Skip to main content

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

Date:
Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Location:
Gary Street
Elk River, Minnesota
55330
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Links:
thumbsupformentalhealth.org Register at raceroster.com
Tags:
10k 5k Cycling Run Virtual Walk

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!

Thursday, September 17th, 2026

  • 4:00 - 7:00 PM: Early Packet Pickup

  • Location: Ripple Effect Brewing Company - 14086 Northdale Blvd, Rogers, MN 55374

  • Pick up your race materials, purchase Thumbs Up merch, & enjoy great company with food and beverage at Ripple Effect!

Friday, September 18th, 2026

  • 4:00 - 7:00 PM: Early Packet Pickup

  • Location: Lake Orono Park - 18599 Gary Street, Elk River, MN 55330

  • Chalk Party! Help us Chalk the Walk with positive messages & remembrance of our loved ones (chalk provided), plus enjoy dinner with a food truck yet to be announced!

  • REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 9:00 PM!

Saturday, September 19th, 2026

  • 7:00 - 8:30 AM: Same-Day Packet Pickup

  • 9:00 AM: Opening & Remembrance Ceremony

  • 9:25 AM: Keynote Speaker - Lindsey Young

  • 9:45 AM: Pre-Race Stretch

  • 10:00 AM: Races Begin

  • 10:00 AM - 5K & 10K Bike

  • 10:03 AM - 5K & 10K Run

  • 10:20 AM - 5K Walk

  • 11:00 AM: Festivities & Food Trucks

  • 11:15 AM: Top Finishers Award Ceremony

  • 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

  • 1:00 PM: Event Ends

Directions & Parking Information

  • Event Location: Lake Orono Park – 18599 Gary Street, Elk River, MN 55330

  • Free Parking is available at the Sherburne County Fairground Parking Lot: 18335 Joplin St NW, Elk River, MN 55330

  • Please try to carpool if you are able!

Youth Activities

  • Youth Color Run (1/2K, 1K, & 1 Mile)

  • Crazy Hair

  • Face Painting

  • Kindness Rocks by Plaisted Companies

  • Mindfulness by Ms. Liz

  • Playground area

  • Splash Pad (weather dependent)

Food Trucks & Beverages

  • Food Trucks Available On-Site - To be announced soon!

  • Water Stations along the route

Activities & More Info

  • 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

  • Grief Support & Bereavement Memorial Area

  • Mental Health & Wellness Vendors On-Site

  • Veteran Memorial Area sponsored by Hannay Electric 🇺🇸

  • Caricatures by Creating Colucci

  • Miniature Horses by InterMission Horses

  • Friendly dogs are welcome at the event and must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pets.

THE THUMBS UP MOVEMENT

Thumbs Up was founded in 2014 by several community members in honor of two great men, Bob Schmit and Chuck Dahlheimer, who, like many others, took their lives after living in silence from a mental illness. Thumbs Up is all about EMBRACING those struggling and breaking the stigma around mental health, connecting, supporting, and encouraging one another to talk about their feelings and challenges and to "KEEP MOVING FORWARD."

We are dedicated to educating and teaching about mental illness, the warning signs of suicide, what you can do to help others who struggle, and community awareness initiatives.

So, let's UNITE to help others to KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

MISSION STATEMENT

Bringing awareness to mental health and providing support and resources to all.

#KEEPMOVINGFORWARD

More races nearby

  • Dash and Dine 5K [secure.rec1.com] [Register at raceroster.com]

    Sat, May 30, 2026 at 9:30 AM

    Description

    Get ready for summer with a full day of fun at Elmcrest Park!

    Lace up for the Dash and Dine 5K in partnership with the Ramsey Community Foundation, then stick around for Kites and Bites, cohosted...

    Get ready for summer with a full day of fun at Elmcrest Park!

    Lace up for the Dash and Dine 5K in partnership with the Ramsey Community Foundation, then stick around for Kites and Bites, cohosted with the Ramsey Lions Club, featuring kites, yard games, inflatables, food trucks, and more. Whether you are a runner, kite flyer, or just here for the bites and the vibes, this family-friendly day has something for everyone.

    Whether you're a runner, a food truck enthusiast, or both, this event is a fantastic way to challenge yourself, connect with the community, and enjoy a great meal! The race will take place on a USATF certified 5K course at Elmcrest Park that winds through scenic trails, open fields, and local neighborhoods, featuring some slight rolling hills. This course is perfect for both seasoned runners and first-timers alike.

    All runners will receive a $10 meal voucher for one of the food trucks, those who register by April 13 will receive a race shirt. Plus, the overall top male and female finishers in addition to the top male and female in each age group will receive an award. Age group categories are: 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.


    Fee Schedule:

    Registration Dates

    Cost

    T-shirt Included?

    Feb 16 - March 8

    $45

    Yes

    March 9 - April 26

    $50

    Yes

    April 27 - May 29

    $50

    No, unless extras remain

    Same Day Registration

    $55

    No, unless extras remain


    NEW THIS YEAR:

    Ramsey Community Foundation as official Nonprofit Partner

    The Ramsey Community Foundation is committed to building meaningful connections and promoting a thriving community by enriching our city through impactful social and cultural experiences. Guided by this mission, we work to enhance public spaces through thoughtful and engaging public art that will reflect the character and values of our city.

    The foundation has a long history of supporting projects that strengthen Ramsey when tax dollars aren't available. For nearly 20 years, the Ramsey Community Foundation has partnered with residents, local organizations and the City to launch initiatives that create lasting community impacts. Many residents may recognize our role in launching the Concerts at The Draw, early community garden efforts, Heart Safe Ramsey, and Ramsey’s new Farmers Market this summer.

    We are currently fundraising towards a public art installation at The Waterfront, Ramsey’s new water play project. This highly anticipated community space will serve as a central gathering place for local and visiting residents. Families, friends and, neighbors will be able to come together for active play while also enjoying the beauty of our city. Incorporating public art into The Waterfront will elevate the space beyond its recreational purpose. This will foster creativity, civic pride, and a strong sense of connection.

    Support for this project directly contributes to the transformation of our shared public spaces into places of memorable beauty. This art installation will stand as a lasting investment into Ramsey’s future by enhancing our artistic landscape and providing meaningful experiences for generations to come.

    During registration, runners may choose to fundraise on behalf of the Ramsey Community Foundation or make an optional one-time donation. Participation in the race does not require fundraising or a donation.

    Through your support, we can continue our commitment in creating a vibrant, connected and thriving community.

    14.9 km from Elk River
    Quicksilver Street Northwest, Ramsey, Minnesota, 55303, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k Run Trail

  • Riverfest 1 Mile & 5k [runsignup.com]

    Sat, Jul 11, 2026 at 7:30 AM

    Description

    Join us for a 1 Mile and/or 5k Run/Walk on River St along the Mississippi River in Monticello, MN! Started in 1976 as a bicentennial celebration, Riverfest is yearly celebration bringing the city of...

    Join us for a 1 Mile and/or 5k Run/Walk on River St along the Mississippi River in Monticello, MN! Started in 1976 as a bicentennial celebration, Riverfest is yearly celebration bringing the city of Monticello together for many festivities. One of which is a race Saturday morning, which has both a one mile and a 5k option.

    For more information, check out the Riverfest Website and Riverfest Facebook page.

    16.1 km from Elk River
    107 River St, Monticello, Minnesota, 55362, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    1 Miles 5k Run Walk

  • Jim Deane Rice Lake Run [runsignup.com]

    Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Description

    Register now for the 29th annual Jim Deane Rice Lake Run. Held each year during Maple Grove Days, this annual 3.7 mile race loops around scenic Rice Lake in Maple Grove. With our $15 entry fee (which includes a t-shirt, chip timing, awards and refreshments) this run is one of the best values around!

    Sign up today and help us celebrate several decades of running strong.

    24.2 km from Elk River
    8585 Rice Lake Road, Maple Grove, Minnesota, 55369, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    3.7 Miles Run

  • Big Lake Graniteman Triathlon [activecentralmn.org] [Register at runsignup.com]

    Sat, Aug 01, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Description

    Big Lake Graniteman is one of Minnesota’s favorite triathlons. Offering sprint and Olympic distance triathlons in early August, the event is held at Lakeside Park, just 30 minutes from the Twin...

    Big Lake Graniteman is one of Minnesota’s favorite triathlons. Offering sprint and Olympic distance triathlons in early August, the event is held at Lakeside Park, just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities and St. Cloud. Participants swim in the clean and clear waters of Big Lake, enjoy one of the flattest and fastest bike rides in the state, and enjoy a lakeside run that starts and finishes in the park.

    13.1 km from Elk River
    101 Lakeshore Drive, Big Lake, Minnesota, 55309, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    Run Swim Triathlon

  • St. Michael Daze and Knights 5k and Youth Color Daze Run [runsignup.com]

    Sat, Aug 08, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Description

    Come celebrate St. Michael Daze and Knights weekend with a 5k to start your Saturday. This year's 5k will follow the same route as past year's but will change from a Color Run to a chip timed 5k....

    Come celebrate St. Michael Daze and Knights weekend with a 5k to start your Saturday. This year's 5k will follow the same route as past year's but will change from a Color Run to a chip timed 5k. This fun 5k is for all levels - the competitive runners as well as those pushing strollers or being pulled by dogs. And for the people who really want to get pummeled with colored powder, we still have a race for you. The youth Color Daze Run will begin right after the 5k finishes.

    11.1 km from Elk River
    11800 Town Center Dr. NE, Saint Michael, Minnesota, 55376, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k Run

More races nearby →

Local running event organizers

See all organizations →
Like Wikipedia, anyone can contribute. Sign up to add your local events.