative experiences possible.

Want to give more? You can make an additional donation during registration or visit the race website to contribute directly to Camp Odayin.

Elite Athletes

Think you have what it takes to compete at the elite level? The Cedarburg Half Marathon welcomes elite runners. Contact the race organizers at 22eventslive@gmail.com for information about elite entry requirements and benefits.

Make a Weekend of It: Exploring Cedarburg

One of the best things about this race? The location. Cedarburg consistently ranks as one of Wisconsin's favorite small-town getaways, and race weekend is the perfect excuse to explore.

Before the Race

Carb-Loading Options: Cedarburg's historic downtown is packed with excellent restaurants for your pre-race dinner. Stroll Washington Avenue and take your pick from cozy eateries housed in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings.

Shake Out Your Legs: The Ozaukee Interurban Trail offers 30+ miles of paved trails perfect for an easy pre-race jog or walk. The trail connects historic downtowns with beautiful natural landscapes throughout Ozaukee County.

Stay the Night: Consider booking a room at one of Cedarburg's charming bed and breakfast inns to minimize race morning stress.

After the Race

Once you've collected your medal and devoured those post-race flapjacks, stick around and explore:

Cedar Creek Settlement – A village of shops, galleries, and restaurants set in a restored 150-year-old woolen mill on the banks of Cedar Creek. Don't miss the Cedar Creek Winery for a well-earned post-race toast.

Cedarburg Covered Bridge – One of the last wooden covered bridges in Wisconsin, located just north of downtown in Covered Bridge Park. Perfect for a post-race photo op!

Downtown Shopping – Washington Avenue's historic district features dozens of specialty boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and unique finds.

Local Breweries & Distilleries – Celebrate your finish at Rebellion Brewing, The Fermentorium, or Handen Distillery. You earned it!

Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts – A nationally recognized museum housed in a beautiful 1850s farmstead, perfect for a leisurely post-race afternoon.

Tips for Race Day Success

Arrive Early: The race starts at 8:00 AM. Plan to arrive by 7:00 AM at the latest to park, use the restrooms, and get settled. Race morning packet pickup opens at 6:30 AM.

Know the Weather: Late May in Wisconsin can range from cool mornings in the 50s to warm and sunny conditions. Check the forecast and dress in layers you can shed.

Hydrate Early: Start hydrating several days before the race. Take advantage of the aid stations on course—they're fully stocked with water, electrolytes, and gels.

Take Photos: The course is beautiful and the finish line energy is electric. Soak it in!

Stay for the Party: The post-race celebration is a highlight. Enjoy the flapjacks, music, and awards ceremony.

Contact Information

Race Organizer: 22 Events
Email: 22eventslive@gmail.com
Race Website: cedarburghalfmarathon.com
Facebook: facebook.com/CedarburgHalfMarathon

The Cedarburg Half Marathon & 5K is more than just a race—it's a celebration of community, fitness, and giving back. Whether you're a competitive runner or a first-timer, you'll love the energy, the course, and the charming small-town atmosphere. We'll see you at the starting line!

Register today at runsignup.com/Race/WI/Cedarburg/CedarburgHalfMarathon5K