TOWER- This year’s Vermilion Run saw a record turnout, with about 250 registered for the 5K and 70 for the 10K, plus over 30 children tackling the one-mile fun run. There were 75 runners registered in advance, which is more than usual, so race organizers did expect a good turnout, but ended up topping last year’s record by 50 entrants.
By our records, which may or may not be accurate, this is the 43rd year for this Fourth of July race, which was started by Howard Wagoner and the Vermilion Fitness Club. Several of his family members both volunteer and participate in the race every year!
The race has become a cherished family tradition, and this year we had three generations of families participating. We had runners of all ages, from the single digits to those in their 80s. The city of Lakeville, Minn., had more participants than any other location this year. But we also had runners from all over the Midwest and east coast, most in the area visiting family cabins on Vermilion.
Isaac Monroe, of Plymouth, took first place in the men’s 5K for the third year in a row, and was excited to claim his title. Next top finishers were Alden Santelli, of Minneapolis, Jack Rosa, of Lakeville, and Scott Peitrumiak, of Tower.
Top 5K female finishers were Cybil Jayson, of Annandale, Va., Katie Dennis, of Burnsville, Anna Statz, of Falls Church, Va., and Ella Erickson, of Lakeville.
For the 10K men’s, Isaiah Anderson took first (top 10 finisher from last year), followed by Charlie Bortnem, of Dassel, (top 10 finisher last year), Alexander Kelling, of Waldorf, and Soren Bortnem (another repeat winner). Charlie and Soren are the grandsons of Rolf and Laurie Anderson of Breitung Township, and are longtime participants in the race. Rolf Anderson, age 82, also ran the 5K, but came in a little slower than his speedy grandsons.
Top female finishers in the 10K were Amber Rosenmeir, of Lakeville, Elly Engels, of Lakeville, Elise Thoreen, of Blaine, and Lisa Garretson, of Embarrass.
Thanks to the Lake Vermilion Cultural Center for setting up their tent for our registration area, and the Tower-Soudan Lake Vermilion Events Board for co-sponsoring the race along with Friends of Vermilion Country School.
Our team of volunteers was once again terrific: Mary Shedd, Lisa Ledman, Chelsea, Geoff, and Sam Grover, Becky Gawboy, Gabe Tester, Charmie Gohlson, Michelle and Dave Toutloff, Mary Shedd, Marshall Helmberger, Steph Ukkola, Eric Norberg, Orlyn Kringstad, Victoria Ranua, Barb Soderberg, Henry Dowling, Kurt Soderberg, Roxanne Tea, Jordan Gawboy, Bobby Ridings, Rogelio Noyes, Muriel Scott, Jodi Summit, and Frank Sherman. Race organizers are Jodi Summit and Mary Shedd. The race is a fundraiser for Vermilion Country School.
The race is timed using an ipad timing system, which isn’t perfect, but we do our best when more than two racers cross the finish line at the same time. Also, we apologize in advance for any misspellings, but sometimes runners’ registration form penmanship wasn’t always legible.

(see print edition for individual results)