MILWAUKEE, WI- In an effort to help runners achieve their marathon goals, the Badgerland Striders and Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon will host a series of build-up runs beginning on Saturday, July 5. If you are thinking about running Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon, or have already registered, NOW is the ideal time to ramp-up training for this year's 26.2 mile event scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5.

"These build-ups are modeled after several proven training programs designed to gradually increase a person's endurance and speed so they can successfully complete a marathon and achieve their goals," race director Kristine Hinrichs said. "By participating in some (or all) of our build-up runs, participants can have fun training with other runners as well as learn from the experienced marathoners. The goal is to build skills, abilities and confidence that can help runners succeed."

Interested runners just need to show up at Lake Park Pavilion in Milwaukee at 8 a.m. on Saturday mornings July 5-Sept. 27. The runs will gradually "build" in distance each Saturday from seven miles on July 5, to a long distance of 21 miles on Sept. 21 (*Sunday, due to Al's Run). The distance tapers after Sept. 21. Water and refreshments are available to runners after each build-up run to quench thirsts and replenish lost fluids.

Membership in Badgerland Striders or participation in the marathon is NOT a requirement to participate. Additionally, runners can show up to as few (or as many) of these build-up runs as they would like. According to Lowell Mutchelknaus, an experienced marathoner from Brookfield, WI, "Whether you are running the full marathon or participating on a relay team, these build-up runs are a terrific way to meet other runners and train for what many consider to be one of life's greater accomplishments, running 26.2 miles to complete a marathon. Heck, if I can do it, anyone can, and these build-ups will help."

More than 2,000 runners from all over the United States will participate in the 23rd running of this event which begins at 8 a.m. in Grafton, WI, and winds 26.2 miles along a scenic lakefront route to finish in Veteran's Park next to the Milwaukee Art Museum. Prize money will be awarded to top finishers and there is a unique five-person relay opportunity for those runners who want to team-up to complete the marathon distance.

For more information, check out www.badgerlandstriders.org/lakefront, call the Lakefront Hot Line 414-291-2647 or e-mail: lfm@execpc.com.