Registration is open for the 2024 Trot O’ Gold 5K for CAER in Elk River. CAER invites runners and walkers of all abilities to join in this fun run/walk on Saturday, March 16, that supports CAER Food Shelf on its mission to provide support and relieve hunger.
CAER’s 5K began in 2011 and ran for seven years in partnership with McCoy’s Irish Pub in downtown Elk River. Between poor weather conditions and the pandemic, the event has seen some changes.
This year, CAER is bringing back the community favorite, a St. Patrick’s Day themed run, aptly named the Trot O’ Gold 5K.
“I am excited to get back to the St. Patrick’s Day theme,” CAER Executive Director Heather Kliewer said. “The Fool’s Run was a fun alternative for the past couple of years, but this year the dates just didn’t line up to continue that. The committee that started the event has been waiting for the right time to have green race shirts, and this year seemed the perfect time to roll them out.”
Participants are encouraged to embrace the theme by donning their favorite Irish attire, whether it’s a leprechaun hat, shamrock socks, or their new Trot O’ Gold event T-shirt.
The event will start and end at CAER Food Shelf, 12621 Elk Lake Road in Elk River, following the Great Northern Trail.
“We are so grateful for the city of Elk River for helping make this 5K possible, and that the Great Northern Trail is so easily accessible to the CAER building. By gathering here for the event, the participants can see some of the work we do and what they are supporting,” Kliewer said.
CAER Food Shelf has seen a significant rise in the number of individuals and families utilizing the food shelf. In 2023 there was a 28% increase in the number of visits compared to 2022, which reflects the growing need for support. With the surge in food shelf visits and an influx of new families seeking assistance, the need for community support has never been more critical, or more impactful, according to CAER. Also, fundraising efforts in March go even further. March is Minnesota Food Share month, where all food and financial donations are proportionally matched by the Greater Minnesota Council of Churches.
Everyone – racers, family, friends – is invited to meet at Aegir Brewing Company in Elk River immediately following the run. Registered race participants will receive a complimentary beverage, and there will be games and prize drawings.
Check-in for the fun run/walk begins at 9 a.m. Race begins at 10 a.m.
The cost for the Trot O’ Gold 5K is $40 per person through Feb. 23. To guarantee an event T-shirt, register by Feb. 23 by visiting caerfoodshelf.org/events.
Participants can register on site the day of the event but are not guaranteed an event T-shirt.
There are sponsorship opportunities available for businesses and community members. To learn more, contact CAER at info@caerfoodshelf.org or call 763-441-1020.
Funds raised by the Trot O’ Gold 5K are used to support programs at CAER Food Shelf to help people experiencing food insecurity. CAER is hoping to raise $14,000 through the 5K.
Founded in 1979, CAER Food Shelf is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides emergency food assistance to Elk River, Otsego, and Zimmerman families and individuals in need.
Additional statistics:
• In 2023 CAER distributed 1,065,210 pounds of food, highest on record.
• CAER had 9,070 visits to the food shelf in 2023.
• In 2024, CAER served 719 families in January, which is a big increase from 2023 when 541 families visited the food shelf in January.
Most Popular
Comments / 0