Waukesha Runner Dies at Milwaukee Lakefront Half Marathon — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
John Meise, a 36-year-old runner from Waukesha, died after collapsing on the Hoan Bridge during the Milwaukee Lakefront Half Marathon. The race, organized by Badgerland Striders, had no prior fatalities in its 44-year history. Meise was near the 13-mile mark when he collapsed and was pronounced dead at Froedtert Hospital.
The cause of Meise's death is under investigation by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office. Meise had no prior health issues, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. His family has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs and care for his four children. Read more racing coverage.
The Lakefront Half Marathon, which started with about 6,000 participants, is the only race that crosses the Hoan Bridge, which is closed to pedestrians the rest of the year. Race organizers expressed their condolences and gratitude to the medical personnel and volunteers. Related: Kenyan Runner Sets New M50 Half-Marathon World Record.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Waukesha Runner Dies at Milwaukee Lakefront Half Marathon?
John Meise, 36, collapsed on Hoan Bridge, first fatality in race's 44-year history. John Meise, a 36-year-old runner from Waukesha, died after collapsing on the Hoan Bridge during the Milwaukee Lakefront Half Marathon. The race, organized by Badgerland Striders, had no prior fatalities in its 44-year history. Meise was near the 13-mile mark when he collapsed and was pronounced dead at Froedtert Hospital.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on October 6, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated October 6, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
THE WEEKLY BRIEFING
Start the week a step ahead.
A concise edit of the running stories worth knowing, sent every Monday.
