The Gary Engstrom 5K Memorial Run runs on the beautiful Iron Belle blacktop trail from Bessemer, MI City Hall to the Township park in Ramsay, MI. The racecourse has several small hills and sweeping “S” turns with the last 1/3rd mile downhill to the finish. Runners will enjoy amazing scenery, with peak fall colors!
Online Registration is now open at: https://garyengstrom5kmemorialrace.com/. Paper Registration Forms available at Maki Insurance Agency or Zak Realty (both in Ironwood).
IN HONOR OF GARY ENGSTROM 11/20/1946 – 12/22/2020
Gary Engstrom was one of Gogebic County’s premier long-distance runners. From the early days of the running boom in the late 1960’s Gary emerged as a stellar, determined, and consistent runner. Gary was a legend not only as a runner but as a helpful person, always willing to help not only other runners but people in need. Anything from shoveling snow from roofs to giving people free car rides. Running was Gary’s #1 priority, and running marathons was his forte. He never wanted to take a day off from running and his streak of continuous running days reached 18 years including days after ultra-marathons and surgeries. Gary ran over 220 marathons in his career.
Gary served his country as a Vietnam Veteran. His family wishes that all proceeds from this running memorial including entry fees and donations go to the Gogebic County Chapter 66 Veterans. These proceeds will go towards the purchase of a new 2022 DAV transport van. Gary has left a legacy and also a void which will not be replaced.
