Discover Whitewater Series set for Sunday
By Heather Ruenz
Editor
An event that has greatly benefitted the Whitewater community in its first two years – by way of $51,000 distributed to local organizations – is set to descend upon the city for the third time Sunday. Last year’s event featured 723 participants and 450-plus volunteers.
The Greater Whitewater Committee’s Discover Whitewater Series half-marathon, half-marathon relay and 5K events will be held Sunday. And once again, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3) will sponsor the Fit Kid Shuffle – a free, one-mile fun run geared toward kids 12 years old and younger.
Along with providing opportunities to young runners, the Discover Whitewater Series is a series of events that caters to runners of all ages and abilities.
Race/event start times
- 7:57 a.m., Half Marathon Wheelchair Division
- 8 a.m., Half Marathon (self seed start) and Half Marathon Relay
- 8:10 a.m., 5K Wheelchair Division
- 8:15 a.m., 5K
- 9:45 a.m., W3 Fit Kid Shuffle (1-mile event, on the west side of the high school)
To continue to ensure that all members of the family have an opportunity to participate in the series, there will be a Kids Korral – through a combined effort of DWS and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s College of Education and Professional Studies.
The Kids Korral will once again feature UW-W students and volunteers in education who will be available to watch kids in a safe environment (12 years old and younger) while parents and caregivers participate in the half marathon or 5K.
Offered as a free service to any adult registered for the Discover Whitewater Series, volunteers for the Kids Korral will have completed a background check and be managed by Dr. Robin K. Fox, chair of UW-W’s College of Education and Professional Studies.
While online registration for all of the DWS-related events closed Wednesday, on-site registration will be available Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20.
Perhaps the best part of the DWS is that all proceeds from the series will support the following local organizations: Whitewater Unified School District (for academic excellence,) Bethel House, UW-W Athletics, W3 and the Whitewater Aquatic Center.
Event organizers once again encourage spectators to stand along the route and cheer on participants as well as attending pre/post-race events, all of which are open to the public.
On race day, Sunday, the Whitewater Kiwanis Club will host its pancake breakfast event at Whitewater High School from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Race participants receive one ticket for breakfast while others who attend can eat breakfast for a $6 at the door donation (pre-school children eat for free.)
Spectators are not allowed on the track or in the finish line area. Those wanting to view the finish and cheer on runners at the end of the events are welcome to do so from the bleachers adjacent to the finish line (behind the fence) or on the bleachers near the press box.
Post-race events, all held adjacent to Whitewater High School on Elizabeth Street will include: family-friendly activities, live music, food, beer, wine and more from several local and area businesses.
There is a purse prize for the top half marathon finishers and age group awards for both the half marathon and 5K.
To view road course maps, road closure information, parking availability on race day and locations of the shuttle service, visit runwhitewater.com.
Race day at a glance
Saturday, Sept. 19
4:30 to 7 p.m. – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater University Center Old Main Ballroom, accessible from parking lot No. 14.
Pre-race dinner provided by Chartwells. One free dinner ticket will be given to all race participants. Others are welcome to purchase a dinner ticket for $8.
Participants will pick up packets and on-site registration for all events will be available.
Sunday, Sept. 20
6 a.m. – Whitewater High School, participant packet pick up and on-site registration in the gym. Enter through door No. 4.
6 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Kids Korral day care service will be available
6:30 a.m. – Whitewater Kiwanis pancake breakfast begins. All race participants will be given one free ticket for breakfast. Others are welcome to purchase a breakfast ticket for $6.
7 a.m. – The Whitewater Aquatic Center will be open for families and individuals throughout race day until 6 p.m. One free pass provided to participants and discounted one day passes available to others. The center is located on the southeast side of the high school.
7:57 a.m. – race events begin (start times.) Report to the intersection of Walworth Avenue and Court Street.
8:30 a.m. – post race events begin adjacent to the high school on Elizabeth Street, near the tennis courts.
10:15 a.m. – awards ceremony
Noon – course closes
1 p.m. – pancake breakfast and post race events end
All post race events are open to the public.
