Northfield Shares Hosts 2017 Defeat of Jesse James Days Run/Walk
Proceeds support the nonprofit as it pursues its mission to improve the Northfield community
Northfield Shares, the Northfield area’s community foundation, is preparing for its annual Defeat of Jesse James Days Run/Walk. The 5K/15K event, which is presented by Community Resource Bank, will be held on Sunday, September 10. Registration can be completed online through active.com or mailed in using the registration form. Same-day registration will also be available. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at Armory Square (519 Division Street). Proceeds raised will support Northfield Shares’ efforts to improve the Northfield community by advancing philanthropy, inspiring volunteerism and promoting collaborative leadership.
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“This event is vitally important to the work we do every day at Northfield Shares, and it’s wonderful to see the community come together for a morning of fun to benefit a good cause,” said Mike Krance, Northfield Shares executive director. “From volunteers to event sponsors, I’m so impressed by the giving and generous spirit of the people of Northfield. Our goal is to make Northfield Shares self-sufficient so all funds raised and generated by the organization are granted to local nonprofits.”
As part of the Northfield community’s Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration, the races will start with historical re-enactors on horseback firing their pistols. Participants will proceed along one of two road courses: a 5K run/walk with a moderate layout that takes participants through the streets of Northfield and a more challenging 15K run with several hills that leads participants through the farm country east of town.
The family-friendly event is open to all ages and athletic abilities. Race routes are USA Track & Field-certified. Chip timing and results will be provided by Fast Finish Results, a professional timing company, and live race day results and finish line video footage will be available 15 minutes after the last finisher. Awards will be presented to the fastest male and female racers in each of the 12 age groups, ranging from 14 and under to 70 and older. After the race, participants can enjoy the many festivities occurring during the day, including a fine arts festival, bingo, carnival, parade and more.
Last year, the run/walk event attracted over 550 participants and raised more than $22,000. This year’s fundraising goal is $25,000.
In addition to Presenting Sponsor Community Resource Bank, this year’s Gold Sponsors include Carleton College, Neuger Communications Group, Northfield News and SageGlass.
Participants are encouraged to donate any gently used running shoes they may have. There will be a shoe drop-off at the registration area. Shoes will be donated to Mary’s Place, a nonprofit, transitional housing center for homeless individuals in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
Jennifer Sawyer, Northfield Shares board chair, said, “The character of the Northfield community is so outstanding. This event is a chance to see firsthand the true collective impact of participants, sponsors and volunteers.”
To learn more about the Defeat of Jesse James Days Run/Walk visit djjdrun.org or reach out to Krance at 507-403-9755 or mikekrance@northfieldshares.org. For more information about the Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration and daily schedules, visit djjd.org.
