Milwaukee City Wire

Registration is now open for the 18th annual "Run Back to School" event, organized by Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Recreation, to celebrate the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. This event offers a 5K run or a 1.5-mile walk, with proceeds going toward MPS youth sports, wellness, and recreation programs.

Participants can register online, and walk-up registration will be available on the day of the event from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Parking information will be provided at a later date.

Schools are encouraged to rally teams for the event, as those with at least 25 registered participants are eligible for a $500 grant to address a sport or wellness need within the school. The school that gathers the highest number of registered participants can qualify for a $1,000 grant to support similar needs. Community members are also invited to join any school team. Schools that meet the participant threshold must complete a form detailing how the funds will be used in order to receive the grant.

"Not only will you help kick off the 2024-25 school year with hundreds of local MPS supporters," organizers note, highlighting the communal spirit of the event.

Past grant allocations by schools have been diverse, with local educational institutions putting the funds toward various needs.