For the City Times

Area runners are gearing up for the 35th annual 10 kilometer Tater Trot which will take place Saturday, August 8, 2015 at City Park in Antigo.

In addition to the 10k run, individuals of all ages may also participate in the 1 mile fun run or the 4 mile walk/run. The 1 mile fun run starts at 8:30am and is followed by the 10k run at 9:00am and 4 mile walk/run at 9:05am. All events will be electronically timed.

Those interested in participating in any of the Tater Trot events can register online or print a mail-in registration form at www.antigotatertrot.com. The cost for the 10k and 4 mile events is $20 until Wednesday, August 5, 2015, which includes a 5 pound bag of potatoes and long sleeve tee shirt. Late registration is $25. Shirts and potatoes will be given to late registrants based on availability. One mile participants will pay $5 registration, with the option to purchase a shirt for an additional $10.

Race runners and supporters are invited to gather after the races to celebrate. An awards ceremony, door prize drawing, and a smoothie sale sponsored by Draeger Chiropractic will follow in the park.

All proceeds from the race registrations and smoothie sales will benefit Antigo High School cross country and track teams and other community organizations. Following a very successful event in 2014, the directors Tater Trot also presented checks totaling $3100 to area organizations involved in track and field events within the community.

Recipients included the Antigo Park, Recreation & Cemetery Department; All Saints Catholic School; Kislow Track Scholarship; Peace Lutheran School; and the Unified School District of Antigo.

Last year Ian Harkreader of Antigo was the first to finish the 10k course with a time of 33:58.18 minutes, while Sammy Stimac, also of Antigo, was the top female completing the 10k course in 45.27.56 minutes. Clay Chalupsky of Mukwonago and Alexis Balliett of Hatley were the first male and female finishers for the 4 mile event. Darren Drewelt of Antigo and Alyssa Meverden of Wittenberg finished first in the 1 mile.

The 35th Annual Tater Trot is presented by Antigo Optimist Club, CoVantage Credit Union, and Volm Companies, Inc with help from the following yukon gold and silver sponsors: Langlade Hospital, The Shopper, Draeger Chiropractic & Laser Center, PrintWear, Hyland Lakes, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, Frontier-Servco FS, Subway, Schroeder’s Gifts, Antigo Daily Journal, Brickner’s of Antigo, Culver’s, and The Trophy Shop.