Rock 'n Sole director apologizes, promises improvements

Tom Schuler, the event director for the heat-stricken Rock 'n Sole races, took responsibility for the problems during Sunday's race and offered an unequivocal apology late Sunday.

"As Race Director, I owe all of the participants and the Summerfest Management team a sincere apology," Schuler said in a statement issued by the Summerfest PR staff.

"Though we worked for months to plan and execute this event, there were aspects of the race experience and operations that simply should not have happened regardless of the extreme heat and humidity, most notably, the lack of water on the Hoan Bridge. I miscalculated the volume of water and cups necessary at each aid station to adequately hydrate runners for both races. Water was allocated to all aid stations at the onset, but the proportions were not accurate for certain points in the races. We clearly missed the mark and many of the 10K runners were affected by it. The plan simply should have been done correctly and I take full responsibility for the issues caused by this oversight."

Overwhelmed by the heat, more than 20 runners were taken to local hospitals and another 50 received treatment at a medical tent at the finish area. Participants complained that aide stations ran out of water and cups, the finish area was too crowded and medical assistance was insufficient.

Similar complaints have plagued the Madison Marathon in previous years, when the temperature approached 90 degrees.

The first-time race over the Hoan Bridge was created by Summerfest to be a complement to its 11-day music festival. Team Sports Inc., Schuler's event management business, was hired to provide the logistics and direct the race.

Schuler, a former pro cyclist, has been in the management business for decades, but focuses primarily on team management and promotions of cycling events. He is one of the founders of the 11-day Tour of America's Dairyland cycling series.

The Rock 'n Sole Run, with more than 6,500 participants, was a much different challenge.

"As a first time event, we have compiled initial key learning and listened to racer comments," Schuler said.

"We are already noting and discussing critical operational changes for next year's event. Some of which include focusing on major hydration resources, distribution and ration plans, medical aid station configurations and placement, widening and potentially relocating the finishing chute along with reworking the placement and sequencing of finisher medal distribution and nutrition stations after the finish line, ensuring prompt and highly visible postings of finish times, as well as reworking bag check facilities and the timing thereof. These are just a few of the elements that will be reworked and corrected for next year.

"Again, you have my sincere apology and I hope you will consider participating again with these assurances to improve the operation and execution of the race."