What would a post-race party be without beer and bratwurst? It wouldn't be a Wisconsin race party, that's for sure.

The Madison Marathon, to be held May 27, is held in conjunction with the World's Largest Brat Fest. The event also features plenty of beer, live music and amusement rides.

The Madison Marathon continues the state of Wisconsin's tradition of hosting first-class marathons (the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon, Fox Cities Marathon and Cellcom Green Bay Marathon are also well-run events). The course begins in downtown Madison at the historic State Capital Building, goes through the famed Univeristy of Wisconsin campus and along Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. The finish is at the Alliant Energy Center.

In addition to the marathon, the weekend's events also include a half marathon, a 10K race, a 6K race and a kids run. The weekend activities are kicked off with the Madison Marathon Health and Fitness Expo on Saturday, May 26 at 9 a.m..

Last year there were 780 finishers in the Madison Marathon. The winner was Joe Kurian in 2:41:47.