Homepage photo courtesy of Tom Ganser
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC)’s 14th annual Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5k, 5k teams, and Fit Kid Shuffle was a success raising money for local charities.
Runners once again have the opportunity to experience the DWS course as it winds through the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus and scenic areas of Whitewater. One of the most exciting highlights of race day is crossing the finish line inside Perkins Stadium, where participants can celebrate their accomplishment on the 50-yard line. The course gives runners a unique way to experience Whitewater while showcasing the community, campus, and scenery that make this race special.
This year, the DWS brought in 507 participants, 180 volunteers and nearly 70 sponsors. The DWS team was thrilled to welcome runners from so many different areas! The weather was rainy and cloudy with temperatures in the upper 50s and low 60s.
Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Samual Karns kicked off this race morning with opening remarks and words of encouragement before sending participants off for an exciting day of racing. The DWS team was thrilled to have Superintendent Karns, Chancellor Corey A. King, and City Manager John Wiedl all together to help celebrate another year of the DWS and welcome runners, families, volunteers, and community members to the event.
As the 2026 USA Track & Field Wisconsin Half Marathon Championship Race, the DWS recognized the top Wisconsin finishers in both the Open and Masters divisions. The USATF awards highlighted the performances of the state’s leading runners, with trophies presented to the top Wisconsin male and female finishers in each division, Open and Masters.
| The top runners in the Open Class:Women: 1:19:36.80- Runner 1958 Jessa VictorMen: 1:07:45.47- Runner 1822 John Dewitt | The top runners in the Master’s Class:Women: 1:21:12.22- Runner 1952 Jenny ZwagermanMen: 1:19:53.03- Runner 1965 Paul Hartwig |
The 5K Teams competition brought an extra level of excitement and team spirit to this year’s race, with teams of four competing in both the Student Organization and Business/Sponsor/Community. Both winning teams earned a traveling trophy with their team names engraved and have the opportunity to hold on to it until next year’s race. There were other categories that recognized teams for their creativity and enthusiasm that came with delicious coupon prizes!
| Top Student 5K Team:Whitewater Dream Team 18:19.96- Runner 2702 Sam Manak 18:32.97- Runner 2500 Ben Burie19:44.59- Runner 2517 Douglas Droessler | Top Business/Sponsor/Community Team:PremierBank 120:13.09- Runner 2709 Keenan Joyce22:06.13- Runner 2595 Christopher Martin23:41.91- Runner 2583 Joel Kohl |
To see all race results, make sure to visit: https://runwhitewater.com/
Due to all the hard work given by the volunteers and sponsors, the 14th Annual DWS achieved its mission once again of bringing people together in support of a wonderful cause. All proceeds will be distributed to the DWS’ five charity partners: Bethel House of Whitewater, J-Hawk Aquatic Club, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Foundation of Athletics, Whitewater LEADS, and Whitewater High School’s Future Business Leaders of America. The current plan is to present each charity with its check at the DWS banquet in November.
“I want to thank all of our runners, volunteers, sponsors, and partners for helping make this event possible,” said race Director Dawson Miller. “The DWS is about more than just crossing the finish line, it’s about bringing our community together. I am so proud of the work that gets put into this race; it’s incredible.”
The DWS team would like to thank all who came out in support of the race. The entire community has been a part of such an amazing event that has greatly helped charities across Whitewater.
The Planning Committee is already starting on next year’s race! Save the date for September 19, 2027 for the fifteenth anniversary of the Discover Whitewater Series. Stay tuned for updates!
About the DWS
The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), J-Hawk Aquatic Club, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Foundation of Athletics, Whitewater LEADS and Whitewater High School’s Future Business Leaders of America. The DWS partners with the city, business community, and university to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.
