Online registration closes Sept. 4
By Angie Landsverk
The Waupaca Fire Department’s fourth annual 5Alarm Dash is Saturday, Sept. 10, at Swan Park.
“It’s kind of neat. You’re starting to see people in the community wear shirts from the previous years. It’s nice to see the support. This year’s shirt color will be bright orange,” said Andrew Whitman, who is a member of the department.
The run/walk is a fundraiser for the fire department.
The funds raised at last year’s event went toward an upgrade on some of the firefighter gear, as well as toward some new air tanks, he said.
“In the upcoming year, we are looking at improving some of our safety equipment,” Whitman said.
That includes purchasing new striping for the backs of the fire trucks, so motorists may see the trucks more easily on roads, he said.
“We’re trying to improve safety for our firefighters,” Whitman said.
The gates for the Sept. 10 event open at 8 a.m.
The untimed one-mile walk on the trail begins at 9 a.m.
The professionally timed 5K run/walk begins at 10 a.m.
Participants are to leave their dogs home.
Whitman said the 5K begins on the street and then incorporates the trail system in Swam Park.
People may visit www.race360.com/running/races/detail.asp?eventid=19277 to register online.
Online registration, which guarantees a Tech T-shirt, closes on Sunday, Sept. 4 and costs $20.
Race day registration is accepted until 9:30 a.m. for the 5K at a cost of $25.
“We keep our price low,” Whitman said, “because we just want it to be a fun community event where a lot of people can come out and enjoy the day at Swan Park.”
Registration also includes one free beverage after the race – an alcoholic beverage is an option for those age 21 and older.
Like last year, the winners of the event are receiving firefighter patches.
Food and refreshments are available after the race.
Spine and Sport Physical Therapy of Waupaca, a sponsor of the 5Alarm Dash, is leading post-race stretching and offering free post-race massages.
The other sponsors of this year’s event are Farmers State Bank, Waupaca Foundry, RE/Max Lyons Real Estate, Waupaca Dental Excellence, Shambeau and Thern Real Estate, Inlanta Mortgage and WDUX.
The fire department fundraiser also includes its annual raffle.
It is being drawn at 11:30 a.m. that day, with a grand prize of $5,000.
A total of 450 tickets, available from firefighters, are being sold at $50 per ticket.