Students at Churchill Elementary School in Cloquet laced up their tennis shoes last spring, and again a couple of weeks ago, for a one-mile training run/walk in preparation for the Seventh Annual Cloquet River Run 5K and One-Mile Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 27.
“Students had a great time checking out the course while discovering they can walk or run a mile,” said race director Yvette Maijala.
This year, the Cloquet River Run is offering new, lowered fees for youth entry into the run.
“We want to encourage youth, and their entire families, to participate together in the race,” Maijala said. “Families can run or walk the course and have a fun time together.”
The Cloquet River Run is definitely fun for kids, but it’s an event for the entire community and region. The Cloquet River Run is a fundraising activity to get children, families and community involved in healthy lifestyles and at the same time raise funds for school programs and events. Participating in this type of activity with family and friends provides a sense of achievement and positive role models for our youth.
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The weekend festivities begin the night before the race with race pre-registration and packet pickup as well as a pasta and salad feed from 5-7 p.m. at Churchill. Price for the pasta and salad feed is $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets at the door or in advance by emailing to mkilroy@cloquet.k12.mn.us .
The big event - the Cloquet River Run - will take place on Saturday, starting at Churchill Elementary School. The one-mile race begins at 9 a.m., the 5K race at 9:30 and free kids’ race at 10:45. Registration fees, if paid by Sept. 26, for the 5K race are $15 for youth 12 and under and $25 for 13 and older. For the one-mile race, the cost is $10 for youth and $13 for adults. Fees increase after September 26.
To register or learn more, visit the Cloquet River Run website at www.cloquetriverrun.com .
The Cloquet River Run is organized by the Churchill Partners in Education group. This year, 70 percent of race proceeds will go toward health-related programs and equipment and 30 percent will be used for school technology purchases.
A sampling of items funded, or partially funded, through last year’s Cloquet River Run include:
• A new water fountain at Churchill, designed specifically to fill water bottles.
• Healthy morning snacks for students two times each month.
• Classroom taste tests where students have the opportunity to sample bite-sized portions of fruits and vegetables that they may not have tried before.
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• Kids Run the Nation: an after school program emphasizing participation and a healthy lifestyle, along with equipment for the program.
• A new “gaga pit,” a large octagon half-walled area where various games can be played outdoors.
The Cloquet River Run is made possible through the assistance of many different generous community sponsors.
