_ _ _People who served in the military and the people who support them are urged to come to the border of Duluth and Rice Lake, Minnesota in June to run a race that helps pay for the upkeep of Veterans Memorial Hall.

The race is called the John Werner Memorial 5K.

_ _ _JoWhnerner of Rice Lake was an important friend and loyal ally of Veterans Memorial Hall in Duluth. Werner passed away in 2023 and now the Hall is an ally in keeping his name alive with a memorial five-kilometer race. John Werner went from Vietnam War Army paratrooper to company first sergeant to command sergeant major to cub scout leader to mayor of Rice Lake, Minnesota. Durthat raised money for the Veterans Hall in Duluth.

The organization aims to honor all veterans in Minnesota and Wisconsin. That takes money, especially as the museum recovers and rebuilds from flooding last year.

_ _ _There are changes to the race this year. John Werner himself was always worried that running in May would run into bad weather and it often did._This year, the race will be held June 14th and it’s hoped that many runners will use it as a warmup to Grandma’s Marathon the next week.

_ _ _The 2025 Memorial Fun Run will hit the pavement Saturday, June 14 at the Other Place Bar on Calvary Road on the border between Duluth and Rice Lake.

People from all parts of the Northland are invited to travel to take part. Competitors can learn more about the race at_ _https://runsignup.com/Race/ MN/Duluth/ CSMJohnWernerMemorial5kRunWalk