The annual Stony Lake Sparkler 5K Run and 1-mile Fun Run/Walk is scheduled for Sunday, July 3. Registrations received before June 24 are guaranteed a T-shirt. Fees are slightly higher after that date and T-shirts will be distributed on an as-available basis. Everyone is welcome to turn out and cheer on the runners as they help raise funds for the Crystal Valley Care Fund.

The Stony Lake Property Owners Association has sponsored a run to raise funds for a local charity since 2015. They were hoping to create a fun, family activity as part of the Fourth of July celebration for Stony Lake property owners and the local communities, and to promote community involvement, drawing possibly a couple hundred runners, and soliciting sponsorships to fund a decent-sized contribution. More than 500 participants turned out for the first event in 2015.

In July 2016 more than 650 runners and walkers filled “downtown Stony Lake” with energy and a wonderful spirit of fun; in 2017 there were 867 participants; in 2018, 873; in 2019, 903. Then came COVID-19. Although the Sparkler could not take place in 2020 and 2021, community sponsors still offered support for the volunteer effort, donating generously to bring the total raised for Crystal Valley over the last seven years to $111,903.52!

There are around 100 volunteers who make the whole thing work, and 100 or so spectators usually line the route to cheer on the athletes.

Race Day begins with packet pickup and late registration from 7-8 a.m. in the parking lot of the Stony Lake Inn (early packet pickup and registration also is available from 9-

11 a.m. at the Inn on Saturday, July 2). The one-mile fun run/walk begins at 8 a.m. and the professionally timed 5K run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m.

All fun run participants receive awards, with special 5K awards to male and female overall winners, masters, and grand master winners, and first, second and third place winners in age groups. There also are special awards for Largest Family and Best Spirit Costume. The race course is an easy out and back along scenic back roads.

A fun post-race party is again planned in the parking lot of the Inn and includes great food and music. To register, go to stonylakesparkler.com.

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