Central Wisconsin News

Three local trailblazers in the running community are set to share their personal stories at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point next month. Tom Wetter, Donn Behnke, and Nathan Brown will be the featured speakers at the "Running for Life: Celebrating the History of the Boston Marathon and Running Community in Central Wisconsin" event on Thursday, May 2.

Tom Wetter, an emeritus professor of health promotion and wellness at UW-Stevens Point, who will be completing his 25th consecutive Boston Marathon, expressed his gratitude for the journey, stating, "Running 25 Boston Marathons in a row means that I have been very lucky. Lucky–not only in the sense that I have avoided serious injury–but also lucky that I am so fortunate that I love running and have had the support from my family, my job and especially my running friends who have been on this journey with me."

Donn Behnke, a 1975 UWSP graduate and coach of the Stevens Point Area Senior High boys cross country program, will also be presenting at the event. Behnke, who has led the SPASH team to 13 state titles, is also the author of the book "The Animal Keepers."

Nathan Brown, a clinical assistant professor in the UW-Stevens Point Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the lab director with Pineries Running Lab, will be joining Wetter and Behnke as a speaker at the event.

The event will kick off at 6 p.m. with a Running Community Open House and social on the first floor of the College of Professional Studies, followed by the presentations and a panel Q&A session. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in an optional book signing by Behnke after the event.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will require pre-registration. Both in-person and virtual livestream options are available for those interested in attending. Campus and community members can register at https://uwsprunningforlife.eventbrite.com.