Greetings,

Many thanks to all who participated in yesterday’s inaugural “Striding for LifeStriders” event. The day was magical in so many ways. Most importantly, all proceeds from the registration fees and concession sales are going directly to LifeStriders to help them continue their wonderful work. Here’s the recap:

A special thanks to our much appreciated corporate sponsors Klement’s Sausage, be fitness and wellness center, InStep Physical Therapy and Running Centers and Waukesha (Cheesehead) Limousine for their generous donations of products, services and freebies for participants and volunteers.

A heartfelt “thank you” to Lt. Daniel Baumann and the City of Waukesha Police Honor Guard for making the opening ceremonies so special and to Connie Gehl for her incredible rendition of the National Anthem. And an extra shout-out to the volunteers who worked so hard to help ensure the event was the success that it was. Especially rewarding was seeing the dedication and efforts of local high-schoolers from Lake Country Lutheran High School, DSHA, KMHS and the Brookfield East High School Girls track team. Thanks everyone, including Captain Brad Bowen from the Lake Country Fire and Rescue Station 1 providing medical assistance and manning the 1st aid station.!

Not sure what was more special - the limo rides, the heroes’ wave,  the Klement’s racing sausages, the free brats and hot dogs, the delicious cookies, the hay rides, the LifeStriders’ wave, the challenging course, the scenic grounds, the magnificent weather, Lori Voecks and her incredible LifeStriders team, Dave Kappas’ masterful emceeing, Meaghan Hayward and Denise O’Halloran and the InStep Trail Team, or the great tunes provided by the Red 22 Band who rocked the house barn.

The event was so special that Deb Hamby, photo-artiste extraordinaire, came all of the way from Buffalo New York to capture the magic on film digitally. Deb has nearly over 1300 images from yesterday. Wait till you see them! Simply beautiful. More info to follow…

An oh yeah, there was some running yesterday too – Here are the “Top Three” finishers in each wave, (though everyone who participated was truly a winner!)

(If you registered onsite and your name was misspelled above, please forgive me – it was due to a combination of my aging eyes and your illegible handwriting J)

Can’t wait for next year’s event!

Robin