June 28, 2011 at 9:25 a.m.
Hodag run eclipses 300 mark
Races raise $15,000 for YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign
Hodag run eclipses 300 mark
By By Jonathan Bailey-
Over 300 participants showed up at Stevensport Square (the intersection of Stevens and Davenport Street) to run in the fifth annual Hodag Run for Your Life 5K run/walk and 10K, raising approximately $15,000 for the campaign that is designed to ensure that no one is turned away from Y programs due to the inability to pay.
"The race continues to grow and continues to raise more money for Strong Kids, which is of course the goal of the race," race director Chris Moran said following the event. "Not only is the goal of the race to raise money for Strong Kids, but it's to bring people to Rhinelander and have them enjoy a beautiful little city."
Started in 2007, Hodag Run for Your Life has grown from the 215 runners that turned out in its inaugural year. After drawing 280 participants in 2010, Moran and the rest of the race committee set a goal of 300 runners for 2011, a feat that they accomplished thanks to nearly 40 race day registrations.
Moran attributed the large field, which this year featured runners from California, Arizona, Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin, to the nice weather.
"It couldn't have been a better day weather-wise," Moran said. "Sunny skies are great at bringing out runners. It's one of the reasons why I think we had such a great turnout for race day sign-ups. It was just a great festive atmosphere. We're happy that the race is growing and becoming a larger event for Rhinelander and its citizens."
In addition to the 5K run/walk and 10K run, Hodag Run for Your Life offered the ever popular "Chase the Hodag" event for children 12 and under. It also unveiled a new category in the 5K, a baby stroller division.
Moran said that it was too early to set expectations or hopes for 2012, but that he looks for the event to continue to gradually grow in the coming years, netting more money for the Strong Kids Scholarship Campaign.
Next year's race is scheduled for June 30.
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