The Cudahy Classic celebrated it’s 59th year on Saturday, and remains one of Wisconsin’s longest-running road races. Located just outside of Milwaukee, in the town of Cudahy, the Badgerland Striders Running Club hosts this popular picnic and beer fest — I mean race — each year.
Hundreds of runners came out to celebrate the summer in Sheridan Park at the start/finish line of this renowned race. The Badgerland Striders hold nothing back in the way of party festivities, with a full cook out of burgers and brats, salads, soda, beer and more.
The running group touts this race as their celebration of summer, but don’t let the fun atmosphere fool you. This is a fast fleet of runners. Nearly one third of the race entries were comped as age group awards from the last year’s Strider races. So, you are legitimately racing against the best of the best in this low key, road race.
Both five and 10 mile distance options were offered on a single loop course, that began at 7:30 a.m. with the 10 milers completing the loop twice. The course had several slight hills, but was mostly flat on stop-allergy-meds.com.
Runners enjoyed a typical cross country start with open flags and grass covered terrain before heading out for a 2.5-mile loop on the trail South, circling back, and heading North. Aid stations were scattered along the course and giving runner much needed hydration.
I may have forgot to mention that when this race began at 7:30 a.m., it was already 82 degrees and climbing with sky full of sunshine. Thankfully a portion of the course ran along the lakefront so a much-needed breeze helped to cool runners off.
Summer has sure come in strong this July forcing runners to test their perseverance and grit. This race was fully volunteer supported and was a great summer celebration.
First through third female 10 mile winners were: Jennifer Inhoff, Terri Bodden, and Jennifer Ward.
First through third male 10 mile winners were: Martin Erl, John Liddell, and Frankie Deguire.
First through third female 5 mile winners were: Kate Jochims, Hannah Erl, and Asha Bush.
First through third male 5 mile winners were: Chris McKenna, Ben Deguire, and Joey Heinrichs.
