Discover Whitewater Series

Whitewater has always been known for its charm and ideal location, nestled within the forest, lakes, prairies, and hills of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in southeastern Wisconsin. The Discover Whitewater Series race was initiated by the Greater Whitewater Committee, Inc. 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 $314,881 to local charities in efforts to build a stronger community. This would not have been possible without all the participants and volunteers of the race! 

2026 will again feature the retro racecourse with the Half-Marathon following the route used for the Whitewater ROTC Half Marathon back in the 80’s. This course will run on a route north of Whitewater on gently rolling roads and will show off a wonderful view of the countryside. The 5k route will run south of campus and will include a scenic section on the bike path- including a bridge crossing of Whitewater Creek.  Both races will have an exciting finish into Perkins Football stadium on the field!

The number one priority of the Discover Whitewater Series has always been to provide an exceptional and safe athletic event for all participants. Updates will be posted as needed to this site as well as runwhitewater.com.

Registration:

• Half Marathon, 5k, and Fit Kid Shuffle: online registration is available until race day.

• 5k Teams online registration allowed until race day. Team name changes accepted through September 16th at 11:59p

• Kid's Korral: online registration available until 11:59p the Wednesday prior to race day.

Event Shirts:

• Participants who register before September 1st 11:59p will be able to pick up your event shirt on-site with packet pick-up.

• Those who register September 1st - September 20th will not be guaranteed a shirt on race day, however, there will be limited available extra t-shirts on race day, allowing participants to potentially pick them up on the day of the race. Otherwise, shirts will be mailed out approximately three weeks after the event has been completed. 

Packet Pick-Up (subject to change):

• Located at UW-Whitewater - DLK Gymnasium (outside ramp entrance, door 23), Parking Lot 11

  • Friday, September 18th 4p - 6:30p

  • Sunday, September 20th 6a - 7:45a (supporting the Half Marathon and 5k)

  • Sunday, September 20th 7:45a - 10:30a (supporting the Fit Kid Shuffle)

• Packets will include bib, pins, and event shirt, if applicable.

• The DWS is a certified green race and will not have print outs of the course map available in the packets. Please download the course map prior to your arrival.

Day of Parking:

• Volunteers: Lot 24 (Perkins Stadium Parking Lot)

  • Schwager and Warhawk Drive

  • 910 W. Schwager Drive

• Participants: Lot 11 (Williams Center) or Lot 9 (next to the outdoor Sand Volleyball Courts) 

  • Both lots are off of Warhawk Drive

  • 907 Schwager Drive

In-Person Awards/Prize Money:

• All registered participants who finish the half marathon and 5K will receive a finisher’s medal.

• Top three in each age group for both the half marathon and 5k will receive an additional award.

• Awards to the overall 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners for the half marathon and the 5K (men and women).

• An additional purse prize will be provided on-site to the top three overall men and women in the half marathon

  • 1st Place: $400.00 

  • 2nd Place: $250.00 

  • 3rd Place: $100.00  

• 5k Team awards in two categories (Business or Sponsor and Community Organization) based on the top 3 best times within the team (one trophy per top team).

Join fellow runners on September 20, 2026 for the Discover Whitewater Series. It's a fantastic Half-Marathon, 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Whitewater.