Girls on the Run of Greater Milwaukee 5K – Race Information and Tips

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Packet pick-up

Please visit the expo race day (located on the bottom of the Pavilion, across from the Lagoon) to pick up your packet.

View Greenfield Park in a larger map.

View Course Map for parking, run route, water stops, and more.
Registration

Online race registration ends Saturday the 17th at NOON.

Same-day race registration is available at the expo. (cash, credit card, and check accepted)

Race Day Timeline
9:00 am – 10:30 am Registration & Packet Pick-up/Expo
9:30 am – 12:30 pm Kids Activities (near the Start/Finish Line)
10:30 am Opening Ceremony
11:00 am 5K Starts
12:00 pm Kids Dash

Expo (9:00 – 10:30 am)

Located on the bottom of the Pavilion, across from the Lagoon, the expo includes:
• Same-day race registration (cash, credit card, and check accepted)
• Packet pick up/Gear check

• GOTR information
• Volunteer Check In

Post-race refreshments will be in a tent near the finish line.

Kids Activities (9:30 – 12:30 pm)

Boys and Girls of all ages are invited. Activities include face painting, bean bag toss, hula hoop, jump rope, kid’s dash and Happy Hair Station. Each child that participates will get an activity card. Once they complete and collect a sticker for each activity they will get a prize! This area will be manned by GOTR volunteers.

5K Run/Walk (11:00 – 12:30)

PLEASE LOOK AT THE MAP TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE ROUTE. Also for safety sake when running on Park Drive please stay to the LEFT of the cones otherwise make sure to stay to the right on the pathways. When passing politely say “on you left.” 


Where do the Girls on The Run participants meet?

After they’ve picked up their packet at the expo, they should head to the grassy area to the right/south of the start/finish area. There will be signs for each site in alphabetical order.

Do you have a Gear Check?

Yes, it will be at the expo in the pavilion to the left.

Is this event timed?

Yes, for an extra fee it will be timed by GOTR volunteers using the app Racesplitter. We are not using a chip timing system. There will be prizes awarded for 1st – 3rd (Men and Women) timed runners. Please note at the finish line to go through the timed chute, which will be marked accordingly.

Can I bring my baby jogger?
Yes, but please be considerate of the runners around you and stay to the right unless passing.

Can I wear headphones/bring music?
This is not recommended since there can be a safety issue, but use your own discretion.

Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately even though many GOTR participants are dog lovers, we will not allow dogs on the race course in the interest of keeping all safe.

Do I need to be a GOTR program participant to participate?
No, all men, women, boys, and girls are welcome to participate. Girls on the Run Participants will all be running with the #1 Bib. We encourage you to cheer on all GOTR participants as you run/walk your own race or after you finish.

Kid’s Dash (12:00 pm)

A great opportunity to have your younger son or daughter participate in the fun! The kid’s dash will feature the kids going head-to-head against Newbie New Balance Shoe, Auntie Anne’s pretzel Twisty and Brewers Klements Racing Sausages. Have your camera ready!

Finish Line

The finish line has two chutes. One for untimed runners/walkers and Girls on the Run Participants, which you run through the cheering human tunnel! The second chute is slightly to the right of the finish line and will be marked by cones and a sign for timed runners. Timed runners please make sure your bib is visible at the finish line.

 Spectators

Luckily the route loops twice so you can cheer your participant multiple times! Look at the map for the best spectator areas. Makes signs to cheer on your participant as they pass by!

Pictures

Stop by our Girls on the Run Banner by the expo to have your pictures taken to commemorate your accomplishment!

 Water Stations

There will be a water station that runners will pass twice located at approximately .75 and 2 miles. The stations will only have water available.

Parking

Enter Greenfield Park on Park Drive off of S. 124th St. Be aware there is a lot of construction on 124th St. There is plenty of parking in the lot adjacent to the pavilion here. There is an additional lot if you enter at the south end of the park off of Lincoln Ave, although this will mean a short walk (about a quarter mile) to the start.

First-time Race Tips

 Get rest and stay hydrated. It is very important for participants to get enough rest before the event. We know it may be difficult because you’re so excited, but be sure to get some sleep, especially the night before. And to avoid needing to go to the restroom during the race, drink a large glass of water when you wake and try to use the restroom just before you have to line up for the race.

Arrive early. Our opening ceremony begins at 10:30am so we recommend you arrive before 10am.

Plan restroom visits. Try and plan your visits to the bathroom carefully and well in advance, if you can. As the starting time approaches, there are likely to be long lines, so the sooner you act the better! There are bathrooms located within the pavilion in the back corners.

Participate in the warm-up. Warm up and stretching will be held during the opening ceremonies.

Be aware of your surroundings. Look out for people or unexpected traffic on and off the course. Don’t stop suddenly to walk on the course or at water stations. If you want to stop at any time on the course, move to the side of the path so people coming up behind her will not bump her. At the water station please step off of the route to drink water.

Pace yourself. Events begin really fast but within the first mile things settle down. If you feel like a wild animal is chasing you – you are likely running too fast. Slow down to a comfortable pace.

Be kind, cheer each other on. We are all out there for the same reason. We want to run or walk and enjoy the day. A key value we teach at Girls on the Run is being positive and supporting one another. Don’t be afraid to tell people “Good Job!” or give them a high five.

Finish line. When are on your last lap…kick in to high gear. Let the crowd of people and cheering carry you across the finish line, through the human tunnel. Use caution when approaching the finish line. Do not stop suddenly or cut off other runners in the finish line chute. Finish with a smile!

 

MOST IMPORTANTLY HAVE FUN!