Milwaukee man running Lakefront Marathon with a 'paleta cart' sets unofficial world record
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A world record was "unofficially" set at the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 4, by Jesus Hernandez. He ran a full marathon, 26.2 miles, while pushing a "paleta cart" — a cart full of paletas, or Mexican popsicles!
“You’d hear the bells and then you’d go outside, or you were already playing outside and you’d see someone, a hard-working individual coming on through, and you’re like ma, dad, come out here. They’re like, 'What?' 'Can I get a dollar?'” said Hernandez.
Hernandez says he took this on as a way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and to raise funds for Buena Tierra Run Club, which he co-founded. Buena Tierra translates to "Good Land" and is open to anyone.
“To be honest, we had a couple runners like, hey, I am steaming, I need something to cool me down. We also had some runners -- oh, you’re a show-off. I’m just like, I’m here and I’m just enjoying life," said Hernandez.
With Hernandez's efforts, the club hopes to have more health and wellness initiatives going into their fourth year.
“All you need to do is go outside and a pair of running shoes. It’s one of the most affordable activities you could do," said Hernandez.
Throughout the course, Hernandez says he gave away 200 paletas, all donated by Paletería Yayo. Part of the proceeds he raised will go toward getting a plaque for the local business and its workers.
“I went to Paleteria Yayo over on Lincoln and they donated the cart and 200 paleteras," he said. “I was up in the morning, put all the ice creams, popsicles in the cart, they had dry ice.”
Hernandez, who has spent more than a decade with the Wisconsin National Guard, says he knows what it takes to keep moving.
“Sometimes it's hard to do something, but when you see others doing something as well, you influence them, hopefully, to find a good purpose and direction," said Hernandez.
He says some journeys are better with company.
“If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go further, go with others," said Hernandez.
He finished running the 26.2 miles while pushing the cart in 5:10:10; that's an average pace of 11:38/mi!