Arny Johnson 10 mile & 5k

Hosted by the Rockford Road Runners

Register Online Here
Proceeds Benefiting
​Annie's Locker

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 33nd Annual Arny Johnson 10-mile and 5K run will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Harlem High School in Rockford (Machesney Park.) The 10-mile run starts at 8:30 a.m., while the 5K run starts at 8:40 a.m.
Hosted by the Rockford Road Runners with all proceeds will going to Annie's Locker.
The 10 Mile runners will follow the scenic Willow Creek Path into Rock Cut State Park beginning at 8:30 a.m..  Runners begin in front of high school and take the path that runs south of school into the state park.  They will circle the park clockwise on the paved road and return to the high school on the Willow Creek Path.  The 4.2 miles around Pierce Lake in Rock Cut are gorgeous and hilly. Walkers will begin at 7:30 a.m.
The 5K runners/walkers begin in front of high school exactly 10 minutes after 10 Mile runners.  They will follow Willow Creek Path south of school towards the park. The course is a fast, flat out-and-back on the Willow Creek Path.
COURSE MAP
 Course certification #IL15001JW
Need a financial incentive??  We've got $250 for anyone who sets a new course record!
Course Records: 5K Male - Tyler Sigl 15:06 (2009) 5K Female – Nicole Braunsdorf Shortslef 17:42 (2015) 10 Mile Male –  Ryan Meissen 0:51:24 (2009) 10 Mile Female – Nicole Braunsdorf 0:59:45 (2011)
***  Please note: Willow Creek Path is narrow.  For runner safety, we cannot allow strollers or pets.
Bib and shirt pick-up and late registration:  Friday, April 6, from 11 a.m - 7 p.m. at Runner's Image, 219 E. State St. Rockford or from 7 a.m. - 8 a.m. in the high school gym on Race Day.
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