Sun, Jun 13, 2027

STRAIN FOR THE BRAIN

Milwaukee, WI

Registration openAnnual since at least 2020

1 Mile5K

About the STRAIN FOR THE BRAIN

Strain for the Brain runs at Veterans Park along Milwaukee's lakefront. The race was started by a brain tumor survivor and remains rooted in that personal history. It draws runners who have a connection to the cause, whether as patients, caregivers, or supporters, and the atmosphere reflects that. The lakefront setting keeps the course open and scenic.

Fee waivers are available for anyone facing financial barriers; the organizers ask that you reach out directly to discuss it. That kind of flexibility says something about how the event is run.

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Finish-Time Stats

Going by the 2026 results, this is a decent-sized field, and the spread of finish times is wide, so this is a mostly recreational race rather than one for club runners.

3.1 Miles · 2026 results

801finishers

17:20winner

38:10median

1:16:59cutoff

Top 3: Alexander Seefeld (17:20) · John Valentyn (18:20) · AJ Memmel (19:04)

1 Miles · 2026 results

120finishers

8:54winner

25:01median

59:51cutoff

Top 3: Greg Klassen (17:38) · Nicole Mrozinski (17:30) · Irma Yepez Klassen (17:41)

The STRAIN FOR THE BRAIN has been held every year since at least 2020. That is as far back as RunSignup's records for this race go, so it may well be older.

Where Would You Finish?

Enter a finish time to see where it lands against the most recent 3.1 Miles results.

Median

See how your time stacks up nationally →

How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Sep 10, 2026.

Distances & Start Times

1 Mile6/13/2027 09:00$35

3.1 Miles6/13/2027 09:00$35

1 Mile6/13/2027 09:00Free

3.1 Miles6/13/2027 09:00Free

Virtual - Any Distance6/13/2027 09:00$40

Kiddos 1K6/13/2027 09:00$20

Going for a Time?

Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.

Plan Your Trip

Where to Stay

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Common Questions About the STRAIN FOR THE BRAIN

Will I finish last at the STRAIN FOR THE BRAIN?

Almost certainly not. Half the 3.1 Miles field finished slower than 38:10, and the last recorded finisher came in around 1:16:59, so there is a long tail of runners behind the middle of the pack. Most fields are far slower than people expect.

Is the STRAIN FOR THE BRAIN a good first 3.1 Miles?

With 801 finishers there are runners at every pace, so you are never out on your own. There is no qualifying time, and the finish-time spread above shows how varied the field really is. If it is your first 3.1 Miles, that spread matters more than the winner's time.

How competitive is the STRAIN FOR THE BRAIN?

The 3.1 Miles winner ran 17:20 while the median finisher took 38:10. That spread points to a broad, mostly recreational field rather than a race dominated by club runners.

Where can I train for the STRAIN FOR THE BRAIN?

Join a local run club. Milwaukee Running Group - OMG, Badgerland Striders, Performance Running Outfitters Group Runs and others in Milwaukee welcome runners of all paces, and a weekly group run is the most reliable way to hold a training block together.