Volunteers, community given kudos for support and success of event
By Heather Ruenz
Editor
Well before the shotgun went off – days before in some cases – participants who had signed up for the 3rd Annual Discover Whitewater Series were ready to go. It was clear the support from the Whitewater community left a lasting impression the past two years.
“Thank you organizers and volunteers,” Dawn Gruber wrote on the Run Whitewater Facebook page in response to a post showing volunteers preparing race packets. “I have been looking forward to this year’s run since I finished last year’s.”
Gruber wrote that she “bumped up to the half marathon,” and was “excited to be part of the event again… you guys know how to make a runner/walker feel loved!
“But without the volunteers, the best organized race would not happen successfully for everyone involved,” Gruber continued. “So once again – thank you volunteers! We appreciate all your hard work.”
Holly Smith agreed.
“Last year was my first group 5K and it was wonderful. All the great people make this a stand out event,” Smith commented.
The Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club again hosted the race-day pancake breakfast and received a compliment on their talents in the kitchen in advance.
“Thank you Kiwanis – you make the best pancakes,” Laura Felt wrote on a post about the breakfast.
The number of participants was once again expected to exceed last year’s event though final numbers were not available as of press time.
At the heart of the 3rd annual event being deemed a success is the resounding support of the Whitewater community.
Once again, it was estimated there were more than 400 volunteers involved in all aspects of the DWS event including the half marathon, 5K and Fit Kids Shuffle.
The teamwork that took place in ensuring the safety of participants and the volunteers was once again a joint effort of the City of Whitewater PD, the University Campus Police and the Walworth and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Departments.
One new facet of the event last year that went over so well it returned last weekend was the Kids Korral – a free service offered to race participants with children through a combined effort between the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s College of Education & Professional Studies and DWS.
Positive reviews also poured in following Sunday’s event.
“Thanks for a really nice event. Your volunteer support is exceptional, well done and friendly,” Lisa Brown posted on the Run Whitewater Facebook page. “Super appreciative of a safe, well done event.”
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 again offered free of charge.
“Thanks for a great Fit Kid Shuffle,” Sheila Juette commented on Facebook.
In addition to face painting and a bounce house for the Fit Kids Shuffle, this year’s event included appearances from all of the local mascots – Willy Warhawk, Willy Whippet, Mr. Sticky, Pig in the Park and Buzzy Bee.
The following five local entities served 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.
Title sponsors for this year’s Discover Whitewater Series included: Greater Whitewater Committee, Fort HealthCare, Whitewater Manufacturing, Whitewater Unified School District, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the City of Whitewater. Gold sponsors included: Knight Public Affairs, LLC, Chartwells, J.P. Cullen & Sons, Inc., Rogers Memorial Hospital, Kiwanis International, First Citizens State Bank, UW-W Dining Services, City of Whitewater Community Development Authority and UW-Whitewater Residence Life.
Nearly 65 additional area businesses, families and individuals rounded out the sponsorship of this year’s event, from donations to supplies to manning stations along the route.
For those interested in becoming involved with next year’s event call the race phone number at (920) 397-0601, visit www.runwhitewater.com or send en email to info@runwhitewater.com or a message on the Run Whitewater Facebook page.
For a list of race results visit www.runnersedgeracetiming.com, click on Race Results and select Discover Whitewater Half Marathon and 5K.
