Published by the Herald Times Reporter on 3/21/2015
The third annual Aurora Health Care Two Rivers 10-Mile Run, 3-Person Relay, and 2-Mile Run/Walk is set for today.
Last year’s event drew nearly 300 runners, and race organizers saw an increase in 2015.
“Our registrations are up about 10 percent from last year, and with a cooler, but sunny and light winds forecast for race morning, we anticipate that trend will continue,” said Scott Jansky, race director and physical education teacher at Two Rivers High School.
Event proceeds benefit Two Rivers Athletic Boosters and 2015 charity partner; Hayden’s Hope. Hayden was a little girl from Two Rivers who recently lost her battle from a terminal illness called Batten Disease.
“This event provides a great venue to bridge school and community, and we hope adding an annual Manitowoc County charity partner is the start of a longstanding event tradition. This year’s event will honor Hayden’s memory in raising funds and awareness for Batten’s Disease,” Jansky said.
More information about Hayden’s Hope can be found at Helphayden.com.
Several elite runners will once again be making the trip to Two Rivers to compete for a $950 prize purse.
For the men, two-time Two Rivers 10-Mile winner Tyler Sigl of Green Bay will return to defend his title. The NCAA Division III National Champion while at UW-Platteville and 2:17 marathoner, most recently won the USATF National 50-Mile Road National Championship last October.
John Dewitt of Milwaukee will be making his first TR 10-Mile appearance. Dewitt earned All-American honors at UW-Oshkosh and last October qualified for the Olympic Marathon trials with a 2:17:38 marathon debut in Chicago.
Local standout and Lincoln cross country coach, Michael Bubholz (fourth in 2013 and 2014), is set to return.
For the women, Jenny Zwagerman (Shorewood) will be returning to defend her 2013 Two Rivers 10-Mile title and course record. Zwagerman most recently placed second at Milwaukee’s Lakefront Marathon in 2:55:34.
Challenging Zwagerman will be Verona’s Caitlin Comfort who will be making her Two Rivers 10-Mile debut. Comfort, a former Wisconsin Badger All-American, and two-time Big 10 track champion, most recently placed 3rd at the U.S. National Half-Marathon Championships with a time of 1:12:10.
Local Suzy Stanley (Two Rivers), who won the Master’s Division last year, is also returning on the women’s side.
“We are very fortunate to have some of Wisconsin’s top runners participating in our event,” Jansky said. “I hope anyone looking for something to do Sunday morning will consider coming out to Two Rivers High School, or locations along our course, to welcome and encourage all of our runners.
“We have so many runners coming from outside Manitowoc County, and it’s always great welcoming them a little hometown Lakeshore hospitality.”
