September 9th, 2023

9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Grand Rapids Public Utilities
(500 Fourth St SE, Grand Rapids)

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Details

The annual Lumberjack Mile & 5K provides the community and visitors a family-friendly run on Saturday morning, September 9, 2023, benefiting United Way programs in Itasca County. Now in its seventh year, the lumberjack-themed fun run features a scenic loop with natural green spaces along either side of the stunning Mississippi River. For more information on the race, volunteering, and sponsorships, contact United Way at 218-999-7570.

Virtual option also available.

REGISTER

Event Schedule 

8 AM   Registration Opens with Digital Jake in the Zorbaz DJ Booth
9 AM  Race Begins
10 AM At the Finish Line, celebrate with us and Digital Jake in the Zorbaz DJ Booth, post-race snacks, and a cold beer compliments of Bemidji Brewing, Rapids Brewing Co., and Klockow Brewing Company.
10:30 AM   Presentation of Awards for top finishers in the mile and 5K divisions and “best dressed”
11 AM  Event Concludes

COURSE MAPS: 1-Mile  |  5K 

Race Entry
Register early for a guaranteed race packet, including collectible t-shirt designed by Jenny Farber of Chaotic Beauty Artistry,, and event perks. Kids 5 and under have free admittance, however, t-shirts are an additional cost.

Pricing Structure (In-Person)
August 14 – September 8 — $35 Adults (ages 13+); $25 Child (age 6-12)
September 9 — $40— Adults (ages 13+); $30 Child (age 6-12)

Pricing Structure (Virtual)
August – September 9 — $35 Adults (ages 13+); $25 Child (age 6-12)*

*Participants can take part virtually by selecting the virtual option when registering. Virtual race entries include a $5 race packet shipping fee.

In the news:
Lumberjack Mile & 5K returns September 9, 2023
6 things you should know about the Lumberjack Mile & 5K

Other Weekend Activities:

Grand Rapids Riverfest: Sept 9, 2023
Besides the Lumberjack run, the mighty Mississippi is the backdrop for Grand Rapids Riverfest taking place the same day. Keep the fun going after the run by enjoying Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland, and Dessa. To learn more, visit grandrapidsriverfest.com.

Volunteer at the Lumberjack Mile & 5K

Do you want to play your part - but you're not a runner? Throw on your best flannel, get into the Lumberjack spirit, and volunteer with us! We couldn't pull off the event without the support and assistance of volunteers.

Breakfast Attendant
Breakfast Attendants will help set up snacks for runners to refuel with after the Lumberjack Mile & 5K and help ensure the event goes smoothly. Sign up

Race Sweeper
Volunteers will sweep the 5K route to ensure that all runners, walkers, and joggers have completed the race. Sign up

Route Guides / Water Station Volunteers
Route Guides and Water Station volunteers are responsible for ensuring runners and walkers are safe by providing route direction, monitoring traffic, and ensuring our runners/walkers stay hydrated during their time on the course when appropriate. You may also serve as their cheerleaders, so be sure to bring your biggest smiles and words of encouragement! Sign up

Run Registration
Run registration volunteers will help set up the registration area inside the library. When runners begin arriving to check in, registration volunteers will distribute run packets, process same-day registrations, and answer questions. Sign up

T-shirt Merchant
T-shirt merchants will help set up and run a T-shirt station, where “vintage” Lumberjack run T-shirts will be sold to raise funds for United Way’s community investments. Sign up

Set-up / Take down
Volunteers are needed to help set up and take down race registration and other race day equipment. Sign up

Sign up for these opportunities and more on Bonfire, the Itasca area’s online volunteer platform powered by United Way.

Sponsors

Platinum

Paul Bunyan Communications
Paul Bunyan Communications has the region’s largest and fastest all fiber optic network with over 5,500 square miles throughout most of Beltrami County and portions of Cass, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, and St. Louis Counties. The Cooperative provides Broadband High Speed Internet Service up to a Gigabit per second, digital and high definition television services, digital voice services and more. PBC is also Northern Minnesota’s Certified Apple Repair Center.

 

Gold

Edward Jones
Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 firm, provides financial services in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm’s nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 8 million clients with a total of $1.7 trillion in client assets under care. Edward Jones’ purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society.

L&M Fleet Supply
L&M Fleet Supply has proudly served Northland customers since 1959, driven by its core mission of providing quality products at discount prices with excellent customer service.

Zorbaz
Zorbaz is located on the shores of beautiful Pokegama Lake near Grand Rapids, Minnesota. They offer a menu of pizza and Mexican dishes with a full range of tap beers. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.!’

 

Silver

Arrow Embroidery
Arrow Embroidery supplies custom screen printing, designer embroidery, and more to the Itasca area.

SuperOne Foods
SuperOne Foods is part of a local chain of grocery stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the upper peninsula of Michigan, that aim to empower customers to shop with confidence.

Annually drawing in over 100 runners, proceeds from the Lumberjack Mile & 5K supporter United Way's work to meet children and adults' education, health, and basic needs across the Itasca area. The event is open to community members and visitors alike.

Sponsorship levels and their accompanying benefits are outlined below.

Platinum

$1,000

Recognition as Platinum Sponsor
Reduced Mile/5K entry fee(s)
Promoted as Platinum sponsor in all publicity materials, including radio and television
Live radio interview
Prominent inclusion of company logo on event program, signage, and T-shirt
Name mention at event
Recognition on United Way of 1000 Lakes’ website with your logo and a link to your website

Gold

$500

Recognition as Gold Sponsor
Reduced Mile/5K entry fee(s)
Promoted as a Gold sponsor in all publicity materials, including radio and television
Prominent inclusion of company logo on event program, signage, and T-shirt
Name mention at event
Recognition on United Way of 1000 Lakes’ website

If you’re interested in sponsoring the Lumberjack Mile & 5K, or another event, email kimberly@uwlakes.org or call United Way at 218-999-7570.

On Saturday morning, runners (and walkers) should report to the Registration Tent at the Grand Rapids Public Utilities (500 SE 4th Street, Grand Rapids).

At check-in, participants will pick up their race packet. Same-day registration will also be available.

Schedule of Activities:

8 AM   Registration Opens with Digital Jake in the Zorbaz DJ Booth
9 AM  Race Begins
10 AM At the Finish Line, celebrate with us and Digital Jake in the Zorbaz DJ Booth, post-race snacks, and a cold beer compliments of Bemidji Brewing, Rapids Brewing Co., and Klockow Brewing Company.
10:30 AM   Presentation of Awards for top finishers in the mile and 5K divisions and “best dressed”
11 AM  Event Concludes

Route:
The race is chip timed. A clock will be posted at the start and finish for participants who wish to track their time. Restrooms, first aid, and water will be available on-site and along the route.

COURSE MAPS: 1-Mile  |  5K

Parking:
The Grand Rapids Public Utilities (500 SE 4th Street, Grand Rapids) lot will be reserved for lumberjack fun run participants between 8 and 11 a.m. Street parking is also available. Enter parking lot traveling east from Hwy 169.

What to Bring:
Please wear your lumberjack best, including closed-toed shoes. Best-dressed will take home bragging rights! If you’re running with your dog, please come prepared to clean up after your pup.

Virtual Division

Run Packets
Virtual participant packets with T-shirts will be mailed the week of September 12th, 2022.

Virtual Leaderboard
Virtual runners, walkers, and joggers can submit their times, as well as photos, to be placed on our virtual leaderboard. Final times will be shared on social media and in post-event communications. Submitting your time is optional. Those wishing to share their time should do so by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14th. Submit

Share
Virtual participants can get in on the action by sharing photos on social media with #LumberjackRun and #ChannelYourFlannel.

Grand Rapids Riverfest

For the third year, KAXE and the City of Grand Rapids are partnering together to present Grand Rapids Riverfest on Saturday, September 9, 2023. This year's lineup includes, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit along with Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and Dessa,

Learn More