Cloquet River Run races promise fun for everyone

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What do healthy students and the latest in learning technology have in common? The Cloquet River Run.

The River Run, now in its fifth year, promises to be a weekend of fitness, feasting on pasta and lots of family fun. Mark your calendar for race-day, Saturday, Sept. 22, but don’t forget to come for race packet pick up, a Health and Fitness Expo and Pasta and Salad Feed from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21.

The 5K race, which begins at Churchill School and winds along the beautiful St. Louis River, is a hybrid course (paved and gravel trail). The race is USA Track and Field certified and is chip-timed. It includes mile markers, time splits and water stations.

The one-mile race is a road race, starting and ending at Churchill. Strollers and other wheeled vehicles are allowed on the one-mile course.

Churchill Principal David Wangen missed last year’s race with a broken foot.

“I look forward to running this year,” he said. “The River Run helps to purchase equipment that helps students live healthy lifestyles as well as cutting-edge technology that helps with learning inside and outside the classroom. It’s a great cause and a fun race.”

The Cloquet River Run is a fundraising activity, sponsored by Churchill Partners in Education, to get children, youth, families and the community involved in healthy lifestyles while raising money for school programs and equipment. Proceeds from the race go toward health-related equipment and programs as well as technology, such as mobile iPads.

The entire community is invited to attend all or part of the festivities.

Friday offers a Pasta and Salad Feed at Churchill School, hosted and served by Churchill staff. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Cloquet River Run website and click on Registration.

“We’re serving lots of good food,” said Michelle Kilroy, Churchill teacher. “And we want to encourage the entire community to come and participate. This isn’t just for Churchill families, or for River Run racers. It’s for everyone!”

At the same time on Friday, a Health and Fitness Expo will be held in the Churchill gymnasium. The event is free and open to the public. It will feature fun activities and information for all ages and abilities. Race pre-registration and packet pick-up can also be completed Friday at Churchill.

Saturday’s races include a 5K, one mile, plus free kids’ races and a mascot race on the playground. The day starts with registration and packet pick up from 8- 8:45 a.m. Races begin with the one-mile race at 9 a.m., the 5K at 9:30 a.m. and the free kid’s race takes place at 10:45 a.m. Awards will be presented at 11 a.m. along with an after-race party with music, food and refreshments.

Because the River Run committee encourages everyone to participate, they are offering the opportunity to sponsor a student racer this year. By pre-paying a racer’s entry fee, a limited number of scholarships will be available for qualified student participants.

Registration fees (if received before Sept. 18) are $20 for the 5K race and $13 for the one-mile course. Registration after Sept. 18 is $25 and $18. All pre-registered participants will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt. Register online: www.cloquetriverrun.com, or download the registration form at the same address.

The Cloquet River Run is made possible through generous support of numerous business sponsors in the community. Gordy’s Hi-Hat and Warming House are the primary sponsors of the event.

Tags: sports, cloquet