Star Journal

Anyone looking to burn off a calorie or two before festivities begin July 4 will have the opportunity to do that in Rhinelander. Northwoods United Way (NWUW) and Downtown Rhinelander, Inc. (DRI) are teaming up to bring the Hodag Firecracker .1K, which will take place downtown Rhinelander just prior to the start of the parade.

“Finally, a race we can all handle,” said NWUW executive director Nancy Sattler. “Join us as we experience all the perks of running a race, but with very little of the actual running!”

This spoof event is for the whole family. Participants can run, walk, roll or crawl their way down the all-flat, two block “race course,” wearing patriotic red, white and blue, tutus and stiletto heels, super serious running gear or whatever they choose.

“Anything goes in the shortest race in downtown Rhinelander,” said Joseph Fehlen of DRI. “We hope to see families, businesses, friends and neighbors get in the spirit and also help support our communities. Racers not only get extra cool race swag – a free t-shirt to all pre-registered participants – and serious bragging rights in the running community, but also the satisfaction of knowing you pushed yourself to the limit for a good cause.”

The race will begin half hour before the July 4 parade and is expected to take 10 minutes to complete. There will be hydration stations along the way for registered runners. To sign up, visit either agency’s Facebook page and look for events. The cost is $25 per person.

To sponsor a hydration station or for more information, call Sattler at 715-202-3344 or Fehlen at 715-490-2337.