Riverside Medical Center is celebrating spring and promoting healthy lifestyles with its 26th annual RMC Fun Run.
“The race has always been about promoting a healthy lifestyle for the whole family,” race director Paul Jenson said. “We are excited to continue to provide this race and help families strive toward a healthier lifestyle.”
The event will take place Saturday, May 5, at the former Riverside Elementary School, 950 Park Ave., Waupaca. Two separate races will be held: a 1-mile walk/run at 9:30 a.m. and a 5K event at 10 a.m.
Event planners expect about 350 people to attend the race, which will feature chip timing for participants for the first time.
The race route also has changed from last year, due to construction on Main Street.
“The race starts at Riverside School and meanders through the surrounding residential area,” RMC’s Lyann Holicek said. “The usual route would have taken the runners through South Park, but because of the construction on Main Street, the route had to be changed.”
The event continues to offer a costume contest, according to Jenson.
“We have seen some clever, creative costumes over the years,” he said. “It adds a fun element to the family-friendly event.”
Jenson praised the volunteers who continue to support the event.
“We have a dedicated group of volunteers who make the race possible,” he said.
Holicek has volunteered for 25 of event’s 26 years.
“Volunteering on race day is fun for everyone,” she said. “The volunteers enjoy fellowship with each other. We have coffee and donuts for them. The (RMC) Auxiliary corner people gather and enjoy the refreshments while visiting with one another before they leave for their assigned corners. Some haven’t seen one another since the prior race.”
Things really get moving when the participants arrive, Holicek said.
“The start of the race is always exciting and watching the leaders cross the finish line at the end of the race is a great experience,” she said. “It is pure enjoyment being a volunteer for the Riverside Annual Fun Run with much satisfaction derived by the end of the day.”
Participants can preregister for the RMC Fun Run at www.tandhtiming.com or by Thursday, May 3, to RMC Fun Run, Riverside Medical Center, 800 Riverside Drive, Waupaca, WI 54981.
Preregistered people can pick up their race bag in the Riverside School gym on race day. Preregistration fees are $8 for the 1-mile event or $12 for the 5K event. Both events can be entered for $18. Payment must accompany entry forms. Checks may be payable to RMC.
Race day entries will be accepted until the start of the event inside Riverside School.
Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each of nine age categories in the 5K event. The 1-mile event recognizes physical fitness in children age 12 and under and awards the first five finishers by gender. There is also a Team Challenge trophy for the lowest combined time for a team of four.
The top three teams participating in the 5K win prizes of $75, $50 and $25. The best individual costume earns $25. The best team costume – for two or more people – wins $50 for first place and $25 for second place.
In addition to Riverside Medical Center, race sponsors include ThedaCare Physicians in Waupaca and Iola; Orthopaedic Specialists; Farmers State Bank of Waupaca; First National Bank; and the Auxiliary of Riverside Medical Center.
Contact Jenson at 920-830-5949 or [email protected] for more information.