The Ham Run Half Marathon
May 3, 2009
The 2nd Ham Run Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run are done. May 3, 2009 was a beautiful day for a run on the Gunflint Trail, the trail less travelled. The sun was shining, the temperature was in the mid 50's and the wind presented an extra challenge for those top notch athletes who participated in the challenging and hilly Ham Run Half Marathon. The finish times were excellent and now that the course is certified runners will be able to compare their performance with other similar races.
However, from what I'm told, there isn't another race like the Ham Run out there. The wilderness, solitude and beauty of the Gunflint Trail offer a route in a league of its own. Two timber wolves were the first runners on the course followed by a moose at a much slower pace. Eagles soared overhead at the finish line while loons yodeled their victory call to the participants. The rugged terrain may not be suitable for everyone but all of the 2009 runners conquered the hills and completed their journey to the end of the Trail.
As a Leave No Trace event recognized by Endurance Magazine race organizers had a duty to be as green as possible. That they did with only filling two large trash bags of real garbage. That real garbage consisted of dinnerware that was green and made from recycled materials including plates, napkins, forks, spoons, and knives. The cups were made from corn and the rest of the "garbage" was recycled or composted. The Co-Race Director was spotted picking through each bag of refuse to make sure not a plastic bottle, aluminum can or banana peel went into the garbage. Cardboard & paper, orange peels and more were all sorted and sent to the proper place. The re-usable cloth bibs were collected at the end of the race and each participant was encouraged to take a tree sapling or two to offset their carbon footprint. Transportation and shuttles were provided throughout the day and banners and posters are saved to be used again in the future. T-shirts made from recycled material along with re-usable green shopping bags were given to the participants for their goody bag with only the minimal literature provided. Runners were encouraged to rummage through their bag and remove what they didn't want so the catalogs or flyers could be given back to the respective business or be recycled. The Ham Run only used online registration and didn't send any paper to participants through the mail. The green efforts were extensive and applauded by all.
A big thank you goes out to all of the participants of the Ham Run Half-Marathon, 5k Fun Run and Little Runts Run. What a great group of energetic athletes. Their upbeat attitudes made the Ham Run a ton of fun. They along with the incredible Volunteers and sponsors made the Ham Run a safe and fabulous event.
Special thanks go to the generous sponsors.
- Pig Pen- Grand Marais State Bank
- Wild Boars- The Lake Superior Trading Post, Christie Printing, Wenonah Canoe, Northern Wilds, Bernick's Pepsi, Gunflint Trail Association and Threads
- Piglets- Coldwell Banker North Shore, Como Oil and Propane, Arrowhead Electric, Upper Lakes Foods and My Sister's Place Restaurant.
- Hosts and Presenters- Upper Shore Center for Athletics and Fitness, Gunflint Pines Resort, Seagull Creek Fishing Camp, Way of the Wilderness, Trail's End Band, Tuscarora and Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.
- Cooperating Entities- The USFS, Cook County Highway Department, MN DNR, Border Patrol, Cook County Sheriff's Department and the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
There were so many people who gave of their time and support both before and during the event. Thanks go to my friends, family, the volunteers, the participants, the residents of the Gunflint Trail and the entire community. We hope to see you all on the Trail Less Traveled at next year's Ham Run on Sunday, May 2nd, 2010.
The Ham Run offers a unique opportunity to run in a remote area through the Superior National Forest and adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. With each step you take you will be part of the natural world along the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway. Spring is a time of re-birth and growth and a run is a perfect way to celebrate all Mother Nature has given us. There are very few places on the earth as beautiful as the Gunflint Trail and there is no other race course like it in the world. We invite you to join us on this journey as we partake in the Ham Run Half Marathon.
Run the Trail Less Traveled...
A Green Race during the Gunflint Green Up - The Ham Run Half Marathon is proud to be a member of the Green Team and Endurance Magazine's Race without a Trace. Changing the world one step at a time by implementing environmentally friendly practices at our running event.
"Thanks for putting on a great race...The trail is a great venue for a run...The volunteers were great. Love the T-shirts!" Matt-Participant
