About the Event
Travis Ricky Weispfennig (June 25, 1982- July 7th, 2002)
Travis was always active and surrounded by people. He was very outgoing and had to be in constant motion. He started playing percussion in the 6th grade and never stopped. He was in many bands through high school and beyond. The last band he played in was Odd Man Out and he appeared with many other local bands. He started running in the 7th grade at Hutchinson Middle School continuing through high school with the same coach (Jeff Schmidt) all 6 years. He had a 5k PR of 17:12 and a 3200 near 10 flat; however he was better known for his leadership on the team. 2 years after graduating he was admitted to UW-River Falls in pursuit of a business management degree and to return to competitive running. On June 15th he went out on a high note winning his final race in an 8k PR of 27:58 and out sprinting his brother in front of a small crowd of family and friends in his home town.. He was able to celebrate his 20th birthday and Grandparents 25th wedding anniversary before a fatal car crash took his life far too soon. He will forever be me missed, loved and remembered for his mischievous but infectious personality that brought out the best in those around him. He was a leader, grandson, son, brother, uncle, friend, and inspiration.
Ten for Travis
On the 10th anniversary of Travis' accident, the idea of re-running his final race came to mind. However we knew Travis wouldn't be satisfied with a simple run. He always challenged himself and to carry on his ambitions one lap for each year became a more suitable tribute. After much debate the run became an open event so that everyone could join in. This was more about inclusion than anything else, this wouldn't be a memorial if it didn't match the ideals of what we're trying to remember. We thank you for your support of this event and hope that everyone takes this opportunity to do what many others can no longer do. We encourage you to get up and move along with us at the end of every June in celebration of the life Travis had and the one we can still enjoy.
"You are the limit, the limit is you." - Taken from a hand written note on the first page of Travis' Running Log in 2002
Course
The original Water Carnival 8k course (2002)
The course follows the Luce Line Trail from Hardees (west) under the tunnel and then up the hill onto School Rd (north)? turning left onto South Grade Rd (east) until Dale Street (south) from here you will head towards park elementary hitting the last uphill on Harmony Ln (east) from the south side of Park Elementary you will head to the Main Street Bridge (north) turning onto 4th Avenue (west) for the finish at Hardees.
There will be an aid station every 2.5miles (Hardee's and Dale St.)
Event's current local time: 5:01 PM CT
