A community event this weekend strived to connect runners of all ages and skill levels, while showing help and motivation to those who thought they would have given up. Run Whitewater is a special event hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater that was held on Sunday, September 21. This event helps give to those in need by donating the money gained to numerous local charities like Bethel House and J Hawk, with two main runs that people can sign up for: the 5K and the Half Mile.

The event started off with many runners stretching and having an itch to get started with the half mile marathon, but before the countdown started, Chancellor Corey King gave a motivational speech to help others. He later shared this quote.

“This event is made of a collaboration with entities; the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater is very excited to be a collaborator with such an important event.” King said,” This event aligns with the University’s missions and core values and brings us to a common call to what it’s all about…love and unity.”

After Chancellor King gave his speech, the countdown began as the runners took their mark at the start. As soon as the announcer reached zero, the group was off on their journey to complete the half mile course. Soon after they left, many of the runners and staff quickly moved the inflatable start to the beginning of the 5K marathon.

The runners went into place and just like the half marathon group, the 5K was just as excited and itching to start the race. Soon, the official counted down again and the runners took off, carrying the adrenaline within their bodies as the overcast sky loomed around all of the participating runners. 

Sixteen minutes passed and the first winner of the 5K arrived, followed by many more, leaving the crowd in cheers and awe. As the rest of the 5K runners made their way to the 50-yard line of Perkins Stadium, the crowd cheered them on as lovers and family embraced their runner, who participated in the event.

“I have been running since 2018 and I have enjoyed this year’s course and found it to be a good run for me,” running participant Mark Elworthy said.

“It felt great, I felt great, it was good and wonderful to be running in Whitewater,”

running participant Maddie Shew shared.

Another participant, Emma Kuzoff, shared that, although challenging at times, she would be interested in participating in the run again. Caryana Dominguez also ran the course and said the mile markers motivated her since the race is “mind over matter.”

At the one hour and seven minute time mark, the first half mile marathon contender finished the race. As many of the runners came to the finish line, a lot of them were heaving as they pushed the last few steps. The crowd cheered for them. Many runners were glistening in sweat as others laid on the turf, not caring if the grass stuck to them. 

Runners noted the picturesque views of Whitewater during the run, along with a wide array of terrains throughout the course that caused some struggles due to the humidity causing cramping and exhaustion.

What many in the Half Marathon may not know is that among them was a former three-time Olympian champion and three-time world champion, Jenny Simpson, who was with her husband Jason, along with their small furry companions.

“I have always had a love for running, and I love to join local running events in small communities. This was my first time participating in Run Whitewater,” Jenny said. “My Olympic background didn’t help me through this run as the training is very different between a communal run and the Olympics.”

Jenny stated that throughout the course she was running hard with the others, and the Half Marathon was really good regardless of the humidity.

Jason, on the other hand, had finished the half-marathon before Jenny did.

“I was very excited to see her cross the finish line, so much so that I left to go grab my camera from our car.” Jason said,” By the time I came back ready to record my wife crossing the finish line…she already completed the course.”

Jason stated that the pacing was tough throughout the course, and he accumulated fatigue along with many surrounding him. As he crossed the finish line, he was trying not to slow down and gave the photographer a big smile, hiding his fatigue.

None of this could have been possible without the help of the volunteers and the community groups, such as Greater Whitewater. Event Organizer and Director Jeff Knight was one of the many people who helped the Run Whitewater event run as smoothly as it did.

“This event helps bring together a strong community that brings together the university, city, schools, and businesses to help raise money for charity,” Knight said.

This event helped raise over 300,000 dollars to donate to the charities within the community with the help of Whitewater Leads. 

“You feel a sense of accomplishment when people walk past smiling and spreading happiness at the accomplishments of each person’s goals, no matter if it was the 5K or half mile,” Knight said.

With this year’s Run Whitewater being on the University Campus, more students volunteered to be a part of the event, which made the community happy to see their willingness to help and take care of their health.

University student Em Duffek helped volunteer for the event.

“This is a rewarding job, where your hard work pays off in the fruits of labor.” Duffek said, “This event helps the community come together from different cities to have fun and impact another while creating a sense of camaraderie with their shared passion for running.” 

Duffek explained how her favorite aspect is seeing the participants give it their all at the end of the race, seeing their hard work pay off as they smile to the crowd with excitement.

“I was excited for the campus to hold the event as the university staff was very kind to the team, as they and many others have been long-time supporters.”

As the event came to an end, many refilled with water, bananas and snacks that were being handed out. Smiles spread across the pavilion as loved ones embraced and families cheered. Parents let their children wear their medals and hold their trophy to feel the accomplishment they have made and what they can achieve in the future.

Below are the winners in the overall women’s and men’s 5K and half mile marathon, including their times.

5K Male Overall Winners                                        5K Female Overall Winners

1. Tyler Zwagerman- 16:57:07                                 1. Kate Omernik- 23:58:90

2. Andrew Balistreri- 17:24:02                                        2. Kirstin Colligan- 24:12:31
3. Nate Holden- 18:18:85                                                 3. Jessica Krause- 24:12:37

Half Marathon Male Overall Winners                      Half Marathon Female Overall Winners

1. John Dewitt- 1:07:51:20                               1. Jessica Victor 1:18:55:29
2. John Liddell- 1:09:35:18                               2. Jenny Zwagerman 1:21:04:87
3. David Fassbender- 1:11:13:08                     3. Jenny Simpson 1:23:55:32