Already most of the runners and many walkers have arrived at Whitefish Bay High School to rousing band music and outdoor tents offering coffee, water and lots of treats. Some called puppy chow is a confection of cereal, chocolate, peanut butter and sugar. Sales are going just fine, said Rhonda Downey, a volunteer at one of the tents. Her sales are raising money to support the High School art program. She has a son and a daughter at the school.
Holding a refreshing bottle of water, runner Lis Deblitz said, "I was determined to finish without walking." And she did. Her secret was pacing herself with a friend, she said. But that only lasted so long, because the friend who rushed off quickly, laughing when I asked her name, is training for a triathlelon, and finally loped ahead.
Deblitz also ran "with" her 13-year-old daughter Emily.
"She was way ahead," finishing 12 minutes faster, the pooped mom said. Both mother and daughter said they can feel the strain in their legs.
However, young Emily said, "Actually, I could run it again."
The runners had lots of encouragement. Bugler Colin Han, a freshman, played the "charge" at the start, and upperclassman James Brennan dressed as one of the school mascots was a joyful encourager on the route.
While the 5K run/walk was going on, the Child's Mile was in progress. Lots of kids about waist high or smaller were spread around the track. Each one crossed the finish line to cheers. Replicas of the Milwaukee Brewers Racing Sausages were at the Child's Mile, adding to the fun of the day.
The run/walk is a fundraiser for the Whitefish Bay Public Education Foundation.
