Scott Olson Memorial 5K set to honor beloved community member

LaPRAIRIE— The warm memory of Scott Olson will be shared this upcoming weekend at the sixth annual Scott Olson Memorial 5K as family, friends, and runners alike will take to the streets of LaPrairie in his honor for a 3.1 mile run on Saturday, July 27.

Olson, a beloved community member, was diagnosed with Blastomycosis in August of 2019 and passed away that October, leaving behind his wife Audra, daughter Cassidy, and son Ryan.

Just prior to his diagnosis, he was training for a half marathon with his daughter, and had participated in a number of 5K races prior to his diagnosis. He also finished the Running the Rapids half-marathon and was motivated to keep going.

Olson’s sister, Josephine Czerny was asked, “Why do you think he loved running?”

“I don’t know,” she said. “That’s what amazed me about him. He wouldn’t accept that he couldn't do it. He would just try.”

It was the spirit of a man who did not let obstacles or adversity slow him down. He was an active volunteer, and worked with people who have disabilities as a supervisor at MDI. He also supported and advocated by participating in the Special Olympics.

According to the race website, Olson was involved with the LaPrairie City Council and was a

“I miss my brother,” says Czerney, recalling Olson as someone who was always there to help when the people around him needed it.

The Scott Olson Memorial 5K was originally organized by friends of Olson to help pay some of the medical bills following his diagnosis.

With the spirit of Olson in mind, the race continued following his passing. All proceeds from the race are donated to the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, and are distributed as scholarships in his name.

As of Jan. 2024, four $1,000 scholarships have been awarded and Czerney says they intend to do two $1,000 scholarships per year.

The race begins at Ryan Park at 8 a.m., and registration for the race can be completed at https://scott-olson-memorial-run.square.site/ or on-site on race day. A pancake breakfast will be provided by the City of LaPrairie to registered participants.