A true community event

• Knife River Solstice Run/Walk

At last Saturday’s 16th annual Knife River Solstice Run/Walk, about 80 participants and 30 volunteers helped make the event a success. Submitted photo

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Communities do support their own.

That was quite evident last Saturday at the 16th annual Knife River Solstice Run/Walk when about 80 participants and 30 volunteers came together to make the event a success.

“The whole town (Knife River) gets shut down,” said Kelly Faughnan, event director.

The event is a fund-raiser for the Knife River Recreation Council.

The group helps maintain a tennis court, playground, recreation hall, ball fields, basketball court, community beach and many youth programs.

The group does get funds from the county board, but Faughnan said the group needs more money to stay afloat.

About $750 was raised at the event.

“Funds are also used to provide recreational opportunities for our community members, such as tennis lessons, all-comers sports nights and day camps in the summer and an ice rink in the winter,” Faughnan said.

At the event, people of all ages participated in either a two-mile walk or a five-kilometer run. Awards were given for categories between ages 0 and 60 and over.

Local businesses also helped with the cause with monetary contributions, along with prizes and gift giveaways.

Among the contributors include the Two Harbors Federal Credit Union, The Lake Bank, Larsmont Cottages, Marina View Townhome Association, Bernick’s, Super One, McDonald’s and Pamida.

For more information about the Knife River Recreation Center and Council, visit www.kniferiverreccenter.org.

The overall results include:

Category, name, city, time

Two mile walk winners

Men

Overall: Herb Dillon, Duluth, 24.34.28

40-49: Chris Skadberg, Knife River, 26.18.17

50-59: Harley Hanson, Duluth, 29.53.71

Women

Overall: Lucy Grina, Two Harbors, 26.19.77

20-29: Sarah Simon, Duluth, 38.34.28

30-39: Paula Meier, Duluth, 28.28.00

40-49: Nancy Hinzmann, Duluth, 28.26.49

50-59: Susan Sederberg, Duluth, 34.06.70

60 plus: Bonita Nelson, Duluth, 38.36.95

5K run winners

Men

Overall: Garron Torma, Duluth, 17.48.50

0-12: Karl Keeler, Shoreview, 29.55.43

13-19: Devon Hollinday, Duluth, 27.17.28

20-29: Steve Fosness, Knife River, 24.46.40

30-39: Dave Schuneman, Duluth, 18.25.14

40-49: Gordon Linn, Duluth, 23.03.88

50-59: Gary Black, Duluth, 22.21.95

60 plus: Allen Porter, Bonduel, Wis., 35.02.56

Women

Overall: Kathleen Monaghan, Duluth, 19.05.65

0-12: Haley Hoops, Two Harbors, 30.18.00

13-19: Elizabeth Dhols, Hermantown, 25.06.86

20-29: Erica Fossum, Hibbing, 22.38.02

30-39: Simbre Fosness, Knife River, 25.19.55

40-49: Lisa Messerer, Duluth, 23.00.50

50-59: Amy Rogge, Superior, 28.42.47

Tags: two harbors, knife river, sports, solstice