13TH ANNUAL THUMBS UP RUN/WALK/BIKE EVENT
Join us Saturday, September 19, 2026!
Choose a scenic 5K or 10K (run, walk, or bike) on paved trails with beautiful views of the lake and conservation area. Kids can enjoy a fun, non-timed Youth Color Run. This family-friendly gathering celebrates mental health awareness, reduces stigma around mental illness, and honors those lost to suicide — all while building community through movement, remembrance, wellness vendors, and kid-friendly activities.
Come move forward together — one step, one conversation, one thumbs up at a time!
Registration is OPEN!
Sign up to Volunteer!
Early Registration & Packet Pickup
Thursday, September 17th, 2026
4:00-7:00 pm: Early Packet Pickup
Location: Ripple Effect Brewing Company
Address: 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: Orono Park Pavilion
Address: 18599 Gary St., Elk River, MN 55330
Chalk Party! Help us Chalk the Walk with positive messages and remembrances of our loved ones (chalk provided), and enjoy a colorful treat with Mason’s Sno & More!
REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 9:00 PM!
Directions & Parking
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!
Saturday, September 19th, 2026
7:00 am – 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 with KPower Yoga
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: End of event
The registration fee for all participants includes entry into your chosen walk, run, or bike distance, access to all pre- and post- event activities, a participant shirt, race bib, and a finisher medal!
Register by August 23rd, 2026 to be guaranteed a t-shirt with your registration fee!
Youth Activities
Youth Color Run!
Crazy Hair
Face Painting by JoyFlower Face Painting
Kindness Rocks by Plaisted Companies
Mindfulness by Ms. Liz
Playground area
Splash Pad (weather dependent)
Water Stations available along the route
Activities & More Info
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
Miniature Therapy Horses by InterMission Horses
Caricatures by Creating Colucci
Friendly dogs are welcome at the event and must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pets.
13th Annual Vendor Directory – Coming Soon!
13th Annual Vendor Map – Coming Soon!
Youth Color Run
Thank you Elk Dental Center for sponsoring our 2nd Annual Youth Color Run!
Returning this year – a Youth Fun Run complete with clouds of color bursting along the course, massive smiles, and giggles you won’t forget! The Youth Color Run will be divided into three distances by age and take place following the main run/walk/bike event:
Ages 3-5: 1/2K
Ages 6-8: 1K
Ages 9-12: 1 mile
The Youth Registration Fee (ages 3-12) includes the Youth Color Run, a participant shirt, and rubber medal for each registrant. There is no fee for children age two and under.
Please note: the fun run is NOT chip-timed. Youth should register for the standard 5K or 10K event to receive a chip time.
Register by August 23rd, 2026 to be guaranteed a t-shirt with your registration fee!
Keynote Speaker – Lindsey Young!
Lindsey Young is a Twin Cities-based writer and storyteller, balancing her full-time work for the Minnesota Vikings with her passion for mental health advocacy. Once an especially cautious and sensitive child herself, she continues to feel things deeply and seeks ways to use anxiety as a superpower to help others. She’s a follower of Jesus; a proud auntie to Oliver, Audrey and Henley; and a dog mom to the real-life Tater Tot. Lindsey aims to tell stories that remind people — especially children — they are seen, valued and immensely loved.
Event Co-Emcee – Michelle Marie King!
Michelle Marie King is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and passionate advocate for the emotional well-being of young people. She is the Founder & CEO of Positive Presence Global, a nationwide mentor-coaching company dedicated to helping teens and young adults build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of self.
Michelle is also the author of Made of Magic: How Mental Health, Motivation & Mentorship Shaped My Life, a deeply personal reflection of her belief that connection, mentorship, and reminding people of their inherent worth can change – and even save – lives.
As a proud partner and supporter of Thumbs Up, Michelle is honored to co-emcee the 2026 Thumbs Up 5K and stand alongside a community committed to mental health awareness, suicide prevention, connection, and hope.
Event Co-Emcee – Derek James!
Derek James joined WCCO-TV in September 2022 as an anchor for Saturday and Sunday evening newscasts. He also contributes stories during the week on “The 4”.
A Wisconsin native, the Midwest is where Derek devleoped his passion for news and broadcasting. His career began at the age of 15 as host and executive producer of “Video News Live,” a live weekly cable access program. Shortly thereafter, he was hired as a radio news anchor for WDUX AM/FM. He also hosted morning radio shows in Gree Bay and Wausau, Wis. Then, before coming to WCCO-TV, he spent 18 years as a morning co-anchor at WCCB-TV in Charlotte, N.C.
During his career, Derek received a Best Weathercast Award by the Radio and Television News Directors Association of the Carolinas (RTNDAC) as well as a Best Sports Reporting Award for a story on how weather impacts NASCAR teams. He also has a certificate of Meteorology from Mississippi State University.
His family loves games and game shows. Derek was a contestant on the “Price is Right” in 2004. He lost in a spin-off on “The Big Wheel.” His family won Disney Channel’s “Nintendo Switch Family Showdown” in 2018. Good luck beating them in Mario Kart. Derek has coached several years of flag football and “Let Me Run,” a character development program that trains 4th-8th grade boys to run a 5k. His hobbies include watching football, working out/running, volunteering at Church and sampling local beers.
The Annual Thumbs Up 5K & 10K route sponsored by First Bank Elk River takes place in charming Elk River, Minnesota. The paved road course offers a 3.1-mile (5K) and a 6.2-mile (10K) run, walk, or bike race. Take in the beauty of the William H. Houlton Conservation Area, the Lake Orono Dam, and breathtaking views along Lake Orono.
