8th Annual Thumbs Up High 5K & 10K

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU… IN PERSON!

Thank you to First Bank Elk River and Sportech, Inc. for being our Title Sponsors for our 8th Annual Event!

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 that people can build a relationship with.

THIS IS HOW WE’LL ACHIEVE OUR MISSION

Kickstart important conversations via our THUMBS UP apparel. Encourage social connectedness via our community fundraising events. Drive awareness via 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.

Friday, Sept. 17th, 2021

  • 4-7pm – Early T-shirt & Packet Pick Up – Location TBD
  • Chalk the Walk (chalk provided)

Saturday, Sept. 18th, 2021

  • 7:30am – Packet Pickup & Same-Day Registration
  • 9:00am – Opening Ceremony & Keynote Speaker
  • 10:00am – 5K & 10K Bike & Rollerblade Start
  • 10:05am – 10K Runners Start
    • Depending on Covid-19 Restrictions, there may be waves in groups of 50 people
  • 10:10am – 5K Runners Start
    • Depending on Covid-19 Restrictions, there may be waves in groups of 50 people
  • 10:20am – 5K Walkers Start
    • Depending on Covid-19 Restrictions, there may be waves in groups of 50 people
  • 11:00am – Kids Activities Begin

Directions & Parking Information

  • Event Location: Woodland Trails Park – 20135 Elk Lake Road NW, Elk River, MN 55330
  • Directions – CLICK HERE
  • Some parking available on-site (we may have to bus participants in from nearby TBD location)
  • Parking is free/no-charge
  • Please try to carpool if you are able

Free Kids Activities

  • The Floor is Lava Obstacle Course (Kids ages 12 & under)
  • Bounce Houses
  • Crazy Hair by The Hair Studios
  • Face Painting
  • Nature Play Area including: Boulder Climbing Area, Sand and Water Play Area, Fort Building, Balance Area & Tunnel Play Area

Food & Beverages

  • Food Options Available On-Site
  • Free Coffee & Water Stations along route

Other Information

  • Must register by Friday, Sept. 3rd 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

#KEEPMOVINGFORWARD

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