Milwaukee Public Schools’ first day is coming up Sept. 2 — a date that will hit differently based on your age/parental status. The younger set is probably not quite as enthusiastic, while it can’t get here early enough for the parents in the crowd. Still, thanks to the good folks at Milwaukee Recreation, everyone will be able to Run Back to School this Saturday, Aug. 23.
“The Run Back to School is something we look forward to every year,” Milwaukee Rec senior director Brian Litzsey said in a release. “It’s more than just a run/walk; it’s an opportunity for the community to come together in support of student health and wellness.
“The funds raised through this event directly benefit our students in the form of mini-grants, which help create healthier learning environments. We welcome participants of all ages and fitness levels to join us for this exciting event that captures the spirit of the community.”
The 18th annual Run Back to School gets participants moving as they celebrate (or lament) the start of the school year with a 5-kilometer fun run or 1.5-mile walk through Washington Park. Both options start at 9 a.m. at the MPS Central Services Building (5225 W. Vliet St.) before looping through the park and returning right back where they started. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in the trio of youth divisions: elementary school (grades K-5), middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12).
Competition isn’t limited to the student runners, either. The event includes a school mascot race featuring the Milwaukee Brewers Racing Sausages, as well as an array of family-friendly touches: entertainment, refreshments, exhibit booths and kids activities.
The registration fees of $5 (18 and under) and $20 (adults) include an event t-shirt, race bag and snacks after the run/walk. You can register online until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, or just walk up at the event between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. For more information about this year’s Run Back to School, go to the Milwaukee Recreation website.
