More Ham Please

     The snow is melting, the ice is thinning and things on the Gunflint Trail are greening up.  There’s still time to be a part of the Gunflint Green Up and participate in the Ham Run Half Marathon or 5k Fun Run on May 4th.  It doesn’t matter if you are fast or slow all that matters is you want to have fun.  Registration for the Ham Run has been extended until April 27th, so there is still time to sign up.   Registration information can be found on the website(www.hamrunhalfmarathon.com) or at Active.com by searching Ham Run. 

 

     Race participants will experience awesome service and scenery during the Ham Run Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run.  Beginning at Gunflint Pines Resort and Campground runners will follow the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway to the end of the Gunflint Trail.  Six aid stations with medical personnel, water and porta potties will be available throughout the race course.  Certified traffic control volunteers, the Boundary Waters Amateur Ham Radio Club, and the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department along with other local departments will do their best to provide a fun and safe event.

 

     The fun doesn’t begin or end with the run.  It begins on Saturday, May 3rd at 10:00 AM when participants can pick up race materials at the Lake Superior Trading Post.  Runners will be able to enjoy a complimentary pasta feed at the Birch Terrace on Saturday beginning at 5:00 PM.  The public is welcome to eat for a nominal charge.  After the race runners will be treated to a lunch, live music provided by the Trail’s End Band and massages from local massage therapists.  Don’t forget the special awards program where all participants will receive a lasting gift.  There’s plenty of fun to be found for non-participants before, after and even during the run.

 

     Volunteers are needed to help at aid stations and cheer runners on.  Spectators are welcome but due to road closures everyone is advised to check the website for parking, viewing and transportation options.  The race starts at 10:00 AM on County Road 50,

South Gunflint Lake Road

, where participants will travel out to the Gunflint Trail and continue to the Trail’s End Café.   Road closures will be in place from approximately 9:45AM-1:30PM when both traffic lanes will be opened.  As runners make their way up the Trail the road will be opened up behind them.

 

     The Ham Run has received the approval of green race promoters, Race without a Trace.  Only races that go above and beyond the normal efforts to be green are recognized with this distinction.  In order to qualify race directors have purchased reusable bibs, organic cotton clay dyed t-shirts, eco-friendly race bags and reusable cups for the aid stations made from a corn by-product.  These are just a few of the ways the Ham Run has earned its Race without a Trace distinction.

 

     You won’t want to miss out on this special inaugural event.  Come cheer for the runners, travel the beautiful Gunflint Trail and experience some Gunflint Trail hospitality during the Ham Run Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run on Sunday, May 4th, 2008.