24th Annual Kristin Burkholder 5k Post Race Recap
On Saturday, August 7, 2021, the Esko Educational Foundation hosted the 24th Annual Kristin Burkholder 5k Run/Walk. The event was held at the Esko Sports Complex and raised approximately $4000 to fund a scholarship that is awarded annually in Kristin’s memory. In addition, students elected to donate a portion of their registration fee to a school activity of their choice. As a result, donations will be made to the following programs: cross country, girls softball, theater, trap shooting, and volleyball.
Approximately 100 people were on site for the race. Awards were given to the top two runners in nine (9) categories. The runner with the best time for men was Connor Thoennes with a finishing time of 17:40 and for women Emma Williams with a finishing time of 22:11.
Community sponsors included RAM Mutual Insurance, Barnes Care, Buffalo Valley, Inc., Family Tradition Restaurant, Burning Bush Landscape, Theobald Family Eye Care, ABCO Plumbing & Heating, Community Memorial Hospital, Community Printing, Inc., Dry Dock Bar, Restaurant & Banquet Facility, duluthrunner.com, Finn & Feather Hair Designs, The Smith Company, Inc., Arrowhead/Waller Insurance Agency, LLC, Daugherty Appliance, Hair Design by Sherri, Members Cooperative Credit Union, National Bank of Commerce, Esko Fire Department, Explore218, Super One, Tomhave Dental Associates, Thrivent Financial, Tortoise & Hare Footwear, Trophy Barn.
The Esko Educational Foundation would like to thank ALL of our amazing volunteers and the community for their support of this year’s race. We’re looking forward to next year’s race which will be held on August 6, 2022. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Burkholder5K for updates.
On April 24, 1997, 12 year old Kristin Burkholder died from injuries suffered from a pedestrian-car accident while running for track practice along Canosia Road in Esko. Proceeds from the race benefit the EEF Kristin Burkholder Memorial Scholarship Fund.