MPS is inviting all runners and walkers to sign up for the 8th Annual Run Back to School, a 5K fun run and 1.5 mile walk through Washington Park on Saturday, August 29 at 9:00 a.m. The goal is to promote the importance of regular exercise while raising funds for MPS youth recreation programs. In addition to the run/walk, the event will feature a school mascot race, exhibit booths, activities for kids, and a live DJ. The public is encouraged to register online at www.MilwaukeeRecreation.net or call (414) 475-8180 with questions.
The MPS Run Back to School will begin and end at Wick Playfield, 4929 W. Vliet Street. Pre-registration is preferred and encouraged, but a walk-up registration table will be open from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. the day of the run at Wick Playfield. The 5K fun run and 1.5 mile walk will start at 9:00 a.m. The fee, which includes a commemorative event t-shirt, race bag, and post-run refreshments, is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Participants must register by August 17 to guarantee a t-shirt. The adult fee will be $15 after August 17. Free parking is available at MPS Central Services, 5225 W. Vliet Street. First, second, and third place awards will be given to the top male/female adult and youth finishers for the 5K run. Every child will receive a participation medal.
Proceeds from the past seven years have been used to purchase youth sports equipment and offset team entry fees so schools could expand youth recreation programs. Most recently, the funds were used to purchase cheerleading uniforms, basketballs, physical education equipment, and more. “The Run Back to School is a great opportunity for students, staff and the community to come together in support of the health and well-being of our young people… and ourselves,” says Lynn A. Greb, Milwaukee Recreation’s senior director.
“We encourage the public to team up, get moving and have some fun to help promote healthy habits that can last a lifetime.” In addition to coordinating the Run Back to School, MPS offers a variety of physical fitness programs, holistic employee wellness programming free of cost to staff, and actively participates in the Well City Milwaukee Initiative. The 2015 Run Back to School is made possible with generous support from United Healthcare; Voya Financial; Wheaton Franciscan; Gruber Law Offices; OptumRX; Trustmark; NVA; YMCA; United Way; WEA Member Benefits; Educators Credit Union; Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company; Willis of Wisconsin, Inc.; Patient Care and Delta Dental.
