Annual Fun Run Celebrates 30th Year
The 30th Annual Fun Run, co-sponsored by ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca and Health and Fitness Headquarters, evokes several memories throughout the community. The event, celebrating its 30th year, will be Sat., May 7 at the Old Riverside School.
Randy O’Connell, general manager of Health and Fitness Headquarters, was 12 years old when he first participated in the event along with his uncle. “He still taunts me because he beat me,” said O’Connell.
ThedaCare has participants who contact them in January asking the date of the race as many return year after year. O’Connell said the event draws people locally as well as throughout central Wisconsin. “Any time you can get the community together, out exercising and having fun, that’s definitely important,” he said.
To encourage healthy activities, third grade students at the Waupaca Learning Center can participate in the race at no cost. Mary Feldt, a teacher at the Waupaca Learning Center, promotes the run and trains with the kids.
Participants choose between the 1-mile walk or run or a 5K race or they can participate in both races. The 1-mile race starts at 9 a.m. and the 5K starts at 10 a.m.
This year’s theme is “Run Like A Rock Star.” Organizers encourage participants to let their inner rock star out by wearing their black shirts, big hair, sunglasses and spandex. “Costumes and a theme add more fun to our race,” said O’Connell.
Also new this year, participants in the 5K race will have an opportunity to win a kayak donated by Health and Fitness Headquarters and Adventure Outfitters. They pick a rock from a pile midway through the race and the one with the star on it is the winner.
Preregistration is $13 for the 1-mile race and $19.50 for the 5K. Race Day registration is $15 for the 1-mile and $22 for the 5K. Race day registration begins at 8 a.m. with the cut off time at 8:30 for the 1-mile and 9:30 with the 5K. Door prizes for advance on-line registrations only. Prizes will also be given for the Team Challenge (a 4 person team) with levels at $75, $50 and $25; Best Individual Costume is $25; and Best Team Costume (two or more) $50 for 1st and $25 for 2nd.
For more than 100 years, ThedaCare™ has been committed to finding a better way to deliver serious and complex healthcare to patients throughout Northeast Wisconsin. The organization serves over 200,000 patients annually and employs more than 7,000 healthcare professionals throughout the region. ThedaCare has seven hospitals located in Appleton, Neenah, Berlin, Waupaca, Shawano, New London and Wild Rose as well as 34 clinics in 14 counties. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving our specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a non-profit healthcare organization with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs as well as a foundation dedicated to community service. ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center in Appleton opened in February. For more information, visit www.thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on Facebook and Twitter.
