Run the Rapids – Putting the Fun in Fundraising

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis (WFHR/WIRI) – For 20 years Run the Rapids 5K Run/Walk has been a fun event designed to help raise funds to support Wood County Human Services. The money goes toward their work in helping children who are dealing with abuse.

Raising Awareness

An unofficial start to spring fun is Run the Rapids 5K. It is the longest “running” event of its kind in Wisconsin Rapids. For 20 years they have been raising funds and awareness to help shine a light into the darkness of child abuse. In 2024 over 300 reports of child abuse were recorded in Wood County. The abuse ranges from physical to sexual to nutritional neglect. 

Raising Funds

Thanks to the sponsors of the race, a large percentage of the registration fees goes directly toward the cause. It is a way to help others while having fun in a healthy way. The swag and awards are covered by the generous donations of the sponsors.

Raising Involvement

Run the Rapids 5k is designed for all ages and abilities. It begins with a free kids dash at 8:30 a.m. The run/walk begins at 9 a.m. Registration and bib pickup will once again take place at the Centralia Center then walkers will head to the corner of Goggins and 1 Ave South (by the Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church). The course goes from the corner down to the Firemen’s Museum and back. This is a chip timed race and awards will be given to the top finishers in eight age ranges for both men and women. There will be free massages for participants following the race provided by Pineries Running Lab. This year, thanks to some generous donors, there will also be drawings to win a Garmin 4Runner 55 GPS watch – one male, one female.

Registration is available at runtherapids.itsyourrace.com. Fees are $30 for ages 11 and older in advance, $35 day of. $15 for ages 10 and under in advance, $20 day of.

Links

You can hear the full interview with J. R. Siewert, Matt Zakowski on Midday Magazine.