Boardwalk trail at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay, June 10, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Hundreds of runners and walkers are gearing up to take to the trials at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.
The event doubles as one of the non-profit group’s biggest fundraisers of the year.
The 200-acre campus offers miles of pathways. On Saturday morning, Bob Desotelle says he’ll put many of them to the test.
“This is the 15th year. And I think I’ve run in 13 or 14. Fantastic event. Lots of fun,” said Bob Desotelle, Sturgeon Bay.
Desotelle says the trek can be tricky.
“When you get running through woods, cedar groves, and majestic hemlock growth, that’s different. Because you have roots, you have rocks, you have divots. So you really have to concentrate on your running. Literally, you need to know where every foot’s going, one after the next. Because if you don’t, you get to meet Mother Earth intimately,” he said.
It’s all part of Saturday’s 2K, 5K, 10K Trail Walk and Run. Crossroads at Big Creek Land and Facilities Manager Nick Lutzke says the race could draw 3-400 participants. Last year’s event raised more than $17,000, with that money being used to cover costs and support programming at the nature preserve.
“I’ve been here five years now. And what we see, the majority of the runners are locals, and local families. So this is a tradition, where the families get together. We have a number of serious runners on the 10K and stuff. That’s great. But it’s very much a community and family event that we all enjoy doing every year,” said Nick Lutzke, Crossroads at Big Creek Land and Facilities Manager.
Prizes and awards go to the top runners. Everyone entered also gets a free tree. Bob Desotelle says he’s ready to run.
“You can just get into that moment, and be there. And be mindful of what you’re doing. That’s special. Trail running probably makes you do that more than running in a lot of other places, because, like I said, you have to pay attention,” he said.
The race begins Saturday at 8 a.m.
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