The Milwaukee River Challenge
Welcome back, athletes and spectators!
This year's event will take place on Saturday, September 21st, 2024
The race takes the rowers through a difficult 3-mile course, the race begins at 25th and Canal Streets on the Menomonee River and heads east where it makes a sharp right turn north on the Milwaukee River. The course passes through the heart of downtown Milwaukee and concludes just south of Pleasant Street adjacent to Schlitz Park. Spectators can enjoy the races from the Milwaukee Riverwalk, any of the 18 bridges along the course and other vantage points along the three-mile stretch that offer intimate views of the boats and blade work unlike any crew race in the country! In addition, visitors can hear a running commentary throughout the day in Schlitz Park, provided by seasoned race veterans and will also have the opportunity to purchase food and beverages while mingling with the visiting teams, including the US National Team.
Purdue University won 1st place in both the men's 4's and 8’s
as 13 other teams from around the midwest battled for the wins
The Milwaukee River Challenge, a popular annual event each September on the Milwaukee and Menomonee Rivers, attracts high school, collegiate and club teams from throughout the Midwest.
Taking rowers through a difficult 3-mile course, the race begins at 25th and Canal Streets on the Menomonee River and heads east where it makes a sharp right turn north on the Milwaukee River. The course passes through the heart of downtown Milwaukee and concludes just south of Pleasant Street adjacent to Schlitz Park.
Each year, thousands of spectators come to enjoy the races and a beautiful day along Milwaukee’s scenic rivers.
The course provides excellent vantage points for spectators including the Harley-Davidson Museum grounds, the exciting 90 degree turn in the Historic Third Ward, Pere Marquette Park, restaurants along the Riverwalk and the finish in Schlitz Park. Visitors can hear a running commentary throughout the day in Schlitz Park provided by seasoned race veterans as well as the opportunity to purchase food and beverages while mingling with race teams.
All are welcome to enjoy this annual event.
See you at the river!