Sponsored by Whitefish Area Property Owners Association and Lakeside Lawn and Landscape

2012 Grandpa's Run for the Walleye

Raising money annually for Walleye habitat

 having fun -- photos below

 Almost 500 runners (including Kids Sunfish Dash sprinters) participated in the annual Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye 5K Fun Run at the Crosslake Community Center on Saturday, July 7, 2012

left: one of the Sunfish Dash heats

This fun run has become a tradition for many families. Families are making this event a regular part of their July 4th weekend celebration.

Competitive runners lead the start followed by fun-loving but less competitive people of all ages.   The walkers have just as much fun as the runners. 

The race utilized electronic chip timing of the 5K racers. This technology allows race results to be available soon after the race finishes.

In the men’s division 20 year old Clayton Foster of Pequot Lakes, MN took first place with course record time of 15:42, beating last years time by more than a minute. In second place was 20 year old Brian Gooley of Brooklyn Park. He was the first place finisher last year and this year beat his previous time by 26 seconds. In third place was 19 year old Colin Carpentier of North Branch.

In the women’s division 40 year old Julie Berg finished first. She was followed by 18 year old Selby White, and in third place was 38 year old Jennifer Mader.

Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye was started in 1977 by the Bedwell family in memory of their grandfather, Boots Buthman. The event supports the Boots Buthman Memorial Walleye Project in support of walleye habitat restoration.

Run director Jenny Max said, "What a great turnout and great day. Thank you to everyone who helped out." 

Clayton takes an early lead on his way to a new course record.

Runners and walkers of all ages--from 7 to 74 years old.

Up the hill

Clayton Foster is the first runner across the 5K finish line, setting a new course record.

1st place finisher, Clayton Foster, right and 2nd place finisher Brian Gooley, left.

Julie Berg ,first woman across the finish line, checks her watch for her time.