For nearly two decades, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has helped kids and the wider community build momentum for the year ahead at its Run Back to School event. This year’s installment is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, at the MPS Central Services Building (5225 W. Vliet St.).
Coordinated by Milwaukee Recreation, the celebration includes a 5K fun run or 1.5-mile walk through Washington Park, as well as a series of family-friendly activities.
“The Run Back to School is one of the highlights of our year,” Milwaukee Rec senior director Annie Kubes said in a release. “This event is the symbolic start of a new school year and is an opportunity for our community to support student health and wellness.”
Joining the run/walk is $5 for kids and $20 for adults, and every participant gets a t-shirt, race bag and snacks at the finish line. Proceeds help fund mini-grants that go to schools so they can create healthier learning environments.
There’s a competitive aspect to the day, too, with medals going to the top three finishers in each division: elementary school (grades K-5), middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). Nobody will go home empty-handed, though, as every youth participant will receive a medal for choosing a healthy activity to start the school year.
The day will also include a school-mascot race, refreshments, exhibit booths, entertainment and other activities. For more information and to register, visit the Run Back to School page on the Milwaukee Rec website.
