Each June, the population of Willmar increases as thousands of people come to the area to celebrate Willmar Fests. 

One of the premier events is the Foot Lake 4 Walk / Run that takes place on Saturday, June 28 at 8 a.m. Register early to guarantee a race T-shirt, cool refreshments, plenty of water, a soothing massage, and a ticket to the Firemen's All-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast.  The Foot Lake 4 is an event for the whole family. It is designed to provide fun and safety for all age groups and levels of participation.

The USATF-certified four-mile course starts and finishes at Rice Memorial Hospital. The 2008 Run will be timed using electronic chip technology. Runners wear a chip that is used to time each individual's race. It records the time they cross the start and finish lines. These times will be used to determine Race Awards.
 
Awards are presented for the top five finishing runners in each division.  First and second place recognition is given for the largest combined walking and running teams.

Women's and Men's divisions: 12 and under, 13-14, 15-16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over.

On-time Registration Fees:

On-time registration rates are accepted until Noon on Friday, June 20, 2008: 13 and over $18; 12 and under $10. 

Late Registration Fees:

These registration rates apply from Noon on Friday, June 20, 2008, through 7:45 a.m. on Race Day: 13 and over $25; 12 and under $15.

Register early to be guaranteed a race T-shirt according to the size noted on the entry form. T-shirt availability cannot be guaranteed for late entries. Additional registraiton forms are available at Rice Memorial Hospital. To register as a team, please mail all team member entries together. Sorry, no refunds.

Packet & Chip Pick-up:

Walker and runner packets can be picked up on Race Day - Saturday, June 28, 2008, from 6:30 a.m. - 7:45 a.m., at the Willmar Ambulance Garage. The Registration Table closes at 7:45 a.m. - please allow enough time to pick up your packet. Runner packets contain an electronic chip that is used to time each individual's race. Chips are attached to shoes on laces or using a zip tie. All chips must be returned at the end of the race. $30 fee if chip is not returned.

Race Proceeds:

The proceeds of the Foot Lake 4 Walk/Run are used to promote Heart Health in West Central Minnesota. In 2007, the proceeds were used to purchase and provide education for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) awarded to five different businesses and organizations throughout Willmar, Spicer, and New London. Proceeds from the 2008 race will be used to purchase more AEDs for placement in our communities and provide education for their use. AEDs are used to increase the number of lives saved during cardiac arrest. Read more.

To Register:

Register online using a credit card, or by completing and signing an official entry. Please mail your entry form with your registration fee/s payable to RMH - Foot Lake 4, to: Foot Lake 4, Rice Health Foundation, Rice Memorial Hospital, 301 Becker Ave. S.W., Willmar, MN 56201

Parking is available at the Rice Memorial Hospital South Lot, and the city-owned lot west of the hospital. Please be aware that many city streets are blocked for the Willmar Fests Parade.  For participant's safety, headphones are not allowed on the course.  Strollers are welcome.

The course follows trails alongside beautiful Foot Lake and around scenic Robbin's Island on one of Willmar's famous walking and running paths.  The course then passes over the foot bridge and winds back to the hospital.  Water stops are provided at one, two, and three-mile marks. Splits are at one, two, and three mile-marks. 

Remember Saturday, June 28 at 8:00 a.m. - the Foot Lake 4 Walk/Run. 
We hope to see you there!