Our History
The Antigo Tater Trot is a long-standing, family-friendly fundraising race held each year on the second Saturday of August in Antigo, Wisconsin. The annual event draws runners and walkers from across Northern Wisconsin, the state, and beyond. Participants of all ages, from young children to adults 80 and older, come together to take part in the one-mile fun run, 6K, and 10K races. What began as a small local run has grown into a cherished community tradition that celebrates health, wellness, and connection while supporting youth and local athletic programs.
The Tater Trot was founded in 1980 by local runners John “Doc” McKenna and Pat Diercks as a fundraiser for the Antigo High School cross country team. In 1982, race leadership transitioned to Tom Koss of the Antigo Optimist Club, with early support from the Optimists and the Wisconsin Potato Growers Association. Over the decades, dedicated volunteers and race directors continued to build on that foundation, including Joe Filbrandt, Tom Waidelich, Dan Stoehr, and others who helped shape the event’s growth. In the late 1980's, the tradition of the ceramic tater trot trophy for winners of the 10k event began. In 2010, CoVantage Credit Union and Volm Companies, Inc. joined the Optimist Club in coordinating the race, expanding post-race activities and strengthening community involvement. Today, the event is led by race directors Kaitlin Schlundt and Aaron and Brittany Hose, with support from CoVantage, Volm, local schools, and volunteers.
With more than 300 participants each year, the Antigo Tater Trot has donated nearly $120,000 since its founding to support youth and local athletic organizations. Beneficiaries include Antigo High School cross country and track teams, Antigo Middle School Athletics, elementary and parochial school track and field days, Peace Lutheran School, All Saints Catholic School, the Jack Lake Silent Trails Association, and other community programs. Rooted in a tradition started by local runners more than four decades ago, the Antigo Tater Trot continues to inspire active lifestyles, strengthen community pride, and provide lasting benefits for student-athletes and local organizations.
The Antigo Tater Trot would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and the enthusiastic participation of our runners, walkers, and families. Our sponsors play a vital role in making this event accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for all, while our participants bring the energy, spirit, and purpose that make race day so special. Together, their support and involvement ensure the Tater Trot remains a meaningful community tradition and continues to make a lasting impact on local youth athletic programs and organizations.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helps make the Antigo Tater Trot a success year after year.
The Tater Trot was founded in 1980 by local runners John “Doc” McKenna and Pat Diercks as a fundraiser for the Antigo High School cross country team. In 1982, race leadership transitioned to Tom Koss of the Antigo Optimist Club, with early support from the Optimists and the Wisconsin Potato Growers Association. Over the decades, dedicated volunteers and race directors continued to build on that foundation, including Joe Filbrandt, Tom Waidelich, Dan Stoehr, and others who helped shape the event’s growth. In the late 1980's, the tradition of the ceramic tater trot trophy for winners of the 10k event began. In 2010, CoVantage Credit Union and Volm Companies, Inc. joined the Optimist Club in coordinating the race, expanding post-race activities and strengthening community involvement. Today, the event is led by race directors Kaitlin Schlundt and Aaron and Brittany Hose, with support from CoVantage, Volm, local schools, and volunteers.
With more than 300 participants each year, the Antigo Tater Trot has donated nearly $120,000 since its founding to support youth and local athletic organizations. Beneficiaries include Antigo High School cross country and track teams, Antigo Middle School Athletics, elementary and parochial school track and field days, Peace Lutheran School, All Saints Catholic School, the Jack Lake Silent Trails Association, and other community programs. Rooted in a tradition started by local runners more than four decades ago, the Antigo Tater Trot continues to inspire active lifestyles, strengthen community pride, and provide lasting benefits for student-athletes and local organizations.
The Antigo Tater Trot would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and the enthusiastic participation of our runners, walkers, and families. Our sponsors play a vital role in making this event accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for all, while our participants bring the energy, spirit, and purpose that make race day so special. Together, their support and involvement ensure the Tater Trot remains a meaningful community tradition and continues to make a lasting impact on local youth athletic programs and organizations.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helps make the Antigo Tater Trot a success year after year.