Sturgeon Shuffle 5K and 10K Offers Options for Everyone
Register by April 16 to receive an event t-shirt.
NEW LONDON – Preparations are underway for the Eighth Annual Sturgeon Shuffle on Saturday, April 28, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at New London Middle School. This 5K run/walk and 10K competitive road run offer healthy fun for all ages and abilities.
The 5K event takes place in Hatten Park and is just over three miles. The 10K course takes runners through Hatten Park then out to County X west of New London along the Wolf River at a time of year when Sturgeon are often spawning.
“The 5 K is a great distance for casual runners. Families and groups of friends will also walk the 5K as more of a social event so it’s really a lot of fun,” explains Sturgeon Shuffle Committee member, Brenda Hansen. “The 10K course is perfect for distance runners getting ready for longer races later in spring.”
Awards will be given to the top finishers in both the 5K and 10K in each gender and age division. Age divisions are 7 and under, 8 to 11, 12 to 14, 15 to 18, 19 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and age 70 and up.
Entry fees are just $25 for either the 5K or 10K. Participants age 14 and under enjoy a discounted entry fee of $15. Advance registration is available online at www.sturgeonshuffle.comthrough Thursday, April 26. “Anyone who registers by Monday, April 16, will be guaranteed a Sturgeon Shuffle event t-shirt,” says Hansen. “People can also register the morning of the event starting at 8:00 am; the in-person entry fee is just $5 more.”
Proceeds raised from this year’s Sturgeon Shuffle will be used to support backpack organizations that are working to stamp out hunger in schools located in and around communities served by First State Bank. They include Project Backpack in New London; Project Backpack Waupaca which serves the Waupaca, Manawa, Weyauwega-Fremont, Iola-Scandinavia, and Amherst school districts; and Rapids Family Backpacks which serves the Wisconsin Rapids School District including the community of Rudolph.
The Sturgeon Shuffle is presented by First State Bank and supported by nearly 40 business sponsors throughout the area. Hansen, who is also First State Bank’s vice president of marketing explains, “We are thrilled to have so many community partners jumping on board to make the Sturgeon Shuffle a success. In addition to their monetary support, they are truly energizing community members to participate in this healthful event.”