Work starts on next stretch of Panther Path

The Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is moving ahead with plans for the sixth annual Run for the Trails event, as construction gets underway on the next leg of a community walking trail.

About 1,500 feet is being added to the Panther Path along County Road I behind Oconto Falls High School, which eventually will be a paved recreational trail around the high school, ST Paper Stadium and Oconto Falls Elementary School.

Run for the Trails, a timed half-marathon, 10K run and 5K run/walk through the city, is scheduled for Sept. 26, with an 8 a.m. start for all three races.

Runners and walkers will start at ST Paper Stadium next to the high school and wind through residential streets as well as the paved recreational trail. The half-marathon and 10K runners will also traverse scenic and wooded trails with varying terrain, including waterfront views of the Oconto River.

Links to online registration can be found at the Run for the Trails Oconto Falls page on Facebook, as well as the chamber’s website and Facebook page.

Registration is $55 for the half-marathon, $30 for the 10K and $25 for the 5K through Aug. 31, when the prices go up. Participants receive a custom long-sleeve T-shirt and finisher’s medal, and awards will be presented in a number of age/gender groups. Organizers plan to have post-race food and refreshments available.

Proceeds from past Run for the Trails events have helped to renovate and resurface the West Side Beach Trail two years ago, as well as extending the sidewalk on South Main Street to HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital.