The best outdoor running routes start from the War Memorial Center, on the corner of N. Prospect Ave. The most populated and scenic path is the paved Lakefront Trail that runs north from the Art Center along Lake Michigan. There's a great three-mile loop through Veteran's Park, which is just east of the south end of the paved Lakefront path. The park also has a 20 station exercise course. There are quite a few other runners on these paths, so be sure to at least nod at they pass you.
Runners have a secret bond.
If you cross Lincoln Memorial Drive, just north of the Art Center, you can pick up the Oak Leaf Trail, also known as the 76 Bike Trail. You can truly run to your heart's content as this trail actually spans 76 miles, through some of Milwaukee's most spectacular parks. Just south of the Summerfest grounds, you'll find a paved path that leads behind the festival grounds to Summerfest Island. You can run on either the east side or the west side of the river. Pick up the eastern trails at and Edgewood.