Everything You Need to Know About "Only Fools Run at Midnight"
Everyone’s heard about the fools that run with temperamental bulls down the narrow streets of Pamplona, Spain. But how ‘bout the hundreds of fools that scurry though the deep woods of Minocqua in Northern Wisconsin? At midnight. In April. Dressed in outrageous costumes-vying for the trophy and title “King or Queen of Fools.” That’s the scenario April 10th in Minocqua for the 4th annual “Only Fools Run at Midnight 5K Run and Walk.”
Who thinks this stuff up? It’s the Minocqua-Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Area Chamber of Commerce, the coordinating sponsor. Special thanks goes to title sponsor, Premier Physical Medicine and Wellness Clinic. The contest is one of the wacky annual events conjured up by the chamber. (Consider September’s Beef-A-Rama, tantalizing meat-eaters for the past 46 years or summer’s Wife-Carrying Contest, where first place winners are awarded with their wives weight in beer and brats.)
The chamber’s Executive Director, Diane Geis-Hapka says the events are all about fun, naturally, since fun is what the region delivers hundreds of thousands of visitors to the North Woods each year. And it’s for a good cause too. A portion of the proceeds benefits local organizations.
The run/walk attracts runners of all ages and levels from across the state but even the most serious runners take a lighthearted approach. Contestants can register to be timed or not with trophies awarded to the top 3 male and female racers in each age bracket. A few carry flasks to ward off the spring chill and many who come to observe lend support by shining flashlights or other illuminating devices on the course. Costumes are encouraged and many comply knowing a zany get-up is top criteria for being crowned King or Queen and to secure a place in the Royal Court.
The entry fee is $25 in advance and $35 on April 10 and includes a t-shirt, (long-sleeved, of course!) music and sustenance; fruit, sandwiches and cookies. Registration begins at 10PM on April 10 in the common area of Lakeland Union High School. At the stroke of midnight, they’re off- from the high school to Highway 51 and through Minocqua’s downtown and then through the woods on Bearskin Trail to the finish line.
Apparently there’s no shortage of “fools” in the North Woods. By year three of the event, the number of entrants had doubled. Hapka expects a turnout of between 800-1000 for year number four. So runners (and walkers) dig up some crazy threads, don your sneakers, and join the other fools in April for a midnight jaunt.
Date: April 10th, 2010
Time: Race begins at midnight, registration is required before event begins
Location: Lakeland Union High School, Minocqua, WI
Price: Pre-registration- $25, Day of Event- $35
The first 800 racers will receive a goody bag and all participants will receive a long sleeve commemorative t-shirt. Prizes are awarded to top 3 male and female racers in each age bracket.
