Print this story |
E-mail story |
Add a comment |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
Fourth of July run/walk a popular event
Published 08:25 p.m., July 2, 2009
Wayne Walvatne and his brother Brad are avid runners.
Fueled by their passion, the pair planted a seed 24 years ago and kick-started what is now known as the Otter Tail Lake Chase.
“We are both really into running,” Walvatne said. “I guess I don’t know exactly why we started the race, but we did it because we know there is a lot of people in the area that are looking for things to do in the summer. We thought starting something like this would be a good chance to bring people together.”
The 8K run and 5K walk — which starts at the Lake Country Gardens on the west shore of Ottertail Lake — has consistently grown over the years.
Walvatne expects between 200 and 300 people to participate this summer, flocking in from all across the region.
“Of course you are going to have a lot of people from the Fargo-Moorhead area,” Walvatne said. “But we have runners from all over. A lot of people come up from the Twin Cities. It’s usually a pretty good showing.”
One of the attractions every year is the picnic that takes place after the race.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Walvatne said. “It’s something we have been doing for quite some time and it pretty popular with families.”
Participants range from hard-core athletes to people simply trying something new to stay in shape.
“We do have awards for all the age divisions,” Walvatne said. “People are always looking for little races in the summer and they come here to compete. It’s never too much though; we have a good mix of people.”
Walvatne credits the dedicated service of “several” volunteers that keeps the event operating smoothly every summer.
“Year-after-year, we have so many people that come to the event and help out with everything from timing to making sure people have enough water and things like that,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but (the volunteers) make everything so much easier. They make this thing go.”
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post. To post a comment you will need to register. Or, if you're already registered but have not included your true, verifiable identity with your registration, you will need to update your account to include your identity. Effective Dec. 1, 2009, all posts appear with the commenter's true identity, which must be verified by site staff. Those who registered prior to Dec. 1, 2009, should be aware that once you update your information with your true identity, all prior posts under your user name will also indicate your true identity. If you do not wish to link yourself to prior comments, you should register again with a different user name.Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)
You may also register to comment in our forums at www.fergusfeedback.com.