Description

We're back! And we invite you to come out for the 21st Annual Hank Aaron State Trail 5k Run/Walk with a special edition hybrid event to celebrate the life & legacy of Hank Aaron. We're offering both an in-person AND a virtual event in 2021, so you can choose what format works for you! So, as we embrace the ever-changing run/walk landscape, YOU CHOOSE how to participate in the 21st Annual Hank Aaron State Trail 5k. 

In-Person - Saturday, August 14, 8:30am
Virtual - August 1-14

This year's event is dedicated to Hank Aaron (1934-2021), the Trail's namesake, who passed away this year. “Hammerin’ Hank” was one of baseball’s greatest players and was a man of enormous accomplishments and integrity. He holds more major league batting records than anyone in history and hit 755 home runs, many of them as a Milwaukee Brave and Brewer. He broke many racial and cultural barriers, and the Trail, which connects the diverse neighborhoods of the greater Milwaukee area, exemplifies his legacy. Read more about Hank Aaron and his involvement in the Trail.

Whether you prefer to attend a live event or take the challenge on your own, we’ve got you covered! We are committed to putting on an event that celebrates the legacy that Hank Aaron left behind for our community, raises funds for the Trail and Bike Camp programs, and puts the health and safety of all as a top priority.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Great live DJ music from DJ Rick will keep your feet moving even after you finish the 5K!


• Fuel up with Colectivo coffee, tea & pastries pre-event


• Replenish after the 5K with ice cream and bananas at the finish line


• Beautiful route through Three Bridges Park crossing the Menomonee River, through restored prairie and providing a dramatic view of American Family Field in the home stretch


• All participants receive a commemorative t-shirt and Hank Aaron State Trail sticker


• Family-friendly, strollers welcome


• Prizes for teams and top 3 male and female runners in fifteen age categories


• Proceeds benefit the trail and will send kids to Bike Adventure Camp this summer!


• Race results available on the day of the event


• Teams of 8 or more get a registration deal AND logo on their t-shirts! Also eligible for team prizes!


• Race proceeds support ALL major initiatives of the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail

While we're excited to offer an in-person event, it will look a little different this year to keep participants and volunteers safe. See our COVID-19 safety procedures here. Some changes include:

 

Packet Pick-Up Details

• 
  When: Drive-up packet pick-up will be on Thursday, August 12 from noon-7pm and Friday, August 13 from 10-2pm.


• 
  Where:  On the Hank Aaron State Trail at Menomonee Valley Community Park: 212 South 36th Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53215. Look for the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail tent in front of the People of the Road sculptures.


• 
  Who: Both teams and individuals will pick up packets at this location.


• 
  Alternative Pick-up: Event day packet pick-up will be available 7:00am - 8:15am on Saturday, August 14.


• 
  Shipping Option: Those who chose to have their packets shipped, they will be mailed on Friday, August 6. 

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Race proceeds support all major initiatives of The Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail, including:

• Sending kids to Bike Adventure Camp each summer


• Organizing Stew Crews that keep the trail clean from spring through fall


• 
  Art and maintenance along the trail such as our most recent project, the People of the Road Monument.

The restoration of the trail and adjacent areas has provided green space for recreation, wildlife habitat, and improved ecology; Altogether, the Hank Aaron State Trail is a unique destination and undeniable community asset for all to enjoy.

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In-Person Event

The in-person event features our usual flat and fast, chip-timed course through beautiful Three Bridges Park crossing the Menomonee River, through restored prairie and providing a dramatic view of American Family Field in the home stretch. This route is steeped in history and located along Milwaukee's former rail and industrial corridor. Be sure to post a photo with #HAST5k2021 before you head home!

In-Person Registration Includes:

• USAT chip-timed event


• Live DJ for entertainment - DJ Rick, a local favorite!


• Hank Aaron commemorative t-shirt - youth, women's (NEW this year!), and men's sizing
  
  • Must register by August 1 to get a t-shirt
  
  


• Commemorative Hank Aaron State Trail Sticker


• Awards for top three female and male finishers in each age category 

Please note: We are closely monitoring American Family Field, Wisconsin DNR, and Milwaukee Health Department requirements for public gatherings and may need to shift to an all-virtual event if the in-person version is not feasible. In this scenario, any participant who registered for the in-person will be automatically moved to the virtual platform.

 

Virtual Event

For those who still want to get out but feel more comfortable participating in a virtual event, or just want to do it on their own time, we have that option as well. Runners and walkers can follow the pre-set 5k course OR a 5k course of your choosing within a two-week time window. The virtual event opens up on Sunday, August 1, and wraps up on Saturday, August 14. All virtual participants are encouraged to upload their times and be sure to post a photo with #HAST5k2021.

Virtual Registration Includes:

• Hank Aaron commemorative t-shirt - youth, women's (NEW this year!), and men's sizing
  
  • Must register by August 1 to get a t-shirt
  
  


• Commemorative Hank Aaron State Trail Sticker


• Virtual Race Bib


• Finisher Certificate 
  
  

Drive-up packet pick-up location for in-person and virtual participants: Thursday, August 12 from noon-7pm and Friday, August 13 from 10-2pm at Menomonee Valley Community Park. See Packet full packet pick-up details above.

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Teams

Supporting a great cause is more fun with friends! Pull together a group of 8+ from work, high school, bike club, church, neighborhood, etc and register your team today!

• Get your team logo on your shirts (must register by Sunday, August 1 to receive team logo and guaranteed shirt & shirt sizes)


• Teams get a great deal on registration - $20 for adults and $12 for youth 12 and under


• Additional recognition - prizes for teams include Largest Team, Fastest Team, and Team Spirit trophies.


• Winning teams receive a prestigious annual traveling award for bragging rights until next year!


• Minimum 8 entrants to qualify as a team


• Great opportunity for team-building and preparation for upcoming scholastic seasons! See scholastic registration information here.

See more on team registration here.

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Awards

Awards will be given to individuals and teams! See more here.

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Family & Stroller Friendly Event

The HAST 5K is a family-friendly event. You don’t have to be a runner to participate – you are most welcome to walk the course and strollers are welcome! We do ask that strollers cue up at the back of the group. If you are not interested in your time, please choose the “untimed” 5k event. This will help boost your proceeds to the Trail! 

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Sponsorship Opportunities

Learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities or other ways for your organization to get involved with the Trail! You can also contact Jill at 414.563.7051 or [email protected]

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Places to Stay

Get Directions

Start Location

American Family Field - Tailgate Haus, Milwaukee, WI