For those who like to make race-day decisions for their Active Pursuits, here’s a list of offerings to Sign Up. Line Up. And Go! this weekend (extended to accommodate the New Year events).
Fat-Bike Winter Color Festival: The Southern Kettle Moraine Chapter of IMBA hosts a Fat-Bike race and poker run Saturday on the John Muir Trails, a few miles south of Palmyra. The snow should provide near perfect conditions for a three-hour, three-person relay starting at 10 a.m. Registration is $25 per person. The Winter Color Festival is part of the 9:Zero:7 Wisconsin Fat-Bike Series. Click here for more details.
Run Into the New Year: This 5K and 10K race in State Fair Park has become one of the most popular winter races in the area, drawing more than 2,000 participants to end their year in a fit fashion. The 5K race starts at 11:15 a.m. Monday, and the 10K follows at noon, with a one-mile fitness walk option also available. This is race #3 in the Great Lake Multisport Running Series. Registration is $35 and opens at 9 a.m. More information can be found here.
Polar Bear Dash 5K: This new 5K race offers an opportunity to truly plunge into the New Year, with an optional finish line dash in Lake Michigan. Chris Ponteri and Longrun Athletics created this new race in Grant Park, showcasing the gorgeous setting in South Milwaukee. The 5K starts at 11 a.m. Tuesday outside the golf course clubhouse and finishes on the beach. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and costs $35. Click here for more details. And check out the video below for my version of the Polar Plunge.
First Day Hikes: The Wisconsin State Parks will help active folks get their year started on good footing with First Day Hikes at five locations: Peninsula State Park, Lapham Peak, the John Muir Trails in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest, Devil’s Lake State Park and the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area. Details on the time and distances can be found here.
