MILWAUKEE, WI - October 3, 2004 - Against a strong, brisk wind throughout the morning, more than 2,700 runners competed in the 24th annual Lakefront Marathon Sunday, winding their way from Grafton High School to Milwaukee's Veteran's Park for the 26.2 mile journey.

The record turnout of runners was led by Shane Carr, 36, from Racine who came across the finish line at just over 2 hours and 35 minutes and took home the $500 first-place prize. Wauwatosa's Matt Tupta, 24, was second, followed by Paul Riley of Madison. The women's race was headed by two Illinois residents, with Aaron Clark, 27, from Lake Forest, IL crossing the line at 2:56 minutes, followed by Mary Schupbach, 26, from Bloomington, IL. Rodiez's Road Warriors from Milwaukee won the relay team competition, crossing the line in 2 hours and 36 minutes.

"It was a tough day to run with a brutal wind blowing right at your face,but we still had a tremendous race" said race director Kris Hinrichs. "We're thrilled with the turn out this year and can't wait to get bigger as we get ready for next year's 25th anniversary race.

Next year's marathon, slated for October 2, 2005, will mark the 25th consecutive year marathon runners have flocked to Milwaukee's Lakefront for the 26.2 mile journey. Result books are distributed to all participants within 4 weeks.