Welcome

Motivating Central Wisconsin to live healthier, more active lives by producing and promoting challenging aerobic activities and recreational resources that encourage active lifestyles.

What is your favorite way to be active? Get out and get moving in Portage County, Wisconsin. Explore the wonderful ways to stay moving and healthy on foot or bike in the Central Wisconsin region. Register and train for an upcoming event with family and friends, or just explore the trails and routes for fun.

Being active helps reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes, stress-related issues and other health problems stemming from being sedentary. Find fun ways to reduce your risk, and participate in local health and fitness events, like Walk Wisconsin.

Featured Event

Sep

Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge

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Featured Event

Oct

Moon Walk Wisconsin

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Sponsors

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Active Portage County News

Get Ready for Active Portage County Events

Active Portage County hosts annual fitness events to promote healthy lifestyles to people of all ages. Mark your calendar for four of our fun hosted events:

Walk Wisconsin walking marathon under the summer sunshine each June along the Green Circle Trail.

Moon Walk Wisconsin each October following the Tomorrow River State Trail. (Biggest perk? Enjoying the natural beauty of the Tomorrow River State Trail under the light of the full moon!)

A new non-competitive hiking challenge called the Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge hosted at Standing Rocks County Park in September (when the fall foliage is at its peak).

The brand new non-competitive biking event PedaLoops hosted in May at Standing Rocks County Park. A.K.A. The Sore Butt Ride

Pack each season of your calendar with enough feel-good fitness endorphins to keep you going year round. Visit the events tab on our website for a complete list of year-round active events.

The Details:

During Walk Wisconsin in June there are four distance walking options to choose from, including the ¼ marathon (6.5 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), ¾ marathon (19.6 miles) and full marathon (26.2 miles). There is also a Kids Walk Wisconsin option for children and their families that include a 2.62 mile or 1.31 mile walk.

Moon Walk Wisconsin is similar in set-up, but offers 12, 8 and 4 mile walking options along the limestone covered Tomorrow River State Trail. Lit pumpkins act as mile markers and sporting a costume during the walk is encouraged.

To pose an active challenge while capitalizing on the positive benefits of walking, the Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge was born. Take in the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes at Standing Rocks while pushing yourself on breathtakingly challenging hiking routes with 8K (5.2 miles) and 12K (8.3 mile) distance options.

PedaLoops is being added in the spring of 2016 to introduce biking as a lower-impact, cardiovascular activity that is easy on joints. Multiple biking loop options at Standing Rocks County Park act as the perfect place to break out your bike for the first ride of spring.

Events featured on the Active Portage County website allow all ages and ability levels to participate in non-competitive, multiple distance fitness opportunities. Each of our events encourages people to live healthy lifestyles all year long.

Did you know that walking, hiking and biking are effective ways to improve personal health, lower stress and encourage weight loss? In addition to numerous positive health benefits, these activities are a great way to pass the time with family and friends. John Jury, an Active Portage County Committee member, agrees. ” Participating in each event we host is a great way for families and friends to spend quality time together while improving their health.”

Set yourself up for success! Training schedules and registration forms for Walk Wisconsin, Moon Walk Wisconsin, Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge and PedaLoops are available at ActivePortageCounty.com. A full calendar of events that promote healthy living is available at here.

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Event Participant Testimonials

Can’t find the motivation you need to get on track to living a healthier lifestyle? Past participants of Walk Wisconsin share their stories about how this event positively influenced their physical, emotional and mental health.

“I needed a goal in my life, something to look forward to, and Walk Wisconsin turned out to be the best thing for me. When I first heard about Walk Wisconsin, I started out thinking one mile was a long walk. But today that's just barely a warm up for me. Walking keeps me well!” – Michaelene

“I heard about the walk from folks in my Weight Watchers class and I wanted to train for it and try it. I completed the walk in 3 hours and 17 minutes and only took two bathroom/food breaks along the way. Walk Wisconsin felt great!” – Leo G.

"After losing several family members over recent years to diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, I felt it was finally time to take care of myself. I have been severely overwight my entire life, and this past January I started the Weight Watchers Program. I've since lost 40lbs and am still going strong. My sister-in-law is a runner and is always encouraging me to do a run with her. When I heard the radio ad for Walk Wisconsin, I KNEW we had to do it together! I called her to tell her about it, and we signed up that night. Non-competitive and running was discouraged . . . that was JUST what I was looking for. We walked the ¼ marathon together chatting and catching up along the way. The experience was so good that I made an appointment with my doctor to talk about whether or not running is a good choice for me. If so, I plan to start training for my first 5K! Regardless of what the doctor says about running, my sister-in-law and I will be back for Walk Wisconsin again. Thank you for doing what you do and being a part of my journey!" - Rhonda E.

“I've done Walk Wisconsin every year but one. Now I'm 83 and I just wanted to see if I could still do it. I did!” – Marilyn W.

“I have been a long devotee to exercise. Several years ago (after I had to give up running) my wife got me walking half-marathons – this is how we found Walk Wisconsin. Walk Wisconsin is without question scenic and the non-competitive, no-timing-chip nature is refreshing. We live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and we think the 4 hour drive to Stevens Point is well worth the experience. I tell every walker I know that they must do Walk Wisconsin sometime in their lifetime. I wear my "Walk Wisconsin" cap with pride everywhere I go.” – Dennis Y.

“Walking a marathon was on my bucket list and having a ‘walker’s only’ event was great. The Green Circle Trail is perfect and the variety of terrain, surface and scenery made the time fly by. Two friends joined me on the walk and we made the event a road trip as we live in the Kansas City area. I would love to do Walk Wisconsin again. This event will be hard to beat!” – Vicki K.

“This event is a great way to stay active, and I absolutely love the Green Circle Trail. It is beautiful. This is a day for my friends and I to detach from the crazy lives we have to enjoy our friendships and tons of nature in a healthy way.“ – Leanne B.

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Get Ready for Walk Wisconsin!

Stevens Point will be hosting the annual Walk Wisconsin event Saturday, June 3, 2017 along the Green Circle Trail. Walk Wisconsin allows all ages and ability levels to participate in a non-competitive, multiple distances walking event. Being the leading walking event in the Midwest it encourages people to continue to live healthy lifestyles all year long.

Walking is an effective way to improve personal health, lower stress, encourage weight loss and has many other positive benefits. John Jury, a Walk Wisconsin Committee member states,” It is a great, active way for families and friends to spend quality time together, while improving their health.” There are four options to choose from, including the ¼ marathon (6.5 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), ¾ marathon (19.6 miles) and full marathon (26.2 miles) options. There is also a Kids Walk Wisconsin option for children and their families that includes a 2.62 mile or 1.31 mile walk. Training schedules and registration forms are available for you at www.walkwisconsin.com.

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Upcoming Events

July 07, 2017

Junction City Picnic

Community-wide event featuring softball and horseshoe tournament, great food and drinks, live bands on Saturday and Sunday, with a parade on Sunday at 11:00 am. For more information visit their Facebook page or website.

July 14, 2017

Point Fastpitch Girls Softball Tournament

Point Fastpitch torunament held at Goerke, Zenoff, Mead and Iverson Parks.

Check website for details

July 14, 2017

2017 Point KIDS' Duathlon presented by Cellcom

Compete for the Cause! The Stevens Point Area YMCA will host the 2017 Point Kids' Duathlon presented by Cellcom to benefit the YMCA's chronic disease programing. This race consists of two courses: 7-9 year olds will complete a 1/4 mile run, 1.5 mile bike, 1/4 run, and 10-12 year olds will complete a 1/2 mile run, 3 mile bike, 1/2 mile run. Routes take kids through the beautiful UWSP campus, and all racers will be chip timed. All participants will receive an event shirt, and top three finishers for each age group by will receive an award. The race begins at the Allen Center on UWSP campus. It will be a great time for the whole family!

July 14, 2017

Golden Sands Speedway - Wisconsin Challenge Series

Adult GA Ticket: $12.00
Seniors 65+ Ticket: $9.00
Kids 6-12 GA Ticket: $7.00
Kids 5 And Under GA Ticket: Free
Family Pass (2 Adults, 4 Kids): $30.00
Pit Pass: $30.00

Pit Gates Open: 3pm
Fan Gates Open: 5pm
Time Trials: 6:30pm
Racing Starts: 7:45pm

July 15, 2017

Central FC Showcase

Portage County Youth Soccer welcomes you to the 3rd Annual PCYS Central FC College Showcase July 15-16, 2017 at the PCYS Soccer Complex in Stevens Point, WI. Central Wisconsin’s premier club brings you a premier event. Games will be full time on premier fields. College coaches love our complex, and your teams will too. Applications will be seriously considered to ensure the correct competition is available. Profiles will be provided to the coaches with contact information. Get registered early.

July 15, 2017

2017 Point Duathlon presented by Cellcom

Compete for the Cause! The Stevens Point Area YMCA will host the 2017 Point Duathlon presented by Cellcom to benefit the YMCA's chronic disease programing. This race, formerly the United Way's Run Bike Unite, consists of a 2 mile run through UWSP campus, 16.5 mile bike on scenic country roads north of Stevens Point, followed by another 2 mile run through beautiful Schmeeckle Reserve. Test your athleticism individually or as part of a relay team. The race begins at the Allen Center on UWSP campus.

July 18, 2017

Humane Society of Portage County Golf Outting

18 Hole - 4 Person Scramble - Shotgun start at 10AM | Registration opens at 8AM
Practice tee is available for golfers to warm up prior to golf.
Includes 18 holes with cart, lunch/beverage credit, entry into door prizes, gift and Social Hour (appetizers only)
*SentryWorld Dress Standard
- Proper golf attire in good taste and condition while on the golf course and practice areas is required.
-Shirts with collars (golf shirts without a collar must have sleeves), slacks, shorts, skorts or capris of appropriate length – no denim, cutoffs or gym shorts.
-Golf footwear: Golf shoes with soft spikes are allowed – no metal spikes. Athletic shoes and shoes without heels are acceptable
Your spot is only guaranteed when your reservation form and payment is received (space is limited).
Checks will be returned if tournament is filled. No phone reservations accepted

July 21, 2017

Greater Boys Open - Weekend 1

Teams are encouraged to register early, as these tournaments fill very quickly. Teams 8U-15U can register. Schedules to be posted on the event website.

July 22, 2017

TeamFirst Soccer Academy

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus will be hosting the Team First Soccer Academy featuring Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly and Tisha Venturini Hoch.

Registration for the camp is currently open with limited availability. The two-day camp costs $300 and each participant will receive a Nike soccer ball, Nike tshirt, autographed player card and a camp team photo. Youth ages 7-18 are welcome to register and the camp is open to both boys and girls. Mia Hamm, Kristine

Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly and Tisha Venturini Hoch have combined for five Olympic Gold Medals, five World Cup Championships and 12 NCAA titles. The three also combined for fourstraight Hermann Trophy recipients with Lilly winning in 1991, Hamm in 1992 and 1993 and Venturini in 1994.

Click here to see a video welcome from TeamFirst.

July 23, 2017

Camp Shutout

One of the biggest and best Goal keeper clinics in the US. Camp Shutout is open to goalkeepers ages 10-18, male or female and any ability level. Find more information and available clinics on the website.

July 28, 2017

Greater Boys Open - Weekend 2

Teams are encouraged to register early, as these tournaments fill very quickly. Teams 8U-15U can register. Schedules to be posted on the event website.

August 04, 2017

Annual Midwest Recumbent Rally

World's Largest Recumbent Bike Rally. Fri: Registration and check in, ice cream ride, ice cream social. Sat: morning biking tour, test rides, swap meet, lunch, self-guided tour. Sun: breakfast buffet, super tour, lunch. Events, prices, times are subject to change.

August 04, 2017

Golden Sands Speedway - CWRA

August 05, 2017

Bike for Boys & Girls Club

Your pedals power great futures, so put rubber to the road for Boys & Girls Club kids!

This event brings family, friends, co-workers and neighbors together for a fun-filled ride through picturesque Portage County. Donations and sponsorships support the ongoing mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County to provide programs that inspire and enable our youth to realize their full potential.

You can get involved as an individual rider or as a team. Cyclists of all ages and abilities can ride one of four planned routes (4, 13, 20, or 62 miles). Hundreds of riders will pedal their way across the finish line and into the post-ride party of cool drinks, a sandwich, and activities for the whole family. Sign up today to support local youth.

August 11, 2017

Golf Fore Life

Join First Choice Pregnancy Resource Center at the Wisconsin River Golf Club on August 11 for the annual Golf Fore Life. This best ball scramble style, 18 hole golf tournament brings together fun, sun, and community all in one! The event will begin by shotgun start at 10am. Fees include cart, course fees, lunch, awards and hors devours. Silent auction will be available after tournament.

August 12, 2017

Golden Sands Speedway - ARCA Midwest Tour

August 14, 2017

SPASH Hoops Golf Outing

We are excited to announce the first ever SPASH Hoops Golf Outing.

August 25, 2017

Golden Sands Speedway - Back to School Night

September 02, 2017

9/2 1:00 PM Football vs St. Norbert College Football vs St. Norbert College\n http://athletics.uwsp.edu/calendar.aspx?id=6327

September 03, 2017

9/3 1:00 PM Women's Soccer vs St. Norbert College Women's Soccer vs St. Norbert College\n http://athletics.uwsp.edu/calendar.aspx?id=6341

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