By Ben Rodgers
Editor
HOBART – An old race returns in a new location on June 16.
The Gold Ribbon Run, previously known as the Rainbow Classic and held at Green Isle Park in Allouez, is coming to Hobart after taking a year off.
The run has a history spanning more than 25 years. The name was changed to the Gold Ribbon Run because the gold ribbon stands for cancer awareness, which is what the run aims to help.
Families of Children with Cancer is a non-profit organization that supports the families of children who have been diagnosed with cancer in Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula.
The group does that through a variety of ways which include gift cards, social events, college scholarships, camp tuition, mileage reimbursements and more.
“For me personally, cancer has touched families and friends in many different ways, and I’ve seen how hard it is on families,” said David Konshak, race director.
All funds raised go to the cause, as Families of Children with Cancer pays no salaries and receives no federal or state funding.
“With this it’s all local. None of the board members are paid, all of the money goes directly back to the families,” Konshak said. “I believe with how Hobart has grown as a community… and what they (Families of Children with Cancer) do for the area, that this is going to be arms-open welcoming. I think it’s a really good fit for the area as well.”
Green Bay is home to a number of charity fun runs and marathons over the summer, but no event has been held in Hobart since the Jerabek Challenge, which benefited the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
Konshak said he has been in touch with village officials and he hopes the event will be welcomed.
“I personally reside in Hobart and have worked with the village on a few things,” he said. “With the residency and business growing in the area, they would love to see an event like that bring more people into the area as well.”
The Gold Ribbon Run starts at 8:30 a.m. June 16 at Four Seasons Park. There will be a 1-mile kids run, a 2-mile run/walk, and a 10k run.
There will be awards for runners and the run will be chip timed.
People can register online at focwc.org/goldribbonrun/. Cost is $30 and includes a T-shirt. There will be day-of-event registration, but the cost will increase to $35.
Konshak is also looking for volunteers for the event to help on race day.
“I would love to see an abundance of support,” he said. “Whether it’s racers, volunteers, or just fans there to support the other runners, just a community supporting each other in this whole thing.”
More information can be found on Facebook by searching Gold Ribbon Run 2018.
People with questions or who want to volunteer can also contact Konshak at [email protected] and 920-819-6853.