Participants may experience some long awaited sizzling temperatures this Saturday during the 15th annual Sour Grapes Run at the Northland Arboretum or the third annual Zorbaz Gull Lake Challenge/Peter Johnson Memorial Swim Race.
Several forecasters are predicting highs in the low to mid 90s with sunny skies but relatively low humidity.
Partakers of Sour Grapes will experience a scenic course filled with rugged sandy trails, modest inclines, and bountiful forest landscaping across the Arboretum's 540 acres. The race consists of a kids' half-mile, a kids' 1-mile, a 10.55K run/walk (6.56 miles), and a half-marathon run.. There will be several water stations along the route, as well as light refreshments provided at the finish line. Precise chip timing will be provided for the 10.55K and half-marathon by Pickle Events to ensure accuracy on run times. All participants will receive a unique finisher token, swag bag, and T-shirts (as available). Awards will be given to the top three placers of each age division.
Sour Grapes was originally started in 2001 by a group of individuals who unsuccessfully tried to enter Grandma's Marathon in Duluth. Scorned by their exclusion, they decided to form their own event in the Brainerd lakes area naming it "Sour Grapes," a little play on words jab to the dismissal they encountered with Grandma's Marathon.
Zorbaz Gull Lake Challenge/Peter Johnson Memorial Swim Race will be on Lake Margaret, which is part of the Gull Lake Chain in Nisswa. It features a 1.2 mile or 2.4 mile swim across the lake in waters with thermal readings that have been averaging between 60-70 degrees. This swim provides a perfect and challenging warmup for first-time open water racers, future triathlons, or Ironman events. Wetsuits are recommended during the swim and can be purchased or rented via event sponsor Gear West. Participants will receive a free breakfast along with a T-shirt. Event sponsor Tito's Handmade Vodka is also providing medals to swimmers, an added feature this year. After the race there will be an awards ceremony followed by a bloody Mary bar for those of age.
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Zorbaz Gull Lake Challenge/Peter Johnson Memorial Swim Race started in 2014 as a way to honor Johnson, a former high school and college swimmer who was an active member of the Brainerd community until he died tragically in May 2103 while rescuing his own grandson in Gull River.
Both sporting events are expecting similar turnouts to last year. Sour Grapes is expecting upwards of 350 participants and Zorbaz is hoping to surpass last year's total of 80 registrants. Proceeds for Sour Grapes will go directly to the local Arboretum. Proceeds for Zorbaz Swim will help fund Brainerd community swimming programs. There is no charge at either event for spectators and the public is welcome to come and cheer on all athletes along each course.
"Volunteers are still needed to man kayaks along the course or tear down at the end so if anyone has their own kayak and is able to help come on out.," said Sean Kaneski, event coordinator for the Zorbaz Swim. Volunteers will also get breakfast, bloody Mary's, beer, and a T-shirt.
When asked if more water stations will be added to the course due to hot weather, Sour Grapes event coordinator, Matthew Hill, said, "that will be a game day decision on how to spread the water out."
Currently 10.55K runners will pass four water stations and half-marathon runners will pass nine stations.
It's not too late to get in on the action. Late and race day registration are available for both events. The Northland Arboretum is open for Sour Grapes late registration from noon to 8 p.m. today, June 10 and from 6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. (kids) 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. (adults) on Saturday. For more information visit sourgrapes.half@yahoo.com or call 218-829-8770.
Same-day registration for Zorbaz Swim will be from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. Saturday. There are special discounts for Brainerd school swimmers and any adult who wants to join them. For more information contact Kaneski at 218-820-3756 or visit the website zgullchallengeswim.com to get details.
TAMARA HORTON, Dispatch intern, may be reached at 218-855-5882 or tamara.horton@brainerddispatch.com .
