Thumbs Up 5K and 10K - 9th Annual

we can't wait to see you on saturday, september 17, 2022!

Thank you to our Title Sponsors First Bank Elk River & HealthPartners for supporting our 9th Annual Event!

Friday, Sept. 16th, 2022

• 4-7pm – Early T-shirt & Packet Pick Up – Woodland Trails Pavilion
• Address: 20135 Elk Lake Road NW, Elk River, MN 55330
• Chalk Party! Help us Chalk the Walk with positive messages and remembrance of our loved ones! (chalk provided)

Saturday, Sept. 17th, 2022

• 7:00am – Packet Pickup & Same-Day Registration
• 9:00am – Opening Ceremony & Keynote Speaker
• 10:00am - Races Begin
  • 10:00am - 5K & 10K Bike
  • 10:05am - 5K & 10K Run
  • 10:15am - 5K Walk

Directions & Parking Information

• Event Location: Woodland Trails Park – 20135 Elk Lake Road NW, Elk River, MN 55330
• LIMITED ON-SITE PARKING for Vendors, Volunteers, Staff, 55+ and Handicap ONLY
• Please plan on parking at the Elk River High School Parking Lot: 900 School Street NW, Elk River, MN 55330
• Parking is free/no-charge
• A no cost bus will transport round trip to & from the Elk River High School parking lot to Woodland Trails from 7:00am – 2:00pm
• Please try to carpool if you are able!

Kids Activities

• Kids Obstacle Course (Kids ages 12 & under) - Early registration $20/child
• Bounce Houses (separate for preschool age)
• Crazy Hair by The Hair Studios
• Face Painting
• Kindness Rocks by Plaisted Companies
• Mindfulness by Ms. Liz
• Balloon Animals by Son-Light Balloon Entertainment
• Nature Play Area including: Boulder Climbing Area, Sand and Water Play Area, Fort Building, Balance Area & Tunnel Play Area

Food & Beverages

• Food Trucks Available On-Site: Batter Up, Chili Lime Food Truck, Thai 1 On, Griddle On The Go!
• Complimentary coffee from Dunn Brothers
• Free Lemonade by Serenity's Cause (free will donations accepted - all proceeds will go back to Thumbs Up!)
• Water Stations along route presented by LIFT PT & the U14 Girls Softball Team

Other Information

• Must register by Wednesday, August 31st, 2022 to be guaranteed a t-shirt with your registration fee
• Bring a photo of your loved one for the Memory Tree
• Mental Health Vendors will be On-Site
• Dress for the weather

THE THUMBS UP MOVEMENT

THUMBS UP was founded in 2014 by Katie Shatusky, Jessica Hackenmueller and Jody Kreuser in honor of two great men, Robert “Bob” Schmit and Charles “Chuck” Dahlheimer, who like many others took their lives after living in silence from a mental illness. THUMBS UP is all about EMBRACING those who are 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 to do help others who struggle and community awareness initiatives. Let’s UNITE to help others to KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

MISSION STATEMENT

“We value LIFE and we ASPIRE to help others in our COMMUNITY by talking about MENTAL HEALTH.”

MISSION

• Help promote wellness and positive living for people through awareness and early education programs.
• Encourage people to be open, engage in conversation, and be vulnerable.
• Connect people to support services in the area.
• Create a movement with a brand that makes mental health relatable and people can build a relationship with.

THIS IS HOW WE WILL ACHIEVE OUR MISSION

Kickstart important conversations through our THUMBS UP apparel. Encourage social connectedness via our community fundraising events. Drive awareness with carefully selected relationships with individuals and organizations. Inform, educate and teach coping skills for those who struggle with a mental illness.

HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE THUMBS UP MOVEMENT?

By buying apparel, you can help break the stigma and start the conversation. Shop Now

Alternatively, by making a donation to THUMBS UP you are helping us support our mission and vision. You can make a fully tax-deductible donation right now by clicking here.