Lakefront Marathon changes course

Organizers of the Lakefront Marathon have tweaked the 26.2-mile course between Grafton High School and Veteran's Park to show off the lake bluff at Concordia University and shorten the finish, or at least make it seem that way.

With the extra half-mile added in the loop on the university campus, the finish will be shifted off the sea wall and along the lagoon in Veteran's Park. The change eliminates an agonizing loop at the end, with the finish line in sight.

"Nobody ever likes running past the finish line, than having to run back," said Kristine Hinrichs, the race director.

Hinrichs said the shift to back side of the Concordia campus will give runners an additional view of Lake Michigan, something a number of runners have requested, after complaining: "'It's the Lakefront Marathon, and I didn't see the lake for 22 miles.'"

One other change will be made at the start line, which will be shifted about one-half block, to Cheyenne Ave. The runner staging will remain in Grafton High School.

For those of you already plugging split times into your Garmin, all the markers from the 8-mile point to the finish will be moved a half-mile north.

The 31st annual Lakefront Marathon will be held on Oct. 2. Registration filled in April.