STRAIN FOR THE BRAIN

Strain for the Brain is an annual event held to honor individuals diagnosed with a brain tumor and to

celebrate the family and friends there to support them.  Brain tumors are a devastating disease that affects 80,000 people and their families each year. The funds raised through Strain for the Brain will directly contribute to advancements in research, medical treatments, and support programs for individuals and families impacted by this life-changing condition.  By participating in Strain for the Brain, you will not only contribute to the fight against brain tumors but also showcase your dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by this disease.  

Persons with any financial limitations please contact organizers to discuss a Fee Waiver.

History of Strain for the Brain

Mike is a brain tumor survivor who started Strain for the brain in 2010 to raise awareness of this rare disease.  The event started small along the lakefront at Veterans Park, originally in May which is brain tumor awareness month.  After one particularly chilly event of sleet and snow flurries, it moved to the first weekend of June at Miller Park (currently American Family Stadium) and then to Harley Davidson Museum.  Ultimately, the event outgrew that space and has returned to Veterans Park.  While Mike had many people help him along the way, it was his persistence and determination to support the cause that kept the event going year after year.  Due to the growth of the event, Mike has turned the operations over to Dr. Jennifer Connelly but still is an active participant.

Course Description – Veterans Park

The Strain for the Brain course at Veterans Park is a scenic, runner-friendly route that stays primarily on paved park paths with gentle turns and minimal elevation change—great for runners chasing a smooth effort and walkers who want a comfortable, enjoyable route.

You’ll cruise through classic park scenery with plenty of room to spread out, plus multiple opportunities for friends and family to catch a glimpse and cheer you on.

Mike is a brain tumor survivor who started Strain for the brain in 2010 to raise awareness of this rare disease.  The event started small along the lake front at Veteran's Park, originally in May which is brain tumor awareness month.  After one particularly chilly event of sleet and snow flurries, it moved to the first weekend of June.  Eventually, the event out grew that space and moved to Miller Park (currently American Family Stadium) and ultimately to Harley Davidson Museum.  While Mike had many people help him along the way, it was his persistence and determination to support the cause that kept the event going year after year.  Due to the growth of the event, Mike has turned the operations over to Dr. Jennifer Connelly but still is an active participant.  

The shirts are unisex cotton, and participants who register by noon on May 16 are guaranteed a custom race shirt.

After that, shirts will be available while supplies last. Any extras will be distributed after the race on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gold shirts will be provided to brain cancer survivors.

PLEASE BRING YOUR RECEIPT WITH YOU!

You do not need to print it. We will need to scan the QR code on the receipt, though, so please have your email accessible on your mobile device or save a picture of your receipt with the QR code to your device’s image library.

Team Packet Pickup
This year, we’re making things easier by preassembling team packets. If your team has 5 or more members by TBD you’ll be able to pick up the entire team’s bibs, shirts, and merchandise in one convenient bundle. The Team Captain may pick them up or designate someone else on the team to do so. Please only send one team member to pick up for the entire team.

If your team does not meet the 5-member threshold, each team member can pick up their packet individually. 

📣 Important: If your team qualifies for group pickup (5+ team members), individual team members will not be able to pick up their individual packets. This change is being made because over 75% of participants are on teams. Consolidating packet pickup by team will make race day much smoother for everyone.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!

Early Packet Pickup
TBD

Saturday, May 30
7:30am-9:00am Packet Pickup on site
8:45am Survivor's Photo at Start Line
9:00am Run/walk starts
10:00am Awards
10:00am Silent Auction Closes

• Login into RunSignUp.com
• Select your Profile.
• Scroll down to the race you would like to modify.
• Select "Manage Registration".
• All of the race options will be listed on the menu (transfers, change shirts size, modify team, and change distances)

Donations can made online or sent to:

Strain For The Brain
PO Box 656
Brookfield, WI 53008

Explore all the amazing items up for grabs in our silent auction! From local experiences to exclusive gear, there’s something for everyone.

Please note: Winners must be present at the event to claim their items. No shipping or post-event pickup will be available.

Happy bidding!

There will be one aid station on course.

The race is chip timed by Silver Circle Sports Events, LLC with a chip start. Your time will start when you cross the start line and stops when you cross the finish line. Walkers are not timed.

How to wear your bib.

Parking is available both on-site and along nearby public streets.

To help keep things running smoothly, we encourage all participants to carpool, pick up their packets early, and arrive at the event with plenty of time.

Your race time and age group result are available online after you cross the finish line - select RESULTS from the menu above. The top 3 male & female finishers in 5-year age groups will receive a custom medal. An awards ceremony will take place at the race. 

We need volunteers for everything from aid station support to course marshals. If you or your group have an interest in volunteering, we would greatly appreciate the assistance. All volunteers can run a future race at no charge. Register to volunteer by clicking on the volunteer link in the menu above. For more information on volunteering click here.

Refunds are not permitted for any reason. While there are no refunds, you can get referrals, transfer your bib, change your shirt size, defer your registration until next year or change your distance. Here is how.

Sorry, pets are not permitted at the event.