Dear DWS runners!
On behalf of the Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) and its community partners, we are excited to announce that the to 14th annual Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5K, 5K Teams, and Fit Kid Shuffle will take place on September 20th, 2026!
About the Discover Whitewater Series
The Discover Whitewater Series is a Half Marathon, 5K, 5K Teams, and Fit Kid Shuffle is held annually in Whitewater, WI every September. The race promotes the City of Whitewater and highlights its greatest features, along with encouraging a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages.
The Discover Whitewater Series race was initiated by the Greater Whitewater Committee, Inc. thirteen years ago in September 2013. Thanks to the continued support and growing interest, the annual Discover Whitewater Series has proven to be a great success year after year. In thirteen years, the Discover Whitewater Series has been able to distribute over $314,881 to local organizations in efforts to build a stronger community. This would not have been possible without all the participants and volunteers of the race!
In addition to this challenging course and a well-organized event, the Discover Whitewater Series offers exclusive perks to all those involved- All participants receive and have access to:
- Finisher’s Medal
- A Race Day Shirt
- Free day pass to the Whitewater Aquatic Center and discounted day pass prices
- One free beverage coupon redeemable at the 841 Brewhouse post-race celebration
- Top overall Half Marathon finishers receive a purse prize
The Fit Kid Shuffle Is Back!
The Discover Whitewater Series is excited to announce the return of the Fit Kid Shuffle! Taking place on race day, Children under 10 can enter to run around UW-W’s track with supervision from a professional student organization (ACTIVE) volunteers; some proceeds from this event will go back to the student helpers. Every child will receive a participant medal and the top placers in each category will get a trophy! Categories will consist of age groups and run at the following times:
Ages 4 and under: 10:00 a.m.
Ages 5-6: 10:15 a.m.
Ages 7-8: 10:30 a.m.
Ages 9-10: 10:45 a.m.
A New Way to 5K!
The DWS is ecstatic to implement 5K Teams to the 14th Annual race! There will be two categories that can compete: Businesses/Sponsors and Student Organizations. Each team will be comprised of four and the top three times will be counted towards their finishing placement. Whichever group wins the traveling trophy will get their company/organization’s name inscribed on it and keep it until the next race!
Packet Pick-Up
All race participants must pick up their packet prior to race start.
We will be following an honor system for packet pickup.
Packets will include information regarding DWS’s health guidelines, race information, t-shirts, and bibs. Participants who register before September 1st 11:59pm will be able to pick up your shirt on-site with packet pick-up. For those who register after, some extras may be available on race day, but will otherwise be shipped post-event.
Times and Locations
Friday, September 18th, 2026
4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Kachel Gymnasium
Sunday, September 20th, 2026
6 – 7:30 a.m.
Kachel Gymnasium
Race Day at a Glance
Friday, September 18th, 2026
Kachel Gymnasium
4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Packet Pick-Up
Sunday, September 20th, 2026
Kachel Gymnasium
6 – 7:30 a.m.: Packet Pick-Up
7 a.m. – noon: Kids Korral (please note registration for the Kids Korral is open until Wednesday, September 16 and has a cap)
7:55 a.m.: Wheelchair Division Start
8 a.m.: Half Marathon Start
8:10 a.m.: 5K Wheelchair Division Start
8:15 a.m.: 5K Start
10:00 a.m.: Fit Kid Shuffle ages 4 and under
10:15 a.m.: Fit Kid Shuffle ages 5-6
10:30 a.m.: Fit Kid Shuffle ages 7-8
10:45 a.m.: Fit Kid Shuffle ages 9-10
Post-race celebration at 841 Brewhouse
Stay up to date on our social media
Giving Back to the Community
In Twelve years, the Discover Whitewater Series has been able to distribute over $314,881 to local organizations in an effort to build a stronger community.
UW-Whitewater Foundation-Athletics
Since UW-Whitewater’s founding in 1868, they have been committed to providing students with a collaborative environment in which all students can achieve their true potential. Hands-on learning, teachers who can also serve as mentors and a supportive community are just a few ways UW-W creates a family-like atmosphere on campus. A Warhawk Family. Your gift to the UW-Whitewater Foundation directly supports the university’s driving purpose-student success- now and in the future. The Discover Whitewater Series’ donation will be directly supporting the Athletic Department.
Visit them at: https://www.uww.edu/foundation/find-your-cause/athletics
Bethel House
Bethel House provides interim housing for homeless families in Whitewater with children for up to one year while assisting them with utilizing various social services to transition them back to independent housing.
Visit them at www.bethelhouseinc.org
Whitewater LEADS
Whitewater LEADS mission is to support literacy in all its diverse forms throughout the boundaries of the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD). They are made up of city officials, UW-Whitewater faculty, business leaders, and WUSD faculty.
Visit them at http://whitewater-leads.org
J-Hawks Aquatic Club
Funds raised will support J-Hawk Aquatic Club swimmers. The funds also go towards scholarships for Whitewater children to learn to swim.
Visit them at www.j-hawks.org
Title Sponsors
