Thumbs Up Run/Walk/Bike Event - 13th Annual

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!

Event Schedule

Thursday, September 17th, 2026

• Time: 4:00 - 7:00 PM: Early Packet Pickup
• Location: Ripple Effect Brewing Company - 14086 Northdale Blvd, Rogers, MN 55374
• Details: Pick up your race materials, purchase Thumbs Up merch, & enjoy great company with food and beverage at Ripple Effect!

Friday, September 18th, 2026

• Time: 4:00 - 7:00 PM: Early Packet Pickup
• Location: Lake Orono Park - 18599 Gary Street, Elk River, MN 55330
• Event: Chalk Party! Help us Chalk the Walk with positive messages & remembrance of our loved ones (chalk provided), plus enjoy a colorful treat with Mason's Sno & More!
• Note: REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 9:00 PM!

Saturday, September 19th, 2026

• Time: 7:00 - 8:30 AM: Same-Day Packet Pickup
• Time: 9:00 AM: Opening & Remembrance Ceremony
• Time: 9:25 AM: Keynote Speaker - Lindsey Young
• Time: 9:45 AM: Pre-Race Stretch with KPower Yoga
• Time: 10:00 AM: Races Begin
  • 10:00 AM - 5K & 10K Bike
  • 10:03 AM - 5K & 10K Run
  • 10:20 AM - 5K Walk
• Time: 11:00 AM: Festivities & Food Trucks
• Time: 11:15 AM: Top Finishers Award Ceremony
• Time: 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
• Time: 1:00 PM: Event Ends

Directions & Parking Information

• Event Location: Lake Orono Park – 18599 Gary Street, Elk River, MN 55330
• Parking: Free Parking is available at the Sherburne County Fairground Parking Lot: 18335 Joplin St NW, Elk River, MN 55330
• Carpool: Please try to carpool if you are able!

Youth Activities

• Activity: Youth Color Run (1/2K, 1K, & 1 Mile)
• Activity: Crazy Hair
• Feature: Face Painting by JoyFlower Face Painting
• Activity: Kindness Rocks by Plaisted Companies
• Activity: Mindfulness by Ms. Liz
• Feature: Playground area
• Feature: Splash Pad (weather dependent)

Food Trucks & Beverages

• On-Site Food Trucks:
  • A Spud Above
  • Chili Lime
  • Get Bizzy Cooking
  • Mac's Mini's
  • What's the Scoop?
  • Edge Bar & Boutique: Coffee Cart
• Water: Water Stations along the route

Activities & More Info

• Registration: 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
• Support: Grief Support & Bereavement Memorial Area
• Vendors: Mental Health & Wellness Vendors On-Site
• Veteran Memorial: Area sponsored by Hannay Electric 🇺🇸
• Event Feature: Caricatures by Creating Colucci
• Miniature Horses: by InterMission Horses
• Pets: Friendly dogs are welcome at the event and must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pets.