WHITEWATER – July 21, 2026 – The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5k Team Event, Fit
Kid Shuffle, and 5K is excited to announce that it has been named USA Track & Field (USATF) exclusive Wisconsin Half Marathon Championship event! This recognition allows for DWS participants to qualify for elite competitions, expand their competitive opportunities, and set national records. Through this partnership, the DWS strengthens its commitment to providing a premier race experience by meeting nationally recognized standards while continuing to promote health, wellness, and community engagement.
“We are thrilled to have the Discover Whitewater Half Marathon join our series of statewide road running championships. Since their first edition in 2013, DWS has brought together some of Wisconsin’s top distance runners to a well organized, runner-friendly event. We are excited for more of our members and runners from across Wisconsin to discover a premier competitive half marathon experience in Whitewater,” said Thomas Breitbach, Chair of USATF Wisconsin Long Distance Running.
“This is a tremendous step forward for the DWS because it brings additional recognition and opportunities to our event while maintaining that welcoming atmosphere that makes us so special,” says Race Director, Dawson Miller. “I’ve always been impressed by the level of professionalism in USATF events and to now have the DWS involved is incredibly exciting.”
Additionally, USATF will now recognize and award trophies to the top Wisconsin male and female finishers from both the USATF open class division (ages 39 and under) and the masters division (40 and older). This opportunity aligns the DWS with nationally recognized racing standards, establishing the event as one of Wisconsin’s best community races while attracting a broader field of competitive runners.
“This partnership with USATF is an incredible milestone,” said Jeffery Knight, DWS Executive Director. “It validates the quality of our race and reflects the hard work of our volunteers, sponsors, the Whitewater community, and DWS team.”
To register for the 14th annual DWS visit www.RunWhitewater.com/Register. To learn more about USATF and its qualifying races, visit https://www.usatf.org/.
About the DWS
The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to five local non-profit partners: Bethel House, J-Hawk Aquatic Club, Whitewater LEADS, Whitewater Foundation-Athletics, and the Whitewater Unified School District Foundation. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.
About USATF
USATF Wisconsin is the statewide affiliate of USA Track & Field (USATF), the national governing body for track & field, long distance running, and race walking. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the number one high school and junior high school participatory sport, and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States. More information can be found at wisconsin.usatf.org
For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight, Executive Director at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.
