Beardsley Half Marathon

On Sept. 10, the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center (DLCCC) will host the 16th Annual Dick Beardsley Half Marathon and 5K Race/Walk.

The regionally renowned event features several types of races, designed to accommodate a variety of runners. These include: Half-Marathon, Two-Person Relay, 5K Run/Walk, and Kids 1K.

For the most part, the “Dick Beard” — as it is affectionately known amongst locals — will remain the same event people have come to know and love.

“We try to keep our course the same,” said race coordinator Brent Wolfe, adding that it is one of the main draws of the event.

“It goes right through downtown and around the lake, and that brings a lot of people here,” he said.

The weather, too, has been remarkably consistent in recent years: cool, but not uncomfortably cold or precipitating in any way.

“We’ve had rain in years past,” Wolfe said, “but people still come out and participate.”

In fact, the only major change in the Beardsley run from year to year has been the scale of the event.

“We anticipate growing again,” Wolfe said, noting that he hopes to see at least 2,000 people on the starting line.

“The race has grown almost every year,” he added, and when it hasn’t, inclement weather was to blame.

Also, for the first time, the “Dick Beard” will host running legend Bill Squires as a guest speaker and runner.

“Bill was actually Dick’s coach during his great Boston run (of 1982, in which Beardsley finished second place),” Wolfe said.

“It’s gonna be neat. He has a lot of history.”

Squires will speak at a spaghetti feed the night before the race, which will take place 9 p.m. at the DLCCC. The event — which will also feature Dick Beardsley himself as a speaker — is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages four to 12. Children three and under are free.

Wolfe encourages everyone to get involved, even if they are unable to directly participate.

“Whether you’re a runner or not, you can just come out and help,” Wolfe said.

“We’re always looking for volunteers.”

For more information, or to register, visit dickbeardsleyrun.com

Sign up before Sept. 1 for a pre-registration discount.

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