Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux (118), shown competing in a local race, voted in favor, along with the rest of the city council, of allowing the Voyage North 5k/10k to use city streets for the upcoming June running races. At the meeting Arrowsmith DeCoux expressed interest in running in either the 5k or 10k event if his schedule would allow.
Do you need a nice tune-up race for Grandma’s Marathon or Garry Bjorklund half marathon? Or maybe you require some inspiration to keep you training through what looks to be a cold spring.
Either way, the first annual Voyage North 5k or 10k events sponsored by Voyageur Brewing Company and Visit Cook County might be the ticket for you.
The races will be held June 9, at 11 a.m. with runners taking off from the Coast Guard Station and finishing at Voyageur Brewing.
The 5k route will take runners up Broadway Avenue to Wisconsin Street where they will take a left and run into and through the Grand Marais campground. Coming up out of the campground, runners will cross Highway 61 to 8th Avenue west and pushing up the hill to County Road 7. From there contestants will take a right and trek to Broadway Avenue, then downhill to W 2nd where they take a right turn to 3rd Ave. W. and finish at the bottom of the hill at Voyageur Brewing.
Whew!
Runners in the 10k (6.2 miles) will make their way along Highway 61 to the Lampson Road (3), running up the one-mile gravel road to County Road 7 where they will take a right and finish the same way the 5k runners finished.
These events are designed for competitive and recreational runners who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of Grand Marais. The Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior will provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable run.
According to the race coordinator, Casey Fitchett, the race course will take runners past popular Grand Marais businesses and attractions, including The World’s Best Donuts, North House Folk School, and through the popular municipal campground. Along the course, there will be a few special treats and surprises for the participants.
Event organizers want to showcase all of the unique and wonderful places in Grand Marais, as well as promote physical fitness. The side streets in the area offer hidden gems, such as the Art Colony and Betsy Bowen’s Studio. The trails for hiking and biking along with the hills in Grand Marais make it the perfect place to train for other events, or just have fun. It’s much easier to run when you’re breathing the fresh air and gazing at the open expanse of Lake Superior.
Parking for runners will be available at Artist’s Point, Voyageur Brewing Company, and around town. Currently there are no road closures although if registration exceeds 100, a closure of Wisconsin Street may be considered, depending upon recommendation from Cook County Highway Engineer Krysten Foster.
Participants will be treated to a free beer and live music. If registered by May 9, the cost is $30 for the 5k and $35 for the 10k. After May 9, the 5k price is $35, and the 10k price is $40. Registration information can be found at https:// www.voyageurbrewing.com/voyage-north-race/ or email casey@voyageurbrewing.com
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