Local News

Run Iron Mountain offers scenic races for all ages and abilities

IRON MOUNTAIN -- Lace up, hit the course and celebrate at one of the Upper Peninsula's most scenic and community-driven races.

The 14th-annual Run Iron Mountain returns Saturday, Sept. 26, taking runners from downtown Iron Mountain through the scenic roads and trails of Dickinson County while raising money for local charities.

The event will offer something for participants of all ages and abilities, with a half-marathon, three-person half-marathon relay, 10K, 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk.

The half-marathon and 10K will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K and 1-mile events at 9:15 a.m.

There will be a slight change to the start location this year, Run Iron Mountain Board Secretary Nikki Younk said.

Runners will line up on A Street next to the parking lot across from the Dickinson County Library; however, the finish line remains on Iron Mountain Street.

This year's course will remain relatively unchanged from previous years, offering some of the area's best-known scenery.

Younk said the course gives runners a chance to experience several different parts of the community during one race.

"We start in downtown Iron Mountain, go through the north side to the south side of Lake Antoine and go into the Fumee Lake Recreational Area," Younk said. "You get a really good taste of all of what the area has to offer, which is pretty cool."

The 1-mile fun run/walk will return for its second year after being added to the event lineup in 2025. Younk said the shorter race was well received last year.

"It was really popular with the kids -- they love competing," Younk said.

Organizers have also shared race flyers with local schools in an effort to encourage more young people and families to participate.

"We're really hoping for a good turnout," Younk said.

All participants in the 1-mile event will receive medals.

Half-marathon and half-marathon relay participants will also receive medals, while age-group awards will be presented in all races.

"This year's age-group award winners will receive special hats," Younk said.

Custom race bibs are returning this year, with chip-timed results provided by Superior Timing.

Several hydration stations will again be set up throughout the courses.

Registration is encouraged in advance and is available online at www.runironmountain.net through Friday, Sept. 25. Packet pickup will be Friday afternoon at Queen City Running Company, 426 S. Stephenson Ave., or Saturday morning at the starting line.

Anyone planning to register on race day is encouraged to arrive early.

Volunteers are also still needed to help with the event. Anyone interested can sign up through the Run Iron Mountain website.

This year's event will offer participants another reason to stick around downtown after the race.

Run Iron Mountain has partnered with the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority to host the race in conjunction with Oktoberfest.

Because the events take place at different times, families can run or walk in the morning and then return downtown for the afternoon for the festivities.

"We're excited to partner with the IM DDA; we think that'll make for a really fun day downtown," Younk said.

Run Iron Mountain runners and volunteers will receive half-off admission to Oktoberfest.

Organizers are also encouraging residents to come out and cheer on participants along the course.

For those tackling the half-marathon, the encouragement can be especially meaningful over the 13.1-mile course, Younk said.

"That's a long time and it can be grueling," she said. "Just seeing someone cheering you on, holding a sign or just saying, 'Way to go,' -- that really goes a long way to lift your spirits."

Organizers are hoping for good weather, but the race will go on rain or shine.

In preparation for race day, course maps will be provided to runners and volunteers.

The night before the event, several board members will bike the entire course, checking the route and marking it for participants.

Younk emphasized that organizing the annual event is a year-long effort involving the race director, board members and volunteers.

"It really is a group effort," Younk said. "The community itself comes out to help make this a success each year, and we can't thank everyone enough for their continued support."

That community support is also reflected in the race beneficiaries who receive proceeds from the event.

During its first 13 years, Run Iron Mountain has raised about $200,000 for local charities.

"We give everything back to the community," Younk said.

Following last year's race, nearly $10,000 was donated to each of its permanent charity partners Northwoods Airlifeline and the Dickinson County Cancer Unit Loan Closet.

"These non-profits also provide us with a lot of volunteers, which we are really grateful for," she said.

The organization also provides annual scholarships to graduating seniors.

"Race entries fees and sponsorships all go right back into local charities," Younk said.

Run Iron Mountain thanks its sponsors for the continued support to make the race an annual event. Sponsors include: Queen City Running Co., Protech Lube Center, The Drug Store, First Bank, Hall Orthodontics, Bacco Construction, First National Bank & Trust, Jacobson Heating and AC, Aloe Collective LLC, Gundlach Champion Inc., Danielson Insurance, Mariucci Family Foundation, Toro Company, Northern Star Industry (Systems Control), Billerud, Ride North, WE Energies Foundation, Advanta Print, Nelson Paint, Midwest Storage and Krist.

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.