Updated 9/23/25 @ 11:45 p.m. to add Tom Ganser photos at end of the post.
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC)’s 13th annual Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, Half Marathons Teams, and 5k was a success raising money for local charities.
This year, the DWS team worked hard to put together brand-new maps that allowed runners an exhilarating experience while still highlighting all of the amazing qualities Whitewater has to offer. The entire DWS team wants to give a special thank you to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; with their help and hospitality, we were able to continue to host this safe and fun community event.
With this new course, runners had the chance to finish the race in the University’s football field, Perkins Stadium, on the 50-yard line! Participants of the 5K got to see some of Whitewater’s’ incredible campus, beautiful nature trails, and lively downtown area! Runners on the new 13.1 course got to experience a significant course in Whitewater’s racing history, as they went along part of Whitewater’s Marathon Qualifiers in the 80s and 90s! Because of these two maps, the 13th annual race was themed as a “Retro Race,” a showcase to the history of Whitewater seen in a new light!
This year, the DWS brought in over 420 participants, 180 volunteers and nearly 70 sponsors. The DWS team was thrilled to welcome runners from so many different states! The weather was nice for the runners with clear skies and temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s.
Chancellor Corey A. King arrived at the race bright and early Sunday morning to give the welcoming remarks and wished all of the participants a great race. He was joined by Whitewater Unified School District’s new superintendent, Samuel Karns, who helped kick off the exciting day!
Thank you to all of our runners for coming out to participate! A special shout out to all of our top placing racers!
The top runners in the Women’s Half Marathon:
● First Place: 1:18:55.29 – Runner 1786 Jessa Victor
● Second Place: 1:21:04.87- Runner 1771 Jenny Zwagerman
● Third Place: 1:24:40.25- Runner 1775 Jenny Simpson
The top runners in the Men’s Half Marathon:
● First Place: 1:07:51.20 Runner 1626 John Dewitt
● Second Place: 1:09:35.18 Runner 1676 John Liddell
● Third Place: 1:11:13.08 Runner 1636 David Fassbender
The top runners in the Women’s 5K:
● First Place: 23:58.90- Runner 2476 Kate Omernik
● Second Place: 24:12.31- Runner 2456 Kirstin Colligan
● Third Place: 24:12.37- Runner 2459 Jessica Krause
The top runners in the Men’s 5K:
● First Place: 16:57.07- Runner 2423 Tyler Zwagerman
● Second Place: 17:24.02- Runner 2249 Andrew Balistreri
● Third Place: 18:18.85- Runner 2249 Nate Holden
To see all race results, make sure to visit: https://runwhitewater.com/race-results/
Thanks to all of the hard work of our amazing volunteers and sponsors, the 13th Annual DWS proved once again, to achieve its mission of bringing people together in support of a good cause. All proceeds will be distributed to the DWS’ four charity partners: Bethel House of Whitewater, J-Hawk Aquatic Club, Warhawk Athletics through the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Foundation, and Whitewater LEADS. Runners and volunteers joined together after the race to celebrate the day’s accomplishments, enjoying a free beverage from post-race celebration sponsor, 841 Brewhouse.
“I wanted to give a shout out to all of our runners, volunteers, and of course, the University for hosting us,” said Race Director Dawson Miller, “We are all very honored that everyone came together to make this community event possible once again, and we are happy for the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the new course.”
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 20, 2026 for our fourteenth anniversary of the Discover Whitewater Series. Stay tuned for updates – we hope everyone will join us!
Photos below are of the start of the half marathon, from very start to photos as runners passed, courtesy of Tom Ganser.
Photos below are of the start of the 5k,from the very start to runners along the way passing Tom Ganser.
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, Warhawk Athletics through the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Foundation, and Whitewater LEADS. 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.
