It's not the Boston, New York or even Chicago marathon getting a dose of attention this year.

The Road Runners Club of American named Milwaukee's own Lakefront Marathon the "2008 Road Race of the Year."

The Lakefront Marathon, which takes runners along Lake Michigan from Milwaukee to Grafton, is the resulting effort of over 2000 volunteers annually. Whereas the Chicago Marathon registers 40,000 runners and Minneapolis allows 10,500, the Lakefront Marathon caps participation at 2,300 athletes.

Despite the limited space, the Lakefront Marathon draws runners from around the world who register the lowest finish times in the Midwest.

In a press release, 10 year veteran Race Director Kristine Hinrichs replies "This award is a testament to all the hard working volunteers who give of their time and talents each year to provide a first-class experience to runners from around the world."

The Road Runners Club of America is a national organization of non-profits dedicated to promoting long distance running as a competitive sport and healthy exercise.

This year's Lakefront Marathon is scheduled for Oct. 4. Registration begins tomorrow, Jan. 29.