Since its inception, the organization has raised almost $200,000 for local charities.

Board Secretary Sarah Wolfenberg noted donations have averaged $20,000 to $30,000 each year.

The Dickinson County Cancer Unit Loan Closet was its first beneficiary and they have continued to support the important services the agency provides to area residents.

The group has since made several other donations, including Northwoods AirLifeline and most recently Kingsford Area Little League.

Katie Mendina of Norway took second in the 2024 2024 Run Iron Mountain Half Marathon. (Contributed photo)

Run Iron Mountain introduced the application process last year, which opened up donations to other non-profits.

“Members will then vote on those applicants, with the top two receiving the proceeds based on the percentage of vote,” Wolfenberg said.

The board also continues to support graduating seniors by offering annual scholarships.

Wolfenberg noted they were able to award $1,500 scholarships to three area graduates last year.

“We are extremely happy to be able to continue to be able to make these contributions through the help of participants and sponsorships,” she said.

Run Iron Mountain offers several distance options for runners of all levels.

This year’s race lineup includes a half-marathon, a three-person half-marathon relay, a 10K, a 5K and a 1-mile fun run/walk event.

As in the past, runners can enjoy the scenic landscapes throughout Dickinson County.

“The new course has been mapped out for the half-marathon,” she noted. “All courses can be viewed on the website.”

The 1-mile fun run/walk is a new addition. “We did this to encourage younger or older spectators to get involved,” Wolfenberg said. “We have many young people watching their parents take part with their grandparents, and several saying, ‘If you had only a one-mile, I could do it.'”

The races will start and finish in front of the Dickinson County Library on Iron Mountain Street in downtown Iron Mountain.

The half-marathon and 10K begins at 9 a.m., with the 5K and 1-mile events to follow at 9:15 a.m.

Organizers have brought back their custom bibs for the chip-timed results.

Wolfenberg said they will be awarding some great-looking medals this year.

Participants can register online at www.runironmountain.net through Friday, Sept. 19. Packet pick-up will be at Queen City Running Company at 426 S. Stephenson Ave.

“We currently have 209 signed up, and with the last minute registrations we are expecting to reach about 400,” Wolfenberg said, noting last year they drew more than 365 participants.

New this year, they will give out free nutrition gel packs to runners about the half-way point on the course.

“There again will be several hydration stations set up throughout the courses,” she added.

A post-race celebration, with music by Mr. Black, will take place in the Iron Mountain parking lot across from the downtown stage. They will have food trucks set up in the area as well to purchase lunch.

Those not taking part can still get involved by volunteering. “We are currently in need of course directors — anyone can do it,” Wolfenberg said, adding, “The more the merrier.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can fill out forms that are available on the website.

The group will continue to accept “goodies” or promotional materials for the Run Iron Mountain swag bags through Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Run Iron Mountain thanks its sponsors for the continued support to make the race an annual event.

Sponsors include: Premium sponsor — Mariucci Family Foundation; Platinum sponsors — John Fornetti Dental Center; Gold sponsors — Erickson Jewelers, Mr. Black Presents, M.J. Electric, First Bank, The Drug Store, Trident Maritime Systems, Bacco Construction Co., Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson, First National Bank & Trust and Midwest Mini Storage & Movers; Silver sponsors — Superior Health Foundation, Nicolet National Bank, Pro Tech Lube Center, Paul Fornetti Dentistry, Krist Oil, Northern Star Industries Inc., Bill Neuens Enterprises Inc., LiUNA Local 1329, Upper Michigan Energy Resources in partnership with We Energies Foundation, BOSS Snowplow, Ride North-Kingsford, Queen City Running Company, We Energies, Town & Country Sales, Danielson Insurance and Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Homes Inc.

Everyone is encouraged to come out to cheer on the runners and spend time downtown for post-race activities.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.