Run The Bay

Welcome to the 20th anniversary of Run the Bay!

Step into your running shoes and into a tradition that moves the community forward! On Saturday, May 2nd, join fellow runners and walkers at Klode Park for a fun-filled race through Whitefish Bay. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just in it for the community spirit, this race welcomes all.

Best of all, all race proceeds directly support the Whitefish Bay Public Education Foundation, helping enrich local public schools, teachers, and students. Lace up, show up, and make a difference!

Register today and be part of the tradition! Run the Bay is a community-oriented event that truly has something for everyone, whether it be a casual family walk to kids' races or a competitive 5k run.

Race Raffle

Every registrant gets 1 raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes from our schools and community. Buy additional tickets for more chances to win! Purchase through the donation tab or during registration—$5 per ticket or $20 for 5 tickets. All raffle proceeds go back to the Whitefish Bay Public Education Foundation!

Event details and schedule

Race Details

• When: Saturday, May 2 2026
• Where: Klode Park
• Times:
  • 8:30am - 5k 
  • 9:30am - Kids 3/4 mile (7-12 years old)
  • 9:45am - Kids 100m dash (6 and under)

Race Prices

• $35 through May 27
• $40 through May 1
• $45 on Race Day, May 2
• $12 kids races

Packet Pick Up

• Race Day Packet Pick-Up (May 2):
  • Location: Klode Park
  • Time: 7:00am - 8:00am

Awards

The top three overall male and female finishers and the top three in each age group will receive awards in the 5K run.

T-Shirt 

Registered runners will receive a short-sleeved tech t-shirt. To guarantee a t-shirt, please register by Monday, April 20.

View Route: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6502303222

In response to feedback from past participants, and to provide a flatter course, the Run the Bay race committee, in collaboration with the Whitefish Bay Police Department and Department of Public Works, is excited to introduce a new out-and-back route this year.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT RULES:

1. Participants running from the start line to the turnaround point (“outbound runners”) and participants running from the turnaround point back to the finish line (“inbound runners”) will pass each other in close proximity throughout the race. Accordingly, for runner courtesy and safety, it is essential that all runners follow the colored arrows on the
   pavement:
   • OUTBOUND runners must run atop the BLUE arrows.
   • INBOUND runners must run atop the PINK arrows.
2. Inbound runners have the right of way. When an outbound runner and an inbound runner approach each other, the outbound runner must move over as much as possible to permit the inbound runner to pass by unimpeded.
3. Run between the cones and the curb. Please stay off the grass!
4. For participant safety, all walkers and any runners/walkers pushing strollers must remain on the sidewalk. (An exception will be made during the first 2 blocks. Walkers and strollers will begin in the street; but upon turning left onto N. Maitland Court, all walkers and strollers must enter, and remain on, the sidewalk for the duration of the route.)
5. Please abide by any verbal instructions provided by police officers, course marshals, and the lead cyclist.

Your cooperation is vital to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all involved. Thank you for your assistance.

Kids Fun Run, Ages 6 and under (Approx. 100 meter dash)

• The kids run will start at the corner of E Belle Ave and N Shore Drive (Subject to Change)
• We will start assembling the kids at the start at 9:30am
• The race will begin at 9:45am (approximately)

Kids Fun Run, Ages 7-12 (Approx. 3/4 mile run)

• The kids run will start at the corner of E Belle Ave and N Shore Drive (Subject to Change)
• We will start assembling the kids at the start at 9:15am
• The Races will begin at 9:30am (approximately)

Parking

• NO PARKING ALLOWED IN THE FINISH/START AREA AT KLODE PARK (SEE THE MAP BELOW)
  • NO PARKING ON E. BELLE AVE EAST OF N. LAKE DR
  • NO PARKING ON N. SHORE DRIVE ONE BLOCK NORTH AND ONE BLOCK SOUTH OF E. BELLE AVE
• NO PARKING ALLOWED ON THE COURSE. PLEASE REFER TO THE COURSE MAP
• PARKING IS ALLOWED ON N. LAKE DR AND OTHER VILLAGE STREETS WITH POSTED RESTRICTIONS ENFORCED 

Race Details

• When: Saturday, May 2 2026
• Where: Klode Park
• Times:
  • 8:30am - 5k
  • 9:30am - Kids 3/4 mile (7-12 years old)
  • 9:45am - Kids 100m dash (6 and under)

Packet Pickup

• Saturday, May 2 - Race Day Packet Pick-Up
  • Location: Klode Park
  • Time: 7:00am - 8:00am

Race Day Timeline

• 7:00am - 8:00am - Packet Pickup / Day of Registration at Registration Tent
• 8:20am - 5k runners & walkers head to start line
• 8:25 am - National Anthem - start line of Klode Park
• 8:30am - 5k Start
• 9:15am - Kids assemble for Kids Run
• 9:30am - Kids 3/4 race begins
• 9:45am - Kids 100m dash begins

Awards

• Awards for the top three overall male and female winners.
• Top three male and female finishers in the following age groups:
  • 10 under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+ (Overall winners are excluded from age group awards.)
• Kids Runs: Participation ribbons for all finishers.

Race Day Details

• Meet at Klode Park in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
• Porta-potties are available near the Klode Park warming house
• Run will start on N Shore Dr north of E Belleve Ave
• ALL RUNNERS MUST CLEAR THE COURSE BY 9:30am
• No wagons, bikes, dogs or other pets, roller skates, skateboards or roller blades.
• Strollers are welcome, but will need to stay on the sidewalk during the race.
• The event will be timed but it is not a closed course
• Please wear your race number on your front at all times during the event.

All participants must obey all traffic signs as well as the directions of the WFB Police and race day volunteers. Any participant who refuses to obey their instructions could be ejected from the event and/or cited by the WFB Police. We need everyone’s cooperation in this regard to ensure that this event continues from year to year. Treat the police and volunteers with the respect they deserve. Runners, please run between the cones and the curb- please stay off the grass!

Please keep in mind that this is not a closed course, all traffic rules and right of ways are in effect. Walkers should use the sidewalk.