PITTSVILLE, WI (OnFocus) – Put together a rural volunteer fire department, a national holiday, a community park by a river, and over 600 walkers and runners – and you’ve got the Annual Pittsville Heart & Sole Race.
Sunday, July 3rd is the date and Riverside Park in Pittsville is the place for this event to benefit the Pittsville Fire Company and EMS Service. It kicks off the community’s 4th of July celebration.
The festivities start at 6:30 p.m. with a free kids quarter mile fun run. Runners and walkers (strollers are welcome!) can chose from a 2 mile or 5 mile route beginning at 7 p.m. sharp. This is a chip-timed event with age group awards from age 13 to 70+. Both courses are out and back, flat and fast, with water stations along the way.
Participants can pre-register online by July 1st at pittsvilleheartandsole.com to guarantee an exclusive 2022 race t-shirt. Cost is $20 with a shirt; $10 without a shirt. Race day registration begins at 5 p.m. at Riverside Park and increases by $5.
While the pandemic slowed the growth of the event, organizers are planning for this year to be bigger and better than ever.
“We are looking forward to again hosting some of the finest area high school and college runners,” said Casey John, Race Director and one of the core group of volunteers who have managed the Heart and Sole for years. “Holding this event in conjunction with the 4th of July celebration means it’s a “Summer Homecoming” of sorts for the community as well as former residents.”
“The Heart and Sole is our biggest fundraiser of year. Proceeds from registrations and the 40+ business and personal sponsors fund two Pittsville High School scholarships and help purchase equipment for both Fire and EMS services,” said Jerry Minor, Chief, Pittsville Fire Company. “Over the years we’ve established a great partnership with the Race Committee and close to a hundred volunteers.”
Post-race, participants and spectators can enjoy free refreshments and food, highlighted by Renee’s famous homemade granola, fresh fruit and cranberry juice. Live music and carnival rides will be going on in the Park.
Call Casey John at 715-650-1996 with questions.
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Author: MaryAnn Lippert
MaryAnn is a Pittsville native who believes that small rural Wisconsin communities are the best places in the world to live, raise a family, work and play. She learned this by traveling for six years through 40 northern Wisconsin counties listening to residents and helping solve problems related to state government. MaryAnn enjoys working in her yard and woods, hanging out with her family and cheering for all Wisconsin sports teams. Heaven on earth is Lambeau Field, north end zone.
