Run For Life

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Run For Life race raises awareness for organ donation and celebrates life!

Participants take off from the starting line in the Run For Life fundraiser race to promote organ donation on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Ellwood Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette, MI. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Marquette, MI – Saturday morning June 13th runners and walkers young and old will be turning out at the Ellwood Mattson Lower Harbor Park for one of the summer’s most enjoyable family-oriented race events, the 4th annual Run For Life race.

Participants in the Run For Life race run on the bike path which borders the local Marquette beaches along Lake Superior. (photo by Ron Caspi)

This annual event is put together each year to promote and educate the public about organ donation in the Marquette area. The event features 10k and 5k runs, walks, and a 10 and under run with awards given to top individuals and teams. In addition, all the participants in the kid’s race receive a medal.

Amy Harju, event organizer, lines up participants for the kids race at the starting line the Run For Life fundraiser. (photo by Ron Caspi)

The race is organized each year by Amy Harju who received a successful kidney transplant several years ago from her close childhood friend since the age of 5, Tina Houle. They are living proof of how strong the bonds of friendship can be and that you don’t need to die in order to give the gift of life to another.

U.P. Run For Life kid’s race on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette, MI. (photo by Ronen Zilberman)

Amy has put together a fantastic family event that offers challenges for all levels of ability. The atmosphere is extremely friendly and fun based. The event kicks off with a commemorative balloon release and there are plenty of snacks. Family and friends who turn out to support are treated to the scenic lower harbor view with the coolest playground in town for active little ones.

Tom McMillan celebrates after crossing the finish line of the Run For Life race held to promote organ donation in Marquette, MI on June 7, 2014. (photo by Ron Caspi)

In In collaboration with the Superior Heath Foundation all net proceeds from this important event go towards assisting transplant patients along with potential donors.

The Run for Life is open to everyone who enjoys making a difference in the lives of others while having fun!

Visit the Run For Life website for more info and to register!

Volunteers Kody Braun (left) and Shayla Coombs (right) get into their work helping to decorate participants with tattoos for the Run For Life race to promote organ donation in the Marquette, MI area. (photo by Erica McMillan)

Organizers of the Run For Life fundraiser from left to right: Carrie Fries, Katie Quinnell, Amy Harju, Stacy Braun, and Leslie Hurst pose together for a photo before the race (photo by Ron Caspi)