Runners: Start your engines for racing on the Milwaukee Mile

The banked turns of the venerable track at State Fair Park in West Allis, home to racing stars for more than a century, will play host to a new form of foot-power on July 16: the inaugural Milwaukee "Make it Happen" Mile.

In the once-around format, children, aging runners and local elites all have the chance to swap rubber and race to the winner's circle.

Tom Labisch, an owner of the InStep Running & Walking Centers, put together the event to build off the popularity of mile races and raise money for the Jenny Crain "Make it Happen" Fund, which helps the Olympic-caliber runner rehabilitate from the severe injuries she suffered in 2008.

The InStep event falls about a month after the Wisco Mile, the track race organized by Wisconsin Lutheran High School. The Water Street Mile in Eau Claire on July 9 and the WTC Capitol Mile in Madison on July 24 are races contested on local streets.

Racing on the oval is a unique element that Labisch expects will be attractive to local and national-caliber runners.

With motor-racing down to just a few dates at the Mile, State Fair Park officials were happy to bring the roar of muscle to the venue.

Just remember to call ahead to schedule shoe-testing dates.