13th Annual Thumbs Up 5K & 10K Run/Walk/Bike Event!
Schedule
Sat Sep 19 2026 at 07:00 am to 01:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
18599 Gary St NW, Elk River, MN 55330, United States | Elk River, MN
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We can't wait to see you on Saturday, September 19th, 2026!Thank you to our Title Sponsor, First Bank Elk River, for supporting our 13th Annual Event!
The 13th Annual Thumbs Up 5K & 10K Run/Walk/Bike Event is a community-focused race on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Lake Orono Park in Elk River, Minnesota. It offers participants the option to run, walk, or bike a paved 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles) course that winds through scenic areas, including the William H. Houlton Conservation Area, Lake Orono Dam, and beautiful views of Lake Orono. A Youth Color fun run and youth activities are also planned alongside the 5K and 10K events. (Ages 3-12 years old)
The event originated in October 2014 after several community members lost loved ones to suicide. Its primary mission is to raise awareness for mental health, support families affected by suicide loss, and create a safe space for open conversations and seeking help. It combines fitness with a meaningful cause, fostering community resilience and hope.
Registration for the 2026 event is set to open on April 1st. The day includes festivities such as food trucks, youth races, and a positive, uplifting atmosphere centered on the “Community” theme of encouragement and support.
EARLY PACKET PICK UP INFO:
Thursday, September 17th, 2026
4:00 - 7:00 PM: Early Packet Pickup
Location TBD
Pick up your race materials, purchase Thumbs Up merch, & enjoy great company with food and beverage!
Friday, September 18th, 2026
4:00 - 7:00 PM: Early Packet Pickup – Lake Orono Park
Address: 18599 Gary Street, Elk River, MN 55330
Chalk Party! Help us Chalk the Walk with positive messages & remembrance of our loved ones (chalk provided), plus enjoy dinner with a food truck yet to be announced!
REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 9:00 PM!
RACE DAY DETAILS:
Saturday, September 19th, 2026
7:00 - 8:30 AM: Same-Day Packet Pickup
9:00 AM: Opening & Remembrance Ceremony
9:25 AM: Keynote Speaker - Lindsey Young
9:45 AM: Pre-Race Stretch
10:00 AM: Races Begin
10:00 AM - 5K & 10K Bike
10:03 AM - 5K & 10K Run
10:20 AM - 5K Walk
11:00 AM: Festivities & Food Trucks
11:15 AM: Top Finishers Award Ceremony
11:45 AM: Youth Color Run, sponsored by Elk Dental Center
Ages 3-5: 1/2K
Ages 6-8 :1K
Ages 9-12: 1 mile
1:00 PM: Event Ends
Directions & Parking Information:
Event Location: Lake Orono Park – 18599 Gary Street, Elk River, MN 55330
Free Parking is available at the Sherburne County Fairground Parking Lot: 18335 Joplin St NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Please try to carpool if you are able!
Youth Activities:
- Youth Color Run (1/2K, 1K, & 1 Mile)
- Crazy Hair
- Face Painting
- Kindness Rocks by Plaisted Companies
- Mindfulness by Ms. Liz
- Playground area
- Splash Pad (weather dependent)
Food Trucks & Beverages:
- Food Trucks Available On-Site
- Water Stations along the route
Activities & More Info:
- Register by August 23rd, 2026 to be guaranteed a participant t-shirt with your registration fee
- Memory Tree - Bring a photo of your loved one to be displayed
- Grief Support & Bereavement Memorial Area
- Mental Health & Wellness Vendors On-Site
- Veteran Memorial Area sponsored by Hannay Electric 🇺🇸
- Caricatures by Creating Colucci
- Miniature Horses by InterMission Horses
- Friendly dogs are welcome at the event and must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pets.
THE THUMBS UP MOVEMENT
Thumbs Up was founded in 2014 by several community members in honor of two great men, Bob Schmit and Chuck Dahlheimer, who, like many others, took their lives after living in silence from a mental illness. Thumbs Up is all about EMBRACING those struggling and breaking the stigma around mental health, connecting, supporting, and encouraging one another to talk about their feelings and challenges and to "KEEP MOVING FORWARD."
MISSION STATEMENT
Bringing awareness to mental health and providing support and resources to all.
#KEEPMOVINGFORWARD
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Where is it happening?
18599 Gary St NW, Elk River, MN 55330, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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