While the Journeys Marathon came to an end in Eagle River after 23 years, there are several other runs planned in the area this summer.

The YMCA of the Northwoods and Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 14th annual Hodag Run For Your Life featuring a 10K, 5K, 5K Stroller and the free Kids Chase the Hodag events Saturday, June 26; and community members and visitors are invited to run, walk or bike the 3 Bear 5K in Land O’ Lakes on Sunday, July 4, to “Run Over Cancer.” 

At Rhinelander June 26, all races will start at the Hodag Park beach house. The 10K, sponsored by Habush, Habush, & Rottier SC, 5K, and 5K Stroller races will have morning wave times starting at 8 a.m. 

Registration for the 5K and 10K races cost is $30 on or before June 13 and $35 after June 13. Interested participants also can consider signing up to raise money for the YMCA of the Northwoods and anyone who brings in more than $70 in donations will receive free entry into any of the individual Hodag Run races.

A fundraising page can be set up by clicking on “fundraise” at raceentry.com. This page can then be sent to family, friends and coworkers to collect contributions. 

For more information or to register, call the YMCA of the Northwoods at (715) 362-9622 or visit ymcaofthenorthwoods.org or raceentry.com and search “Hodag Run.”

In Land O’ Lakes on July 4, the second annual event will be hosted by Luoto’s Fitness. Proceeds from this event and a joint fundraiser serving pizza by the slice at TJ Grizzlies will benefit the American Cancer Society. 

Businesses and organizations are encouraged to donate. Funds will stay in the North Woods to help locals in their fight against cancer. 

Event organizer Erin Luoto explained that the 3 Bear 5K Run/Walk/Bike loops participants through downtown Land O’ Lakes and showcases local parks and charming recreational hotspots visitors and residents can enjoy. 

The course is a multimedia surface of asphalt, packed gravel trails and mowed grass. Water and restrooms are available at the park pavilion. 

Check-in and registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 4, and the 5K starts at 9 a.m.  Online and mail-in registration is available online at landocenter.com or interested participants can pick up a registration form at Luoto’s Fitness, located at 4258 Highway B in downtown Land O’ Lakes.  A map of the course is available on the website. For more information, contact Luoto at (715) 547-6333.