The Dickinson County Cancer Unit Loan Closet and Northwoods Airlifeline each were awarded $9,860.25.

“For me, this event is about community,” Run Iron Mountain Board Vice President Joe Pacheco said. “These two non-profits provide valuable services at no cost, it’s so important they have our support.”

Since its inception in 2012, the organization has raised more than $200,000 for area non-profits.

In addition, they awarded $4,500 in scholarship funds to Dickinson County high school graduates in 2025.

Run Iron Mountain board members Joe Pacheco, Sarah Wolfenberg and Nikki Younk prepare for the 2026 event to take place Sept. 26. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

This year, a total of $24,220.50 was donated.

“It’s a pretty big deal,” Board Treasurer Sarah Wolfenberg said. “Everything we raise goes right back into the community.”

The Dickinson County Cancer Unit Loan Closet was the group’s first beneficiary and has continued annually.

“The Cancer Loan Closet thanks the Run Iron Mountain group, as well as all the sponsors, runners, volunteers and spectators. Without you all, we wouldn’t have donations like this,” CULC President Diane Schabo said. “Right now, we can surely use it.”

Schabo noted that are currently seeing price increases in products, which makes funding go quickly.

“We thank the whole community for everything they do for us,” she added.

Tom Sullivan of Northwoods Airlifeline noted as a non-profit they know first-hand how much work it is to raise money.

“The fact that they do it and hand it back to other organizations is awesome,” Sullivan said. “We are on a path to run 200 to 300 flights this year now. Obviously, there is substantial cost with that.”

“We thank everyone who contributed to make this happen,” he added.

Run Iron Mountain Secretary Nikki Younk noted they had a record number of participants this year, drawing a total of 422 racers.

She attributes the increase to the addition of the 1-mile run, which was added to the 2025 event.

“It turned out to be very popular,” Younk said. “We are really looking to expand on that for this year’s event.”

The Run Iron Mountain race line-up included a half-marathon, a three-person half-marathon relay, a 10K, a 5K and a 1-mile fun run/walk event. The course takes participants downtown Iron Mountain, around Lake Antoine and to the Fumee Lake Natural Area.

“We have a really unique race, it has both road and trail running elements — it has something for everybody,” she said. “You get a taste of the best of what Dickinson County has to offer with this race.”

Run Iron Mountain has partnered with the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority to host the event on Sept. 26, in conjunction with Oktoberfest.

“We are looking for it to be a really fun all-day event for everyone,” Younk said. “You can run in the morning and come back to enjoy Oktoberfest.”

Younk encourages everyone to take part. “We are excited for people to come in and experience it,” she added. “It’s an event that the whole family can participate in.”

Run Iron Mountain is seeking volunteers for the 2026 race.

“Everyone in this community can get behind it, not only to enter, but give of your time,” Pacheco said. “That is key to keeping this community event going and continuing to give back to those serving our community.”

“We could give away more money if we could make the race larger, but we can’t do it without volunteers,” added Wolfenberg.

Sullivan said this is the perfect opportunity to those wishing to contribute to an organization that supports them without writing a check.

Anyone interested can contact either charity to sign up or reach out to a Run Iron Mountain member.

For more information about Run Iron Mountain, go to the website at www.runironmountain.net.

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