John Jarvi Memorial Run returns Saturday

By ZACHARY MARANO

zmarano@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood — After being canceled two years in a row because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the John Jarvi Jr. Memorial Run is returning to Ironwood on Saturday morning.

The race is being organized by Luther L. Wright High School cross country coach Benjamin Schmandt. He also teaches math and social studies at LLW.

“(The run) is done in memory of John Jarvi Jr., a good man and influential person in the community,” Schmandt said. “He was a Little Leaguer’s hero. He touched many lives with his leadership and sense of humor. He was a kindhearted, hard-working leader who cared about youth and the community. He lost his fight with brain cancer back in 1996.”

Registration will be open from 7-8 a.m. on Saturday at Main Street Fitness in Ironwood. The 10K race and the 5K race/run will both start at 8:30. The runners will head to Norrie Park, where the 5K group will turn around and the 10K group will continue to the ABR Trails. Both groups will finish in front of Main Street Fitness.

According to the race entry form, trophies will be given to the top overall male and female runners and awards will be presented to the top two runners in each age division.

After all the racers are back at the gym, there will be a free “tot trot” race and free prize raffles.

Registration is open to the day of the race, with a discount on entry fees for members of the Upper Peninsula Road Runners Club.

All proceeds from the race will go to support the Ironwood high school and middle school boys and girls cross-country teams.