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Runners' fall calender expands: ZOOMA half and Share the Harvest 20K

Posted by Brean Shossow on Aug. 28, 2011

running

Runners, be sure to check out a few new runs coming to the area in the fall.

In October, a joint half-marathon and 5K is coming to the southeastern part of the state with one mission in mind – inspire women to lead healthy and active lives.

The women’s race series ZOOMA will host the ZOOMA Great Lakes Half Marathon and 5K on Oct. 22 in Fontana and Lake Geneva at The Abbey Resort & Spa.

Brae Blackley, founder and executive director of the race, was inspired to create the series because she liked running with friends and wanted others to do the same thing.

“It makes it sustainable when it’s fun,” she said about exercise.

For the inaugural race in the Midwest, the American Cancer Society DetermiNation is ZOOMA Great Lake’s official charity partner, Blackley said.

By joining the DetermiNation team, runners can set up a personal website to collect donations from family and friends to fight cancer in addition to participating in the ZOOMA race series.

Blackley said she’s excited that ZOOMA has partnered with DetermiNation.

“Who has not been touched by cancer, in some form or another?” she asked.

The race is also a great opportunity for a girls’ weekend, although many racers choose to bring their families for a fun family weekend, too, Blackley said.

Pre-race activities include a Friday night exposition with vendors and a brunch with a unique menu. Post-race activities are a treat for runners, too, and include massages and shopping as part of the celebration.

Female finishers of the race are also given a necklace designed especially for the series by Satya Jewelry, Blackley said.

Men can participate, too, said Blackley, but the race is geared toward women.

 “We try to focus on the female finishers,” she said.

ZOOMA kicked off in Annapolis, Md., in 2008. ZOOMA races in 2011 include Texas, Colorado, Maryland and Georgia.

Blackley said she’s expecting about 1,000 participants for ZOOMA Great Lakes. The entry fee for the half marathon is $95 until Sept. 25. After that, it is set at $105. The fee for the 5K is $50 until the 25th, before it goes up to $55.

Another new run in the area will benefit the NuGenesis Farm, the 35-acre operation dedicated to growing foods that help prevent disease.

The 20K Share the Harvest Race for individuals and four-person corporate relay teams will start at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at the Good Harvest Market in Waukesha.

Money generated from the $45 entry fees will help NuGenesis offer educational programs on healthy foods and diet. More information on the run and walk is available at www.goodharvestmarket.com/.