New twist for this Saturday's Rock 'N Sole and Kids Run to Read at Summerfest Grounds

It's a heroic effort to make sure every child is learning in Milwaukee.

Participants of this year's Kids Run to Read at the Summerfest Grounds can wear super hero capes as they cross the finish line.

It's one of several new features for the annual running events.

SHARP Literacy, Inc. and Summerfest Foundation, Inc. have come together for the 4th annual “Kids Run to Read” fun run taking place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10 at Henry Maier Festival Park.

Kids Run to Read will be held in conjunction with the 7th annual Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run, presented by BMO Harris Bank, with proceeds benefitting SHARP Literacy, Inc. and Summerfest Foundation, Inc.

Marquette University Golden Eagles Basketball Coach Steve “Wojo” Wojciechowski and wife Lindsay will serve as co-chairs of the event.

Also news this year, Kids Run to Read participants will start and finish inside the Summerfest Grounds. This is just like the Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run  on a new course along Summerfest’s Lake Walk overlooking the lagoon.

This year, race packets will include Superkid Capes that little athletes may choose to wear as they streak across the Finish Line.

Back for the second year is the opportunity to sponsor a SHARP Literacy student’s participation in the run.

Children involved in the SHARP foundational literacy program are kindergarten through fifth grade students from 36 of Milwaukee’s most at-risk schools. 

The 7th annual Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run presented by BMO Harris Bank will take place at 7:00 am on Saturday, June 10, and will again include a half marathon, quarter marathon and 5k route. New for 2017.

All three races will start and finish on the Summerfest Grounds inside the South Gate.

All race participants will have the opportunity to “Take it to the Bridge.”

Quarter and half-marathon participants will run one direction over the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge  and 5k runners will run to the halfway point and then back again.

There is limited parking in the Summerfest South Lots at $5 per vehicle.

A procession of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, courtesy of House of Harley-Davidson, will officially “lead” runners as they advance from the Start Line.

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Kids Run to Read will be limited to 250 registered participants and will include the following age categories: 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-8 years and 9-10 years.

Distances vary by age group, with a maximum distance of approximately one-half mile.

All young athletes will receive a T-shirt, race bib suitable for coloring, Superkid Cape, race bag filled with goodies, finishing medal, and a healthy snack at the finish line. Race bibs will be coded to match the parents of each participant. Although parents will not be permitted to run with their children, they will be encouraged to cheer on their pint-sized superstars at the Start Line or greet them at the Finish Line.

Registration for Kids Run to Read is $15 in advance or $20 at the event on race day.

Race packets will be available for pick-up at the Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run Health & Fitness Expo, which will be held at the Italian Community Center, located at 631 E. Chicago Avenue, on Thursday, June 8 and Friday, June 9. Hours for the Expo are 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Friday.