Wisconsin Marathon in Kenosha draws hundreds to lakefront

KENOSHA, Wis. - The Wisconsin Marathon in Kenosha brought hundreds of people together Saturday, May 7 – the first normal race in two years.

"(It) was so awesome to come back and be running with people. Just an awesome experience," said half-marathon winner Paul Gutmann.

Hundreds of people came from all over for either a 5K, half-marathon or full marathon on the lakefront. Gutmann completed his event in four hours and 12 minutes.

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"I did not think I would win. I thought I would come out here, put in some good miles and run by myself for most of it, but it was awesome to be with a pack of guys," Gutmann said.

Businesses thought the marathon was awesome, too.

"It’s something we always look forward to, especially as downtown businesses because it brings in thousands of people, a lot of out-of-towners who might come back and check us out again in the summer," said Anthony Perrine. 

Perrine, owner of Lou Perrine's Gas & Grocery, said events like it prove that Kenosha really is strong.

"After what we went through a couple years ago, to show not only the surrounding area but the world that that was a one-off and this city, this town, is so much more than that," he said.

With cheese medals waiting at the finish line, everyone was a winner.

"Nothing is better than a good race to take up your fitness level another notch," said Gutmann.