The route of the Ham Run Half Marathon is the same this year as in the past, however, the celebration surrounding the marathon is seeing some positive changes.
Cook County YMCA Executive Director Emily Marshall said she is happy to announce that the pre-race pasta feed will be back this year, hosted by the Gunflint Lodge. The pre-race celebration will be at Gunflint Lodge on Friday, May 6 from 4 – 8 p.m.
Runners can pick up race packets at the YMCA or at Gunflint Lodge this year.
The race itself will once again finish at the Trail’s End, but a new post-race celebration is being planned, said Marshall. Upon completion of the race, racers and spectators will be shuttled back to Gunflint Lodge for a delicious meal, awards, and youth activities including the Little Runts Run.
Marshall said having the post-race celebration at the lodge will allow for higher quality and more food and beverage options as well as a warm, comfortable space to host the awards ceremony.
In addition to being one of the main sponsors of the event Gunflint Lodge is also offering lodging packages for racers.
Marshall said, “The Cook County YMCA never turns anyone away for the inability to pay and provides around $40,000 in scholarships to make sure everyone has access to programs and services.”
She noted that with the help of the Gunflint Lodge and other sponsors and volunteer groups such as the Gunflint Fire Department, Big Bear Lodge, BWARC, MN Power, Gunflint Pines, Lake Superior Trading Post, Great River Energy, Grand Marais State Bank, Northern Wilds, and Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, the race is anticipated to raise around $10,000. “These funds will primarily be used for camp scholarships to help reduce the cost to families that need school-age childcare over the summer,” said Marshall.
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