Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Lake run kicks off Wakefield celebration

By JEAN NORDINE

jnnordine@yourdailyglobe.com

Wakefield - For the third year in a row the Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the Sunday Lake Run/Walk which kicks off Wakefield's 4th of July celebration.

This is the 41st year of the run/walk. It's been a fundraiser for different groups over the years, but has always been a staple to the morning of the Fourth of July.

According to Diane Oliver, race volunteer, the emphasis is family fun. Due to the relatively short distance of 2.8 miles and flat surface, the race can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

"It's a fun way to start out the day," said Oliver.

The race will begin and finish at the new pavilion by the dam, with participants running or walking counterclockwise around Sunday Lake.

Volunteers will man two water stations along the course. The expected forecast calls for 86 degrees.

Oliver said the sponsors "make the race." Monies collected from area sponsors are earmarked to pay for T-shirts and awards. Each sponsor has their name listed on the back of the shirt.

Race day registration will be between 6:45 and 7:45 a.m., with the race starting at 8 sharp.

Medals will be awarded for overall and master's division winners, along with first, second and third places in 17 different age categories.

There are also medals for top places in the stroller and wheelchair divisions.

The Kiwanis Club has received close to 80 pre-registrations, but anticipate 125-plus additional participants the morning of. This is a lower estimate since the 4th of July is mid-week. In previous years when the holiday fell on a weekend the race participants swelled to more than 250.

All race proceeds go to supporting children's activities within the community.

Wakefield - For the third year in a row the Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the Sunday Lake Run/Walk which kicks off Wakefield's 4th of July celebration.

This is the 41st year of the run/walk. It's been a fundraiser for different groups over the years, but has always been a staple to the morning of the Fourth of July.

According to Diane Oliver, race volunteer, the emphasis is family fun. Due to the relatively short distance of 2.8 miles and flat surface, the race can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

"It's a fun way to start out the day," said Oliver.

The race will begin and finish at the new pavilion by the dam, with participants running or walking counterclockwise around Sunday Lake.

Volunteers will man two water stations along the course. The expected forecast calls for 86 degrees.

Oliver said the sponsors "make the race." Monies collected from area sponsors are earmarked to pay for T-shirts and awards. Each sponsor has their name listed on the back of the shirt.

Race day registration will be between 6:45 and 7:45 a.m., with the race starting at 8 sharp.

Medals will be awarded for overall and master's division winners, along with first, second and third places in 17 different age categories.

There are also medals for top places in the stroller and wheelchair divisions.

The Kiwanis Club has received close to 80 pre-registrations, but anticipate 125-plus additional participants the morning of. This is a lower estimate since the 4th of July is mid-week. In previous years when the holiday fell on a weekend the race participants swelled to more than 250.

All race proceeds go to supporting children's activities within the community.