On Saturday, June 8, All Community Events held its annual Country Sole Race in Milwaukee, WI, featuring a 5K and Half Marathon. Both distances began and ended at Estabrook Park in Milwaukee, which is just off the highway and is easy to find.
Estabrook Park has two parking lot options for runners and lots of street parking. The only downside is that some runners had to walk about a half mile from the start line. I was one of those runners, but didn’t mind the morning walk, especially since All Community Events had placed porta potties along the way. I took advantage so I could avoid the start line area porta potty lines.
This fun, country-music, themed race featured a live country band at the start/finish line and a large belt buckle medal, which was awarded to all finishers. It was easy to get into the spirit of the morning as the crowd was energized and race morning weather was ideal.
Both distances began together at 7:30 a.m. and followed the same course out of the park heading north. As the 5K-ers circled back, the half marathon runners made their way south for the middle portion of the course. We were then routed back onto the course and jetted off for an extra mile around the side of the park.
It was a fun course with lots of non-repeating, out and back segments so runners were definitely not bored. The entire course was on a paved gravel trail with several small inclines throughout. It was not an easy course, but the changing directions and scenery kept our minds occupied. I always appreciate when a course does not just go out and back. I know it takes a great deal more planning but it was fun to anticipate where the next turn would take us!
First through third female half marathon winners were: Kris Bachman, Erin Wos, and Mandi Florip.
First through third male half marathon winners were: Jeremiah Tatum, Will Knight, and Jeff Batchelor.
First though third female 5K winners were: April Rauwald, Joanna Nykiel, and Lisa Schliepp
First through third male 5K winners were: Garrett Patterson, Peter Metz, and Jason Tomrell.
