2nd Annual Discover Whitewater Series event deemed a success
By Heather Ruenz
Editor
From the increase in participants and volunteers, to members of the National Guard making the trek in turnout gear, to a local woman who was able to complete the race without leg braces for the first time, the stories from Sunday’s 2nd Annual Discover Whitewater Series run deep.
At the heart of it being deemed a successful event for the second year though, is the resounding support of the Whitewater community, Jeff Knight, chairman of the Greater Whitewater Committee said Monday morning.
Knight, along with assistant race director and marketing director, Traci Wilson, were gushing with pride following the event which saw 723 runners, from six states, compared to 563 last year.
“The outpouring of support from the community is great. One of the most crucial things in making the event such a success is the wonderful support from the city, the university and the school district,” Knight said.
Though Sunday’s weather was not ideal, Wilson said, “it was a non-issue for the serious runners and the volunteers stuck it out.”
One group the cool weather most likely didn’t bother was the 28 Wisconsin Army National Guard members who participated in the half marathon in turnout gear, carrying weighted backpacks.
“We will ruck these 13.1 miles on the 13.1-year anniversary of the conflict in Afghanistan carrying a total of 1,172 pounds… a half pound for every soldier killed in Afghanistan as of Sept. 11, 2014,” SFC Charles R. Hensen said. “Our goal time will be 3.5 hours, however, we all will start as a group and end as a group, as long as it takes.”
This year, it is estimated, there were more than 450 volunteers involved in all aspects of the event including the half marathon, 5K and Fit Kids Shuffle.
“We could not pull this off without each one of them,” Knight said. “In all, we had more than 80 sponsors who step up, provide volunteers and get their employees involved. It’s amazing.”
Wilson said the coordination of local police and sheriff’s departments is to be commended.
“It’s pretty amazing, the teamwork they show to pull of a safe, secure event. The City of Whitewater PD, the University Campus Police and both the Walworth and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Departments all work together seamlessly,” Wilson said.
One new facet of the event this year was the Kids Korral – a free service offered to race participants with children through a combined effort between DWS and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s College of Education & Professional Studies.
“Robin Fox chaired the Kids Korral and it worked perfectly,” Knight said. All of the volunteers there are education majors at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and it was well received.
Another new sight this year was a huge American flag raised by the Whitewater Fire Department prior to the singing of the National Anthem for the half marathon.
“It was unbelievable and really added to the event in a touching tribute,” Knight said.
And to keep in line with the DWS being a family-friendly event, the Fit Kids Shuffle events (three races for different age groups,) was offered free of charge.
“There’s nothing more exciting than watching the start of those races. Those kids really give it their all,” Knight said.
Next year’s event is slated for Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015 and very few changes are planned at this time.
“We’re planning on the same site and same courses for next year because things have gone so smoothly the first two years,” Wilson said.
The following five local entities serve as charity partners for the event: W3 Working for Whitewater’s Wellness, Bethel House, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Athletics, the Whitewater Aquatic Center and the Whitewater Unified School District.
For more those interested in becoming actively involved with next year’s event call the race phone number at (920) 397-0601, visit runwhitewater.com or send en email to info@runwhitewater.com.
Complete race results from Sunday’s event can also be found on the website.
