Participating in landmark events – the American Birkebeiner, Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge and the ING New York City Marathon – take months of training and advance registration. For those who like to make game-day decisions for their Active Pursuits, here’s a list of offerings to Sign up. Line up. And Go! this weekend.
Backward Green Bay Marathon: Started on a whim by members of the Green Bay Running Club, this reverse fun run on the Green Bay Marathon course has staying power; at least enough to go off for a third year. Runners will gather Saturday outside Lambeau Field, near the statue of Vince Lombardi, and head out at 7 a.m. to run the full marathon course, backwards. There are no entry fees, but donations are encouraged to myTeam Triumph, the organization devoted to helping athletes with disabilities. Check here for more details.
InStep Run for A Reason: Another run for fun and a good cause. This is the ninth charity run of the season organized by the InStep Physical Therapy and Running Centers, and it starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday from the shop, 403 E. Buffalo St., Milwaukee. Donations from this event will support the Hunger Task Force. Check here for more details.
Ripon College Cookie ‘Cross: The Ripon Redhawks Cycling Team hosts cyclocross races on Sunday in the heart of the campus residence quad. The unique course features a stair-climb, sand pit and a high-speed descent. The junior races start at 10 a.m. and the elites race at 12:20. Entry fees are $15 per race. Check here for details on the follow up to the Wisconsin Cycling Association Cyclocross race at CamRock on Saturday.
Welcome to Winter Run: The start of the Jingle Bell Runs across the state was a sure sign that fall had run its course. The opening of the Great Lakes Winter Run Series confirms it. The first in the six-race series is on Sunday at the Olympia Village Convention Center, 1350 Royale Mile Rd., in Oconomowoc. The 1-mile walk starts at 8:30 a.m., the 5K at 9 a.m. and the 10K at 9:45. Registration ($35 on race day) opens at 7 a.m. Check here for details.
