5k Run/Walk and Kids Dash

Event Information

Adults and children of all ages, from all over the world, will join together on May 10th, 2025, in memory of Lina Vergara to support the Lina Vergara Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser.

Registration for the 13th Annual Glowing Smiles 5K Run/Walk and Kids Dash will open on December 9th, 2024.

In the meantime, please check us out on Facebook or Instagram for updates and news on the upcoming race. Contact us with any questions. We look forward to seeing you on race day!

Race Day

Be on time, so you don't miss all the fun!

Starting at 9:30 am, we will have awesome activities, including a raffle for the race participants, important announcements, refreshments, warm up exercises, face painting, balloon animals and the Kids Dash. Make sure you leave home early, so you can enjoy this day with your family and friends!

If you're curious about the route, check out the course map.

Schedule

• 9:45 AM – Kids Dash
• 10:00 AM – 5k Run and Walk

Awards

We will have medals and prizes for the top 3 male and 3 female finishers.

Cost

• 15 years and older – $30
• 14 years and younger – $15
• Kids Dash – Free!

FAQ

When and where is the race?

The 5k run/walk will start at 10:00am and take place at the Orchid Heights Park in Middleton. We strongly suggest participants arrive early to be present for the pre-race ceremonies and prizes which start at 9:30 am.The start and finish line is located at the park shelter. From the West Beltline, go east approximately 2.50 miles on Century Ave., turn left (north) on Valley Ridge Rd, then left (west) on Sedgemeadow Rd. and left on Park Trail.

What is the trail etiquette and park use?

Be aware that the trail is open to the public. It has not been closed off for the race. Please share the space along with other users and fellow participants. Watch specially for bikers and oncoming traffic. It's a good idea to move to a single line when trail traffic is approaching.

Please help us make sure we leave the park area and trail better than how we found it! Absolutely pick up after yourself and place garbage in appropriate containers.

Is there gear check?

There will be no storage provided for personal items. As well, we are not responsible for lost or stolen items, please plan accordingly.

What is the Kids Dash?

The KIDS DASH is a fun, quick run for kids of all ages. It's free and no registration is needed for this. Middleton's official mascot, The Middleton Cardinal, will be hosting the Kids Dash! The Dash begins at 9:45 am.

Are there awards? What is the scavenger hunt for walkers?

We will have medals and prizes for the first three male and first three female finishers. We will be placing random butterflies along the trail for walkers to find. Bring the butterfly to the stage area for prizes!

What is the refund policy?

As agreed during registration, all sales are final.

Race Results

2024 Results

Previous Race Winner Results

Sponsors

While the primary focus of the race is to bring people together, it is also an opportunity to give back. As an important member of the local business community, we are looking to you for your support. Please join us by making a monetary contribution, or a gift donation to the Glowing Smiles 5K Run/Walk.

You have the opportunity to truly make a difference, while bringing awareness to your business. Your monetary donation will support the race and the Lina Vergara Memorial Scholarship, a community event with more than 350 participants. Gift certificates and merchandise received are used as incentives to the top participants and in return will bring people to your business.

Platinum

Jon Fernández, Agent

Middleton

Parker and Pam Vivoda

Gold

Silver

Madison West

Madison Downtown

Lori Huston-Dinga

Madison Central Alliant Energy Center

Madison East

About

The Glowing Smiles 5k run / walk and kids fun dash is a fundraiser for the Lina Vergara Memorial Scholarship. Lina had a passion for teaching and caring for everyone’s needs. The scholarship will benefit elementary education students at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, who share Lina’s desire to teach and assist others.

In addition, the Lina Vergara Memorial Scholarship is also available for students at the Middleton High School, who are planning to attend a 4-year institution in pursuit of a degree in education.

We want to thank previous participants and sponsors from the bottom of our hearts for your tremendous support. Your contribution has not only been a tribute to our daughter and sister Lina, but will also benefit future teachers.

Thanks to your generous donation, we were able to award the 2024 Lina Vergara Memorial Endowment Scholarship to UW Oshkosh student Abigail Demerath, and 2024 Lina Vergara Memorial Scholarship to Emily Carranza Montes and Alexa Kalscheur from Middleton High School!