21st Annual Hank Aaron State Trail 5k Run/Walk

In-Person Event – Saturday, August 14, 8:30 a.m.
Virtual Event – August 1-14

One of Milwaukee’s favorite summer traditions is back in 2021! We’re offering both an in-person AND a virtual event in 2021 so you can choose what format works for you!

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Participate in person or virtually – whichever works for you!
Flat and fast, chip-timed course
Great live DJ music will keep your feet moving even after you finish the 5K
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 80 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!
COVID-19 safety procedures in place
Race proceeds support ALL major initiatives of the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail

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 in the Menomonee River Valley. Stick around at the finish line to enjoy a live DJ! All participants can choose to receive a commemorative t-shirt, Hank Aaron State Trail sticker, race bib, and chip timing. There are awards for the top three female and male finishers in each age category.

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 participants can attend a virtual opening ceremony and receive a commemorative t-shirt, Hank Aaron State Trail sticker, virtual race bib, and finisher certificate.

In Honor of Hank Aaron (1934-2021)
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.

Race proceeds support all major initiatives of The Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail, including:
Sending 80 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.

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!