Arny Johnson 10 mile & 5k

Hosted by the Rockford Road Runners

Register Online Here
Proceeds Benefiting
​Annie's Locker 

​Course Map

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Arny Johnson 
The Biography of a Viking
A Tribute to a Great Friend and Superior Athlete By: Kathy Johnson & Henry Gallenz

Arny Johnson was born in Duluth, MN, to parents that immigrated to the country from Norway. He grew up with 5 brothers and you might say that he truly was a “Big Brother” to them. He had a great love for outdoor winter sports —skiing, ice skating and hockey – and also loved to climb the hills around Duluth. After graduation, Arny worked at the Greyhound Bus Depot, where he met his future wife, Kathy. In 1942, he joined the Navy and served on several ships, going to North Africa, Italy and other spots. When he returned, he and Kathy were married and moved to Rockford. He loved people and became very active in his church and in many organizations. He was a leader with the Boy Scouts, participated in races in Skiing Clubs, and running marathons, including Boston, as a member of Rockford Road Runners. Arny and Kathy had two children, Allen (Los Angeles) and Sandy (La Crosse, WI). There are four grandchildren, two that were born after Arny passed away. Tragically, Arny was killed while riding his bike. He has been missed, but he will always be remembered. Kathy writes “it was quite an honor when the Boylan Classic Race was changed to the Arny Johnson Classic in memory of him. His family and I are truly appreciative.” We didn't realize how lucky we were to have a person like Arny in our club. Skiing was his first love; after all, he was a Viking. From 1974 to 1984 he skied all the Birkebeiner cross country 55K races. He normally won or placed high in his age bracket. He participated in many marathons, which included all 7 of the Rockford Marathons. He also ran the DeKalb, North Central College, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Pavo Nurmi, Twin Cities, and Grandma’s in addition to Boston. He even had a personal record at Boston! He also ran the Syttete Mai 20 mile run and participated in several triathlons. Arny was a great competitor. Arny was more then just a great athlete. If he was not competing, he would be volunteering for events or clubs. What can be said to adequately sum up the total of one’s life… especially when it wasn’t allowed to run its due course? There occurs in our lives a moment set aside to honor the memory of one special, unique human being and a darn good runner. Arny, you are missed! 

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Annie's Locker

Annie’s Locker was started in 2008. Inspired by a fellow runner who died in 2007, the idea was born to do something to inspire people toward a healthier lifestyle. We hope to help people find their “wings.”
Annie’s Locker is a non-profit organization that supports people in need of proper fitness gear and provides race sponsorships in Rockford, Illinois that joined Rockford Road Runners in June of 2009 and operates as a standing committee under the charter of Rockford Road Runners, a RRCA member club, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. 

Race Information

The 38th Annual Arny Johnson 10-mile and 5K run will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2023, at Woodward - Rock Cut Campus (1 Woodward Way, Loves Park, Il 61111) The race is at the same location as last year starting and finishing at the Woodward Campus. 5k circles Woodward campus and then it goes out along with Willow Creek Path. The 10 mile also circles Woodward campus and then follows Willow Creek Path before looping in Rock Cut State Park on an out and back course, this year, due to construction in Rockcut.
There is a 5k, 10 mile run/walk. The races will be going back to a gun start this year (Happy Day). The 10-Mile race will start at 8:00 AM the 5k will then start at 8:10 AM.
There will be one water stop for the 10Mile course. You will pass it twice when leaving and re-entering the Willow Creek Path near the dam.

Hosted by the Rockford Road Runners with all proceeds will going to Annie's Locker.

 Course certification: Pending

***  Please note: Willow Creek Path is narrow.  For runner safety, we cannot allow strollers or pets.
Early Packet Pickup:  Saturday the 1st of April at runners' image (Time still to be determined)
Race Day Packet Pickup: Sunday, April 2nd from 7:00 am 8:00 am  at  Woodward - Rock Cut Campus (1 Woodward Way. Loves, Park, IL 61111)

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