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Cheesehead Half Marathon & 5K in Hilbert, Sept. 8 Saddle up, pardners, for the cheesiest half marathon and 5K in northeast Wisconsin. The Pacesetters Running Club is joining the Hilbert Revitalization Group in hosting the 14th annual Cheesehead Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk in Hilbert, Wisconsin, on Saturday, September 8, at the Village Hearthstone Restaurant, 326 W. Main St., Hilbert. Registration is $30 for the half marathon and $15 for the 5K, respectively, if postmarked by September 1. Prices go up $5 thereafter. Various discounts may apply. Go to www.pacesettersrun.com and click on Cheesehead Run to register or for more information. Runners and walkers will receive a T-shirt and half marathon finishers will get a medal. At the finish line, participants will find water, beer, cheese, breads, brats, hot dogs and ice cream. There will be lots of raffle prizes. Additionally, all runners wearing a cheesehead, cowboy hat or country attire will receive a prize and are entered into a drawing for two Packers tickets. Awards will be given out to the top male and female winners, as well as to the top three male and female age group finishers. Friday night packet pick up is available to preregistered participants from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on September 7 at the Village Hearthstone Restaurant in Hilbert. Pasta dinner specials will be available at the restaurant on Friday evening as well. Participants can bring their race number to receive a 10 percent meal discount. The Pacesetters is a not-for-profit running club with some 250 members in the Fox Valley – from Fond du Lac to Green Bay and beyond. The Pacesetters' mission is to promote health and fitness in communities with an emphasis on the silent sports. In existence since 1984, the club provides positive social and educational opportunities, sponsors special wellness-related events, and works with and complements local organizations. To learn more about the Pacesetters, go to www.pacesettersrun.com. Birkie Trail work day set for Sept. 8 The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation will host a Birkie Trail workday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, September 8. "Birkie skiers, volunteers and supporters are invited to bring a water bottle, gloves and energy for a day on the trail," said Ned Zuelsdorff, executive director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. "We'll meet at the (County Trunk) OO Birkie rest cabin and trailhead at 9 a.m. and spend the day getting the trail ready for the Birkie Trail Run in September and the Birkie ski season. We'll share lunch on the trail with the Birkie providing sandwiches, cookies and beverages." Zuelsdorff said volunteers need to remove rocks, roots and side brush, trim tree limbs, plant seeds and spread mulch on the next segment of the Birkie Classic Trail. Work will extend to the High Point food station on the Birkie Trail. Zuelsdorff asked that would-be volunteers call the Birkie office at 715/634-5025 or e-mail birkie@birkie.com by Wednesday, September 5, in order to make food arrangements. "We also need to confirm whether volunteers can bring equipment, including gloves, water bottles, large loppers for roots, brush and tree limbs, hand brush/branch saws, rakes and overhead limb saws," he said. The summer trail work is a critical component in preparing for the 35th anniversary of the American Birkebeiner, which kicks off with the Birkie Trail Run on Saturday, September 22, and culminates with the 51K cross-country ski race on Saturday, February 23, 2008. "Skiers consistently say the Birkie motivates them to stay healthy and fit year-round, and runners consistently ask for a longer and team-oriented running event like the new Birkie Trail Run," Zuelsdorff said. "Joining in a Birkie Trail work day is one way athletes can ensure the course is in great shape for upcoming events." For more information on the Birkie Trail work day or American Birkebeiner races and events, log on to www.birkie.com or call 715/634-5025 Chicago's Boulevard Lakefront Tour rolls Sept. 9 The grand mansions of Chicago's Prairie Avenue District and the boulevards and parks that make up the city's Emerald Necklace are highlights bicyclists will enjoy during the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's 19th annual Boulevard Lakefront Tour on September 9. A fully supported bicycle tour with rest stations along the route, the Boulevard Lakefront Tour is the final major event of the Chicago's summer Bike Chicago festival. The Boulevard Lakefront Tour will feature three routes along Chicago's wonders: a 15-mile South Side Ramble for families and casual riders; a 35-mile Boulevard Tour on Chicago's beautiful boulevards and through its parks; and a 62-mile Ultimate Neighborhood Ride designed by the Chicago Cycling Club that travels through more than 30 Chicago neighborhoods. Volunteer course marshals and ride marshals will help riders along the route and participants can take advantage of evenly spaced rest and water stops. A post-ride festival is planned with live entertainment by one-of-a-kind punk marching band Mucca Pazza. The Goose Island Brew Pub will lay out a picnic spread that offers meat, veggie and vegan sandwich options plus chips, fruit, Goose Island soda and bottled water. The festival will also feature vendors, such as CLIF BAR and Simple Coffee. Registration is $30 for Chicagoland Bicycle Federation members and $35 for nonmembers. Children 13 and under register for $10, which includes an event T-shirt and the picnic lunch. For $55, participants receive a Boulevard Lakefront Tour registration and a yearlong membership to the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. Proceeds from the event benefit the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's mission to improve bicycling conditions in Chicagoland and to increase the numbers who use bicycling as a healthy mode of transportation. For more information about the Boulevard Lakefront Tour and to sign up, visit www.boulevardtour.org or call the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation at 312/427-3325, ext. 251. CXC Ski Team launches 'adopt an athlete' program Central Cross-Country Skiing has launched a fundraising program to support the CXC Ski Team Olympic Development Program. The program is designed to support of CXC Ski Team athletes in their drive for national and international excellence. Any individual, business, group of enthusiasts, ski club or retail outlet may adopt a CXC Ski Team athlete and help offset the cost of their food and lodging, training, travel and racing expenses throughout the year. Athletes will then be available for interaction with sponsors through social events and the sponsor's logo can appear on their uniforms and websites. "By adopting an athlete, support will be provided to the future leaders of our community. This is an outstanding opportunity for anyone to support young talented and passionate athletes," said Yuriy Gusev, CXC Skiing Chief Executive Officer. CXC has developed the adopt an athlete program to provide financial assistance for the CXC Ski Team Olympic Development athletes. The cost of post-collegiate athlete expenses is significant. CXC Team athletes make an enormous commitment to CXC Ski Team and to the skiing community by dedicating countless hours to training for themselves and conducting educational clinics for citizen skiers. Outside support makes the financial burden of post-collegiate racing a little easier to manage. Financial support is tax deductible. Those who contribute will receive a 501(c)3 tax receipt for the total amount of the donation. One hundred percent of donated money will directly support the athletes. In return, sponsors will be recognized by name on the CXC website; have their name or logo emblazoned on an athlete's race and warm-up suit; receive permission to use the CXC Skiing logo and an athlete's name on their own promotional materials; appearances by the athlete to the sponsor's social events; and invitations to the CXC VIP dinner at the Birkie. The cost of adopting an athlete is $6,980. This amount covers the cost of full-time professional coaching, training support, domestic competition support, equipment, training gear, food and lodging. To learn more and download the full program, please visit www.cxcskiing.org. About CXC Skiing CXC Skiing is recognized by the United States Ski and Snowboard Association as the sole Regional Organization governing cross-country skiing in the 10-state central region. CXC Skiing oversees youth programs, supports the Junior Olympic Qualifying system, Central Collegiate Ski Association, and Senior/Master skiing; provides continuing education to athletes, coaches and race officials; coordinates competitions; supports and trains Olympic level athletes; and is the Midwest pipeline to the US Ski Team. NYC Marathon fundraising helps Team USA Minnesota The New York Road Runners (NYRR), which provides support for the Team USA Minnesota Distance Training Center, is raising money for U.S. post-collegiate development through the ING New York City Marathon, which will be held November 4. The organization has set aside 250 spots in this year's marathon at $1,000 each with a goal of raising $250,000. The ING New York City Marathon filled its allotment of 38,000 entrants in June. In addition, a $2,500 donation to the New York Road Runners through its NYRR Champion's Circle program will give donors guaranteed entry into the ING New York City Marathon in 2007, as well as complementary VIP finish line seating at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Men's Marathon on November 3. The Men's Marathon Trials will be held in New York City's Central Park. Funds raised through the NYRR Champion's Circle will also be directed to fund long-term development of professional USA distance runners to prepare them to compete successfully in domestic and international competition. "We are big believers in our sport and in our athletes, but without additional support to keep our athletes and coaches going like at Team USA Minnesota, there will be few great athletes to help fuel our sport on all levels," said Mary Wittenberg, NYRR president and CEO and ING New York City Marathon race director. "Our athletes work at least as hard and are as compelling as Tiger, LeBron, Venus or Serena, but they need grass-roots support of all types to rise to the upper echelon of the sporting world. High performance in distance running, beyond the very top one or two athletes, is woefully underfunded compared to other sports. We applaud every marathoner who steps up and donates to the important project of helping our young Americans not only fulfill their dreams, but also to inspire legions of youngsters across the nation to get moving to healthier, fitter and faster lives," Wittenberg said. Those interested in participating in the fundraising effort for U.S. post-collegiate and Olympic development training groups through the ING New York City Marathon should e-mail usadistancerunning@nyrr.org for more information. About Team USA Minnesota Team USA Minnesota took shape in the Twin Cities in 2001 with the aim of improving post-collegiate American distance running and develop Olympians. The athletes are coached by Dennis Barker, head cross country and track coach at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Team USA Minnesota's major sponsor is Life Time Fitness (www.lifetimefitness.com) and its silver sponsor is the Twin Cities Marathon Inc. (www.mtcmarathon.org). It is also supported by the New York Road Runners. For more information, visit www.teamusaminnesota.org. Lend a hand on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 29 The largest hands-on volunteer effort to preserve America's lands – the 14th annual National Public Lands Day – will take place Saturday, Sept. 29. In addition to the usual facility cleanups, this year's efforts will focus on countering the tide of invasive plants and animals that take over habitats and squeeze out native species. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the government spends $120 billion annually on the control and impact of more than 800 out-of-control invaders that pose a threat to the environment, economy and human health. That doesn't include the value of biodiversity, aesthetics, soil erosion and water contamination. Every volunteer who removes invasive species helps keep the toll from rising. The estimated dollar value of volunteer time is $18.77 an hour for 2006, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Independent Sector. So every 100,000 volunteers who participate in National Public Lands Day represent an additional $1.8 million worth of labor for American lands. This year's goal is to exceed the 2006 National Public Lands Day numbers of 100,000 volunteers by at least an additional 10,000. The event continues the legacy started by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which enrolled 3 million Americans to maintain and improve public lands during the Great Depression. One third of America's land is in public hands and may be used for everything from recreation and relaxing to logging and mining for natural resources. National Public Lands Day is a yearly chance for Americans to take ownership of these lands, which are constantly threatened by human causes such as pollutants and natural causes like disasters and erosion. Events will take place in parks, forests, rivers, lakes, wetlands, at cultural and historic sites and neighborhood areas. Families and students can tour national parks and many state parks for free on this date, and learn about wildlife habitats while working to benefit them. Public Lands Day events throughout the upper Midwest are listed here. Unless otherwise indicated, these events will take place Saturday, September 29. For more details and more events, go to www.publiclandsday.org. Upper Midwest Public Lands Day events WISCONSIN Pine View Recreation Area, Fort McCoy: Laying woodchips along trail, clearing brush, pick-up trash, set-up signage, clear invasive species, plant natural species. Volunteer work days will be July 21-22 and August 4,5,11-12. 608/388-3774 Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee: Cutting down invasives. 414/527-0232 Milwaukee's Urban Tree House at Lynden Hill, Milwaukee: Site cleanup, landscaping, planting. 414/297-1236 Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Necedah: Prairie seed collecting and cutting woody vegetation, 7 a.m.-noon. 608/565-2551 Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, Spring Green: Debris removal from islands and sandbars. 608/575-0325 University of Wisconsin- Marinette: A noon discussion on public lands on Sept. 28; field trip to a new Tommy Thompson State Park on Sept. 30. 715/735-4326 MINNESOTA Leech Lake Dam, Federal Dam: Campground cleanup, mowing, repairs. 218/654-3145 North Country Trail in the Sheyenne National Grasslands, Detroit Lakes: Trail hike and cleanup along the way. 701/388-1883 Pipestone National Monument, Pipestone: Prairie seed collection. 507/825-5464 Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, Fergus Falls: Tree removal, trail repair, invasive species removal, general cleanup. 218/736-0938 Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Rochert: Endangered species education. 218/847-2641 MICHIGAN Algonac State Park, Southfield: Native prairie grass and wildflower planting. 248/359-9057 Columbus Air Force Base: Prepare areas for planting. 662/434-7958 Dicken Woods and Redbud Natural Area, Ann Arbor: Invasives removal at Dicken Woods 9 a.m. to noon; Redbud Nature Area 1-4 p.m. 734/996-3266 Fort Custer Training Center, Augusta: Planting of native trees and wetland restoration. 269/731-6570 Gladstone Fit Strip, Marquette: Cleanup. 906/226-3314 Hiawatha National Forest, Munising: Native seed collection. 906/387-2512 Lyon Oaks County Park, Wixom: Trash pickup and cutting and removal of invasive species. 248/437-7345 Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, Saginaw: Preparation of butterfly garden for winter, clearing trail vegetation, cleanup, rehab of bird feeding area. 989/759-1669 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire: Beach cleanup. 231/326-5134 Sterling State Park, Southfield: Native grass and wildflower planting. 248/359-9057 ILLINOIS Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Marion: Cleanup. 618/998-5933 Dropseed Prairie, Posen: Seed collection, insect study, bird watching. 708/333-2549 The Grove, Glenview: Invasives removal, seed collection, site cleanup. 847/299-6096 Iron Oaks, Olympia Fields: Sept. 23 bike ride fund-raiser for learning center, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. 708/481-2330 Lake in the Hills Fen, Lake in the Hills: Seed collection, brush clearing, twilight hike, hot dogs and s'mores. 847/658-0024 Lake Shelbyville, Shelbyville: Cleanup, painting, woodchip spreading, trail work. 217/774-3313 Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Wheaton: Invasives removal, trail maintenance, cleanup. 630/871-2810 Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Wilmington: Harvesting and planting prairie plant seeds, grassland bird surveying, constructing bridge decking, recording historical information at pioneer cemetery. Pre-registration encouraged. 815/423-6370 Mt. Forest Island, Stickney: Cleanup around Maple Lake, Bullfrog Lake and multiuse trails. 708/749-8488 Peck Farm Park, Geneva: Seed collection, litter removal, woody growth removal. 630/262-8244 Rend Lake, Benton: Litter pickup along shoreline, roadways. 618/724-2493 Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve: Brush cutting, native seed collection. 815/727-8700 Space Park, Chicago: Building new community park. 773/880 5822 Terrace View Park, Lombard: Seed collection and trail cleanup. 630/627-3982 Trail Through Time, Northbrook: Invasives removal. 847/291-2995 Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve, Westchester: Seed collection, invasives removal, cleanup, prairie tours. 708/865-8736 Wood Dale Grove, Wood Dale: Seed collecting, brush cutting. 630/933-7681 IOWA Coralville Lake: Prairie seed harvest, invasives removal, mountain bike trail work, litter pickup. 319/338-3543 DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri Valley: Seed collection, trash pickup. 712/642-5403 Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, West Branch: Woody shrub removal, prairie seed planting. 319/643-7855 Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, Dixon: Invasives removal, litter pickup, trail maintenance, landscaping, 9 a.m. to noon. 563/328-3286
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