While the same length as Marathons in Boston, New York or just about any place else, the events held at Walker, Minnesota are totally unique.
The first thing one must discover is "Where is Walker, Minnesota?" Situated on beautiful Leech Lake, approximately 90 miles south of the Canadian border, it is in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. While other Marathons are run on city streets, this one leaves the highway at the 7.5-mile marker and starts its trek through the forest. It is run on parts of the North Country Trail and the Heartland Trail. It has been said that it is probably the most satisfying run that you’ll ever make.
Based upon a German Black Forest tradition called Volkslauf (organized run), the first Marathon/10K was started by a small but dedicated group of volunteers in 1983. It was such a success that the group decided to "try it again" in 1984. In 1987 the 10K was expanded to include walkers and the number of participants grew. A Team Relay event was introduced in 1995 and has proved equally popular. The 19th annual race was run September 22, 2001. Almost 1,000 participated.
The Marathon Course has a variety of surfaces-grass, gravel, dirt and asphalt. The 9 miles running through the forest is said to be the most scenic, most difficult, the most remote and the most rewarding section of the course. The 10K course, while not as rugged, presents its challenges, too. It consists of paved roads and well packed gravel over a somewhat hilly terrain. It joins the Marathon route at the Heartland Trail (mile 24) and runs along Lake May for about a mile. Both races start from the high school, high atop a hill overlooking Walker and Leech Lake and, both end there. The last half-mile, going UP the schoolhouse hill is perhaps the most challenging part of the race for both runners and walkers. The Athletic Congress has certified both courses.
The Team Relay is run along the Marathon course. However one half of each team is bussed to a halfway point. The first member of the team hands his/her partner a wristband then that person completes the rest of the race. The winner is determined by the combined time of the team. Those times are kept separately from marathon times and are eligible for their own awards. As with the Marathon and 10K, there are Men’s and Women’s Divisions. There is also "Mixed Team" category.
Every entrant receives a packet containing a long-sleeve/crew neck T-shirt and an informative race book with pictures and times of the previous races, articles about the area and some of its shopping and sightseeing opportunities. Those who finish the race also receive a beautiful medallion designed by a local artist. There is a new medallion each year and all reflect the beauty of the area. Needless-to-say, the medallions have become collector’s items.
It seems that each year, something out of the ordinary occurs. One year, there was a wedding at the finish line of the 10K. In 1999, a runner from Japan, Hajime Nishi, ran the Marathon as part of his Ecomarathon International Evaluations program. (Information for this can be accessed at
) The Walker Marathon received a BB+, a tie for 1st place for all marathons he has competed in around the World. Were we proud? You Betcha!
And, while the number of participants has grown every year, there is an elite group that has run each year. Some have been unable to come to Walker in a particular year so have run in their hometowns and submitted proof of their accomplishment. Books, T-shirts and medallions are sent to them but their times are not recorded.
The race is still planned by volunteers, although most of the faces have changed over the years. There is one paid staffer but her salary works out to about $.03 per hour. On race weekend, more volunteers appear and work their hearts out to make the races successful, safe and fun.
It is a full weekend, starting with Registration and a spaghetti feed on Friday, continued registration before the races begin on Saturday morning, capped by an Awards Ceremony held in the High School Auditorium. The autumn colors are at their finest and usually, the weather cooperates. We, the Planning Committee, invite you to participate.
Next year we will be celebrating our 20th year and are planning for many special activities. If you are looking for a challenging, unique experience within a community who knows how to treat its guests – come and visit us on September 21, 2002.
