From the Organizer
The Annual Thumbs Up 5K & 10K, sponsored by First Bank Elk River, takes place in charming Elk River, Minnesota. The paved road course offers a run, walk, or bike race that takes in the beauty of the William H. Houlton Conservation Area, the Lake Orono Dam, and breathtaking views along Lake Orono.
This event brings the community together to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention, while honoring those who have lost loved ones.
All participants receive entry into chosen race distance, access to pre and post race activities, a themed participant shirt, race bib, and meaningful finisher medal.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
71°
Typical Low
48°
Chance of Rain
26%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Elk Rvr, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
26,367
as of 2023
Nearest Airport
STC
Saint Cloud Regional Airport · 28 mi
Major Hub
MSP
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field · 35 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Thumbs Up 13th Annual 5K & 10K Run/Walk/Bike, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
103
Days to train
Coming Up
Albertville Friendly City Days 5k
5 miles away
Firecracker 5K & 1 Mile Sparkler Run
26 miles away
Riverfest 1 Mile & 5k
11 miles away
2026 Hanover Harvest Festival 5K
12 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The 10K is the distance where running stops feeling like a starting point and starts feeling like a sport. Long enough to require a real training block. Short enough that race day is fully manageable for a first-timer who's put in the work.
Race day energy at a 10K is community at its best — strangers cheering you by name, people moving toward the same goal, an atmosphere that solo training can't replicate. It's fast enough that you'll spend the whole race pushing rather than managing your effort.
This is also the distance that builds the base for everything else. Most athletes who go on to run half marathons, do triathlons, or compete in HYROX started here. What you need: running shoes fitted to your stride, a training plan, and the race on your calendar. The registration is what makes the deadline real.
How long to train: 4–8 weeks for most fitness levels.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Thumbs Up 13th Annual 5K & 10K Run/Walk/Bike
Sep 19, 2026