Milwaukee to host half marathon/10K at Summerfest

Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., has announced plans to host the Summerfest Half Marathon and 10K run on the closing day of Summerfest; Sunday, July 10.
Both the half marathon and the 10K run will start and finish at Summerfest and contain a stretch over the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge.
"The Summerfest Half Marathon and 10K Run and the use of the Hoan Bridge is going to be a great way to showcase Summerfest and Milwaukee to the local and national running community,” said Don Smiley, president and chief executive officer of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
The event will also provide race enthusiasts with an opportunity to participate in a world-class event that brings music, running and fun together at Summerfest, Smiley said.
Exact routes of the race will be announced in early 2011, but initial reports say the half marathon and 10k run will begin around 10:30 a.m. and will travel south over the Hoan Bridge. After the stretch over the Hoan Bridge the routes will continue North along Lincoln Memorial Drive.
Online registration for the event is already open. The cost to register is $60 for the half marathon and $40 for the 10K race prior to March 31, 2011. After April 1, 2011 the cost will increase. Race participants will receive a commemorative inaugural year short sleeve t-shirt and a wristband for free entry into the Summerfest grounds. An awards ceremony and post-race party will follow the end of the race, and more than $22,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the top 20 male and female runners in each race.
Net proceeds from the Summerfest Half Marathon and 10K Run will equally benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin, Inc. and Milwaukee World Festival Inc.
"Summerfest is committed to supporting other local organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin, Inc. in order to enrich the lives of children and families throughout our community," Smiley said.