The start of the racing season for many Northland long distance runners begins with the 9th running of the Ham Run Half Marathon, and it’s coming up fast with the Saturday, May 7 racing date a little more than one month away.
While it’s not a fast course— in the first three miles runners experience some rigorous uphill climbs—it is arguably the most scenic non-trail half marathon in Minnesota, with the finish line situated amongst the towering pines at the end of the Gunflint Trail.
For those who haven’t been able to get out and train through the winter, there will also be a 5K (3.1-mile) race, which isn’t usually as competitive as the half marathon. There will also be a Little Runts Run for children.
Once runners cross the finish line they will are invited to stay for post race festivities at the Way of the Wilderness Canoe Outfitters and the Trail’s End Café where there will be music and free food for race participants as well as massages. Nonracers are welcome to attend the meal and are encouraged to make a nominal donation for food.
Because the event is part of the Endurance Magazine’s Race without a Trace, runners are encouraged to leave no litter in their wake.
Entrants can pick up race packets from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 6 at the Cook County Community YMCA in Grand Marais. Come with a photo ID or if you can’t pick up your own packet, the person doing so must have a copy of your driver’s license or photo ID to show the race staff.
All runners must be checked in at Gunflint Pines Resort and Campground by 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. If you don’t have a ride to the start, shuttles will take runners and their gear from Grand Marais to the start of the race, and also take them back down at the end of the race. Shuttles will be available throughout the day.
Last year’s winner was Doug Rivard of Thunder Bay who finished with a time of 1:27:24. The first woman finisher was Debra Hultman of Ely who won with a time of 1:42:49. In 2014 Lutsen’s Ailee Larson finished first for the woman with a fine time of 1:35:35.
Proceeds from the race go to help pay YMCA memberships for those who can’t afford to pay the full cost (or any cost) to join the YMCA in Cook County.
To register online got to: www.cookcountyymca.org/healthyliving/ham-runhalf marathon/ or ask for a registration at the YMCA registration desk in Grand Marais.
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